Balgownie Townhouse – Ideal First Home – Sold

Balgownie Townhouse

Many features including polyurethane kitchen, spacious open plan living with separate dining area.

This sought after townhouse also features a large private courtyard out door area it has a lock up garage with internal access. All this in a great position easy walking distance to the popular Balgownie shops.

Balgownie Real Estate

This property could be ideal as a first home or as a sensible investment as it is currently rented to a long term tenant.

Balgownie Property

Outdoor entertainment area, Terrace/paved, Fenced, Courtyard, Low maintenance.

Penning Real Estate

Welcome to our Balgownie website. Here you will find free information about the Suburb and its Real Estate scene.

With the average price for a home in the suburb hovering between $450,000 to $550,000 at the start of 2011 its clearly a topic be well informed about if you are thinking of buying or selling in the area.

The thing with real estate in Australia and the property market in general is there is just so much money involved, probably more than most of us spend on any other purchase so before taking the plunge the more information you obtain the better.

There is plenty of opportunities to do financially well with Balgownie real estate but like anything, it is just a matter of making informed decisions.

We will be adding a lot of features to our website over the coming months so bookmark us and drop in regularly any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Statistics on Property in Balgownie

In 2001, 74.4% of the homes in Balgownie were owner-occupied compared with 76.8% in 2006.

Currently the median sales price of houses in the area is 590,000.

Capital growth over the last 10 years

Balgownie Capital Growth of Real Estate

The size of Balgownie is approximately 4 square kilometres. It has 10 parks covering nearly 7% of total area.

The population of Balgownie in 2001 was 6,046 people. By 2006 the population was 6,048 showing a stable population in the area during that time.

The predominant age group in Balgownie is 40-49 years.

As we can see from the graph, median sales from 2009 dramatically increased for the month of October and maintained an average price of 405,000 to 500,000 the rest of the year. In 2010, the average median sale price for the year is 496937.5.

Below is a graph on the number of house sales in the Balgownie suburb over the last 10 years.

Households in Balgownie are primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying between $1200 – $1400 per month on mortgage repayments.

In the last twelve months, most houses were sold at the prices between 401,000 to 600,000 AUD.

If you are looking to buy or sell in the Balgownie area we can help you. Simply fill in the contact form on right hand side of page and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Tips for buying in Balgownie area

Tips for Buying Balgownie Real Estate

Buying real estate and owning your own home is part of the “Great Australian Dream”, and this is true for residents wanting to buy in Balgownie.

Becoming a property owner is a major emotional and financial step on many levels.

Buying your own home can be a very positive and defining moment in your life.

Whether you are a first time home buyer, or a veteran of several purchases, and you are now buying real estate for investment purposes, the excitement of making a successful bid or offer on a piece of real estate is still very real.

Step 1 Buying real estate. Searching for Balgownie property.

There are a number of other ways to search for potential properties:

1. Drive the neighborhoods and areas you like looking for “for sale signs”

Even though this is time consuming it is a great way to get to know the area, it is the best way to figure out where are the busy roads, how close are the shops, where are the schools and to get a genuine feel for an area you need to be there.

Jump out of your car and walk around the neighborhood if you are thinking of spending close to $500,000 you want to know the area inside out.

2. The internet agents web sites and property advertising portals ;

The quickest and easiest way to stay up to date with new properties on the market, convenient and fast and informative.

The best real estate agents offer a buyer alert email system you can sign up to ours on the right hand side of this page.

3. Real estate agent offices window displays and in house magazines ;

Go to the local agents, meet with them and tell them about what you are looking for the best agents will take your details and then keep you informed with any new listings.

4. Real estate newspaper and magazines advertisements;

The old dog of real estate promotion, was the main form of promotion in years gone past but is now being overtaken by online promotions.

Many buyers who are just looking will rely on newspaper advertising to keep up to date with new properties but serious buyers are checking their email in box every day and driving around Balgownie neighborhoods on the weekend

General advice on buying real estate in Balgownie

Ultimately the best way to get a feel for the market when looking at real estate is to meet local real estate agents.

Also spread the word amongst your friends, there is a good chance a friend may see something you may have missed which may be the very thing you’re looking for.

