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DiJones’ newest recruit is well versed in what makes for an enviable lifestyle location.
As a former presenter of Channel 9’s long-running Getaway program, Lachlan Daddo knows how to articulate an area’s strengths.
And the northern beaches local doesn’t find that hard to do in his new role as a sales agent with DiJones, considering he’s talking about the area he’s chosen to call home for 30 years.
“I have based my entire life around lifestyle,” Mr Daddo said. “You can’t beat what Palm Beach, Avalon, and my home, Newport, offer.”
“Newport village is going through a transformation with a new calibre of restaurants, cafes and new developments, while still holding onto its village vibe. Avalon village and Palm Beach are like being on holiday every day with their relaxed feel. It makes it hard to put on a suit,” the agent expounded.
Having worked in the industry for the past 12 years, both in sales and as an auctioneer, the erstwhile TV personality feels that his background in entertainment stands him in good stead.
“I love talking to people and being a part of their property journey,” he said.
Lately, that’s helped him pinpoint the reason his local area has seen an outsized surge in popularity, with prices rising 45.2 per cent in 2021, taking the median house price to $5.7 million.
“COVID has taught us a hell of a lot about the opportunity that comes to you when you don’t have to be in the city working. People have turned their focus to family and lifestyle, they want a great space to live and work in. They have also had time to reflect on what they need and what is really important to them and they want to create memories in the perfect environment,” he said.
For some buyers, that’s meant upgrading to a house farther out of the city, while for others, they’ve capitalised on the opportunity to grab a weekend retreat for quality family time, while subsidising the cost through leasing it as a short-term rental.
“Buyers are taking advantage of lifestyle opportunities by living in their properties part time and renting them out when they aren’t using them. It’s all about maximising return on investment in the short and mid-term rental market while getting the enjoyment of a property when they want it,” Mr Daddo explained.
In whatever capacity they’ve decided to join the neighbourhood, Mr Daddo is happy to collect buyers’ stories, both as professional research and out of personal interest.
“On the northern beaches people seem to have travelled a lot and enjoy sharing their stories. I love playing a part in the next chapter of their lives, it makes me happy and gives me a real kick,” he said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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