Arranging inspections, inspections should be made at the advertised times or by appointment with the real estate agent.

You need to look at the location and style of the property in relation to your requirements: the size of the property, proximity to the lifestyle features you are after should be considered.

Once you have found a property that suits you, it is wise to check it out during the week as well as on the weekend, as a peaceful environment one day might be quite different at other times.

You should have a property checked out by a builder inspector or architect to assess whether there are any defects that might affect your decision to buy. This is particularly relevant if large-scale renovation or extensions are planned.

Ready to make an offer, missing out on a property that you have your heart set on can be a very disappointing experience, but understand it is not uncommon particularly if it is your first home purchase.

This often happens because the offer process is misunderstood. When making an offer to purchase a property, it is important to be aware of the following :

Start with end result in mind. Ask yourself “what do I want” and if appropriate “analyze the needs of the seller.

Put in a good offer for your first offer. A lot of buyers want to play the negotiating game and that is okay, but don’t let your offer be too low as you can almost offend the property owners and the chances of them returning to the negotiating table with you are lessened if your first offer is too low.

The property remains on the market while the vendor considers all offers. Just because your offer is the first one submitted, does not necessarily mean that it will be accepted.

An offer is not legally binding on both parties until the buyer and seller have signed a contract, and the contracts have been exchanged.

A Contract must contain details of the property, the price, deposit and settlement terms. Once the offer is made in writing, it is then up to the vendor whether or not to accept it or whether to give other parties the opportunity to increase their original offers.

The agent is not obliged to give you another opportunity to increase your offer. The vendor is under no obligation until they accept the buyer’s offer by counter-signing the contract.

We wish you well with your buying real estate experience if you have any comments you can contact us.

Presentation tips for Balgownie real estate owners

Presentation is king.

So lets start with first impressions and that means how does your property look from the street.

Give it a test go for a walk around the block and then come back to your place and say how do we compare presentation wise with our neighbours.

You need any potential buyers to be sufficiently impressed from the street to stop the car and get out and take a closer look; remember many buyers will be busily checking out several different properties in one day.

You have to impress them enough from the street and then they will get out and seriously consider your property and hopefully arrange an inspection.

Any real estate agent knows that if they do not get any inspections they have almost no chance of selling that property.

Consider your Balgownie real estate as trying to romance a buyer or trying to find someone to love it.

So just as if when you or I am trying to romance a potential new partner you make your self look your best so any real estate you want to sell has to look its best.

Rightly or wrongly first impressions count.

So if you want to impress potential real estate buyers prepare your property so it looks fantastic.

You are presenting your house to find someone to love it so spruce it up.

The good news here is you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the sort of results I am talking about, keeping the lawns mowed and edges done is basic stuff but while you are on the market they are essential.

Tiding up all garden areas particularly in the front yard and maybe a lick of paint around the front entrance and doorway are all inexpensive.

A new welcome mat for the front door at approximately $20- $25 is a great investment.

Inside your house remove clutter particularly from hallways and access ways, try and view your property as if you were a potential buyer and remove the sort of things that would hinder you from moving freely about the place. It’s the little things that count here but excellent presentation really can make a huge difference in how your property is accepted by the buyers.

As an agent, myself and my colleagues will be happy to give you some advice here, we know the properties that will sell fast and for substantially higher prices; ultimately it is the ones that are presented correctly.

Again the good news is you don’t have to call in some lifestyle tv show and spend tens of thousands of dollars.

I guarantee the average Australian home’s sale price could be improved by 5-10% by just simple tips of removing clutter, freshening up with a coat of paint where needed and basic stuff like letting in plenty of natural light and fresh air.

Open the curtains blinds and blinds and let in as much light as you can, buyers love natural light windows.

If it’s a cold day put the heater on and make the place feel homely.

Your goal is to present a home that has been and is still being loved. Not another cold heartless property that nobody wants, and that’s why its up for sale.

Use emotion to make your property feel like a home, nobody wants a house but everybody wants a home.

As a special offer, Balgownie property owners can receive a free copy of “How To Sell Your Home For More”.

This Bestselling guide is essential reading for property sellers and retails in bookshops for $24.95. However, we have secured a limited number of free copies read more here

As a special offer, Balgownie property owners or property owners from anywhere in the Wollongong region can receive a free copy of  “How To Sell Your Home For More.”

This Bestselling guide is essential reading for property sellers and retails in bookshops for $24.95.

However, we have secured a limited number of free copies

This book is full of money making tips that could save you thousands of dollars when selling, make sure you get the highest price, read what others have said :

Media reports : “A ‘How To’ Gem” ………The Age “….a must read for intending property vendors” …………..The Australian Financial Review “….offers readers very simple strategies for buying and selling property that can save significant amounts of money…. invaluable in today’s erratic real estate market.” …………………….Wealth Creator Magazine Consumer Comments : “We saved $100,000 by learning real estate’s trade secrets. How To Sell Your Home For More is a guaranteed shortcut to success. Well done and many thanks.” Paul and Jo Hickman “We have just sold a property for 1.6 million dollars. The advice and suggested guidelines in How To Sell Your Home For More worked perfectly for us. I’m sure no other selling method would have achieved such a great result.” Ken Morris “How To Sell Your Home For More is every property seller’s dream come true. A tip to every page. A simple, practical and easy to read manual that every property seller will benefit from. The feedback from my clients has been fantastic.” Murray McLean. Financial Planner “I followed the steps set out in How To Sell Your Home For More and it seemed to have all the answers. I’m sure my result that was at least ten percent higher than I would have otherwise achieved. The book covered everything from presentation of my home to agent selection. My property sold in less than a month for a great price.” Jodie Blight “Getting the best price for my property was extremely important to me. I only had one chance to get it right. The How To Sell real estate book broke everything down into simple steps. I just followed the steps to a great result.” Fraser Martin “Thanks for getting me a copy of your amazing book (How To Sell Your Home For More) I can see how it has truly added dollars to my sale price. The presentation suggestions are so effective. I’ve read dozens of how to property books but yours is by far the best. Thanks for everything!” Pamela Darling “WOW! I had to see it for myself to believe it! How To Sell Your Home For More has changed the way I look at selling (and buying) real estate. In tough market conditions, the process, as explained in the book, worked brilliantly. Thanks for the best real estate experience I have ever had.” Mark Borthwick Apply for your copy now, fill in form below

Life in Balgownie is good

The birds love it, so do the residents, life in Balgownie is good.

One of the most popular suburbs in Wollongong, it is with good reason that real estate prices have held their own in the suburb of Balgownie.

A peaceful suburb with quality homes most with coastal views and the glorious escarpment backdrop, its no wonder many residents don’t want to leave.

Balgownie has all the conveniences of  the City of Wollongong within an easy 10 minute drive but the suburb shopping center has a distinct village feel that could make you feel part of a country community.

The beaches and coast that the Illawarra are famous for are just 10 minutes away but the beauty of Balgownie is being nestled on the escarpment, you really feel it is the best of both worlds.

The community village shopping center is another part of the appeal of the Balgownie area.

Balgownie Village Community Hall

The shopping center reflects Balgownie’s past with an attractive shopping area, read more about Balgownie history here.

More recently there has been an increase in medium density development around the Balgownie shopping area, this includes villas, townhouses and unit developments.

This type of property development is ideal for older residents or retirees who may not want to leave the Balgownie area, but are in a position where they also realize they need to downsize from their existing property.

We are all getting older and chasing a mower around a sloping block may cause some people to think i can’t stay in the area.

The good news is you probably can stay in the area just change properties if you would like to know more about villas, townhouses and other alternative property styles that are easier to maintain please fill in the buyer alert contact box on the right hand side of this page.

Historic Balgownie village

Balgownie – History

A grant of 1920 acres, made to John Buckland on 11 July 1835, was named Balgownie in the Grant Records. In 1839 the property of John Buckland, called Balgownie Estate, was subdivided into 32 lots of 10 and 80 acres each. Four farms on the Balgownie Estate at Fairy Meadow were offered for sale in 1840, and two village lots were advertised in 1841. The village thus established became known as Fairy Meadow, while the name Balgownie was given to the coal centre nearby.

Two explanations are given for the source of the name Balgownie. The first is that was named after the Scottish town of Balgownie, the second is that it was named after the bridge over the River Don in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Cramsville

Parish of Woonona County of Camden

James Cram purchased 60 acres of land at Balgownie in the 1860′s. He subdivided part of his property into building lots and created a small subdivision which he called “Cramsville”. He also built a number of small cottages nearby for rental by miners. The locality retained the name of “Cramsville” until the Balgownie School was opened in 1889.

Land Grants

John Buckland

John Buckland was granted 1920 acres north of Campbell’s grant at Geard’s Hill. Governor Bourke granted this land in virtue of a promise of a grant made by Governor Darling dated 11 April 1829. This grant was called “Balgownie”.

The name Balgownie was used from this time although prior to the discovery of coal in the area in 1861 early settlers used place names shown on old maps and documents such as “Cramsville”, Ousley-vale and Ryanvale.

In 1839 the property was subdivided into 32 lots of 10 and 80 acres each. Four farms were offered for sale in 1840, and the village lots were advertised in 1841. The village that was established became known as Fairy Meadow and the coal centre nearby was given the name Balgownie. (Lindsay, 1994; Ryan, 1984; Northern Leader, 2002)

Early Balgownie Residents

Some prominent pioneers of the Balgownie Estate were: Wright, Farrell, Cram, Ryan, Brennan, McLauchlan, McNale, Caldwell, McKenbie, McMahan, Hutchinson, Dornett, Carr, Stewart, Barker, Payne, Crossman, Dingwall, Walker, Cooke, Lang and Madden.

James Cram

In 1850 James Cram arrived from Newcastle-on-Tyne to find employment in the Mount Keira coal mine. He acquired thirty six acres in the heart of Balgownie. In 1866 he became the under manager of the Mount Pleasant coal mine. He played a major role in developing this mine into the biggest coal mine in New South Wales at the time. James later disposed of some small building sites; these were the first to be sold in the northern district. He also built small cottages and rented them to local miners. This small settlement became known as “Cramsville”.

James Cram was prominent in the local council, he established the first grocery business in the estate and he was also a government inspector. In 1888 the railway station at Fairy Meadow was named Cramsville platform. James was married twice, firstly in 1853 to Sarah Hedley and secondly in 1866 to Alice Frost. He had 17 children and many of his descendents were Illawarra pioneers.

James resided at “Cramsville” Balgownie from 1866 until 1919 and died on the 14th February 1919. (Illawarra Mercury, 1979 p. 19; Illawarra Pioneers pre- 1900)

Patrick Lahiff

Patrick Lahiff was the manager of the Mount Pleasant Colliery. He was born in the County of Limerick in Ireland in 1824 and arrived in New South Wales in 1829. He was a stonemason by trade and won the contract to build St Michael’s Church of England and its parsonage in Wollongong.

The greatest contract that Patrick was awarded was for the construction of Belmore Basin which was opened in 1868. Patrick Lahiff was so well known that residents entitled the project ‘Lahiff’s Dam’ before its official naming as Belmore Basin. In 1861 Patrick Lahiff opened the Mount Pleasant Colliery with land he acquired in 1861 in partnership with a Mr Fawcett. For 27 years he managed the colliery and he is also believed to have manufactured fire bricks in the Mount Pleasant area as well as experimenting with a blast furnace using ores from Mount Pleasant.

He was mayor of Wollongong in 1873 and 1883 and mayor of the North Illawarra Council in 1886, 1887 and 1894.

Patrick was married twice and had children from both marriages. He died in 1897 and is buried in the Corrimal Catholic Cemetery. (Illawarra Mercury, 2001 p.15; Wollongong Advertiser, 1992)

Madden Family

John Madden was eleven years old when he arrived in Australia. He married Johanna Gallagher in 1863 and they had eight children.

John Madden resided in the Illawarra district for over 63 years. He had a notable career as a diver and was involved in important salvage works in the Illawarra. On retiring from diving John became a farmer at Balgownie where he resided up until the time of his death. In 1883 John and Johanna purchased the homestead ‘Balgownie’. The homestead was originally the quarters of the officers in charge of the convicts. The stone pavements that formed the floor of the wide verandahs on three sides of the homestead were brought from Parramatta in Bullock drays by convicts over Rixon’s Pass near Bulli.

John Madden died in 1913 and Johanna passed away in 1927. They were one of the pioneering families of Balgownie. (Illawarra Mercury, 1927; Illawarra Mercury, 1913)

Early Industry

Orchards and Farming

The early settlers in Balgownie had orchards and farms. In 1853 John Ryan purchased land in the Balgownie Village Estate he established an orange orchard and sold oranges locally and also to Sydney. In 1889 Ryan’s farm of 70 acres was divided into 121 allotments varying in size from half an acre to six acres. It was advertised in the Wollongong Argus as having “splendid soil for gardens and orchards, you can keep your families in all vegetables.” (Wollongong Argus, 12th January 1889)

The Murray family had a farm at the bottom of Church Street. The farm was then known as Walkers and was bounded on the north by Cabbage Tree Creek, east by Caldwell’s Lane (now Napier Street) and south and west by houses in Hunter Street. Cabbage Tree Creek was important as the water was used by Duncan’s Farm, Murray’s Orchard and market garden and also by the Caldwell Brother’s farm. (Ryan, 1984; Kuemmel,  2001)

Coal Mining

The development of Balgownie resulted from the opening of the Mount Pleasant Coalmine in 1861. Until its closure during the depression years of the 1930′s the town and its residents were dependent on its operations.

The mine was situated on the slopes of Mount Keira approximately three and a half miles north west of Wollongong Harbour. The owners were the Mount Pleasant Coal Company and the mine was opened by Patrick Lahiff and Benjamin Fawcett in July 1861.

A good description of the mine was given by the Illawarra Mercury in 1876. “The entrance to the mine is at an elevation of 650 feet above sea level; the main drive runs in a general north-westerly direction for upwards of a mile, and for three-quarters of a mile from the outlet falls 140 feet. The seam averages fully seven feet in thickness of clean coal, with a lustrous appearance, free form bands or refuse, rolls and dykes occur in places, but no obstacles to working of any great extent have been encountered.” (Illawarra Mercury, 1876)

In the initial years of opening the colliery got out 250 tons of coal. In those initial years the company employed 55 miners and 35 labourers and boys.

In 1880 Patrick Lahiff erected a smelting furnace at the foot of the incline to treat iron ore. He also made a small quantity or pig iron. Patrick also built two experimental coke ovens at Wollongong Harbour but failed from inexperience. Mount Pleasant Coalmine was acquired by Vickery interests of Mount Keira and ceased to function separately in 1934. Until that time it had a significant influence on the development of Balgownie and its residents both directly and indirectly. (Francis, 1980; Illawarra Mercury, 1876)

Early Transport

Railways

When the Mount Pleasant mine commenced producing coal it was taken down the steep slopes of the foothills in sleds drawn by oxen. It was then transferred into carts and delivered to local customers. Sydney consumers also purchased coal which meant loading from Wollongong Harbour Wharf into small sailing vessels.

The Illawarra Coal Company took over the colliery and the construction of a tramway was most important to ensure the success of the company. It was decided to construct a line between the mine tunnel and the shipping wharf at Wollongong Harbour.

Patrick Lahiff took the project on board and it was due to his driving force and vision that the tramway commenced to take shape months before the authorising Act was ratified. The company opened their line to Wollongong Harbour in the same month that the Act was granted. The first coal transport ran over the line on the 9th December 1862. It had 21 coal wagons drawn by five horses in tandem.

In 1884 the Locomotive “Illawarra No. 1″ was run on the improved Mount Pleasant tramroad and its successful operation lead to the introduction of a second locomotive “Illawarra No. 2″. The route of the tramway descended the slopes of Mount Keira and traversed in an easterly direction the flat farming country lying between the foothills and Fairy Creek. The northern boundary of the farm known as ‘Walkers’ was the Kembla Extended coal mine tramway which ended at the Princes Highway. Balgownie residents frequently used the railway station that was first opened on the 3rd October 1888 as ‘Para Meadow’; the name was changed to ‘Balgownie’ in 1909 and then the name ‘Fairy Meadow’ was adopted in 1956.

Roads

Balgownie lacked road in the early days and those that existed were in very poor condition. The few roads that were opened were described by the Illawarra Mercury in 1888 as “crooked as a dogs hind leg and about as narrow as a miner’s liberality..” (Eardley, 1968; Fletcher, 1989)

Balgownie – Historic buildings

Balgownie Hotel

Address: Cnr. Balgownie Road and Kembla Street, Balgownie
The Balgownie Hotel was built in 1904 on the hill in Balgownie and served the miners from the Balgownie mine. It was built of local brick and rendered it originally had an iron lace verandah which was removed when the breweries modernised the hotels on the coast. The parapet has ten short columns as features and an electric light plant was installed in 1908. (Ali, 1981)
The village of Balgownie was transformed in 1904 by the building of the grand Balgownie Hotel. It was built in the Federation Filigree style typical of corner hotels in Australia at the time. “The lacy filigree wrought iron balustrade was a dominant feature which gave the building great visual appeal.” (Illawarra Mercury, 15/6/2000 p. 15)
As the Victorian era progressed two storey verandahs became common and the Balgownie Hotel is an excellent example of this type. The hotel has had its verandah reintroduced and it is a reminder of the Balgownie Hotel’s original grand architecture.

Old Balgownie Butcher Shop

Address: Balgownie Road, Balgownie
This is a federation style shop which forms part of the last streetscape of the village of Balgownie. The building was once a Butcher’s shop. After the opening of the public school in 1889 the village of Balgownie developed rapidly.
The great prosperity of the 1880′s showed itself in exuberant building style as demonstrated by this shop front. It has a simple skillion roof and an elaborate façade of brick and mouldings. (Ali, 1981)

Balgownie – Environment

Balgownie is primarily a residential suburb of Wollongong. The natural environment is dominated by the location of Cabbage Tree Creek which runs through the centre of the suburb.

The Cabbage Tree Creek catchment is situated just north of the central business district and contains the suburbs of Fairy Meadow and Balgownie. Balgownie is predominantly urbanised and only the steeper escarpment land is not developed. The Cabbage Tree Creek catchment is small with an area of 10.4 kilometres and a total stream length of 5.5 kilometres. (Peterson, 2002)

The native vegetation of Balgownie was wet-sclerophyll forest with warm temperate rainforests and patches of subtropical rainforests within the gullies. “Most of the foothills have been cleared with only some remnant bushland and riparian stands remaining in the lower parts. Apart from selected reserves, the coastal plain is nearly all cleared of remnant vegetation, with invasive exotic plants constituting the majority of riparian vegetation.” (Peterson, 2002)

There is still a large diversity of native species in the Cooinda Reserve. There are 16 specimens of Hibiscus splendens and a remnant riverine rainforest. The area was grazed by domestic stock for years which was halted in 1994 due to public pressure.

This has lead to the unusual case of large tree specimens of Sydney Blue Gum hybrid Eucalyptus saligna x botryoides, Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon, Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdiandi, Native Pepper, Piper novaehollandiae and Cockspur Thorn Maclura cochinchinensis but few if any young plants.

A thicket of lantana is preventing the resurgence of other species and this thicket which is punctuated by large trees dominates the landscape.

May species pf birds have been observed in the reserve including Kookaburra, Native Pigeon, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Mountain Lowry, Cat Bird, Eastern Whip Bird, Rufus Fantail, Magpie and Black Duck. Mammals include Echidna, Wallaby and Bandicoot. In the creek there are insects, Blue Yabbies, frogs and the fish Galaxia. (Crowe, 1995)

Thanks to Wollongong Library for this information

Customer Testimonials  – to be uploaded
 

Balgownie Hotel

The Balgownie area is well known for its sense of community, the Balgownie Hotel pictured above is a great spot to meet friends for a drink and a meal.

Next door and across the road there are a couple of great restaurants. If you are wanting to get a feel for the Balgownie area this is a great way to spend an evening walking to a Balgownie restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal.

The village shopping area does act as a central meeting point for the Balgownie community so if you want to know more, go chat with a few store owners in the Balgownie area.

balgownie school

Balgownie Public School has a strong tradition of academic excellence and connection with its local community. Established in 1889, our school continues to offer its students a quality public education within a dynamic learning environment.

Balgownie Public School

Here are some more useful links to clubs and business’s in the Balgownie area.

Balgownie Rangers Football Club

Balgownie Collegians

Balgownie Veterinarian Hospital