THERE'S no cause for alarm when it comes to the property market in Bathurst, despite what some national headlines have people thinking.
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Real estate agents in Bathurst have spoken out after hearing from clients, who were concerned after seeing stories of the potential impact of COVID-19 on the housing market.
Raine and Horne Bathurst director Grant Maskill-Dowton said the big banks are predicting "the real estate market is going to crash", but there is no evidence that Bathurst will see that.
"There is no panic out here when it comes to real estate. In actual fact, last April versus this April, we've done the same, if not better, transactions for the year," he said.
"That in itself represents that the market is still very, very strong out here."
On top of that, Mr Maskill-Dowton has seen increased inquiry from metropolitan-based buyers.
Bathurst Regional councillors have recently said they think there could be a spike in the city's population once the health crisis is over, with metropolitan people seeking the safety of regional areas.
Mr Maskill-Dowton agrees, especially as a lot of people have seen that many, if not all, aspects of their job can be done remotely.
"After this is done and dusted or as it's coming to an end, I really do see that we will see a bit of a population spike and population growth," he said.
"The metro-based people will come out here and they're going to want to buy, and they get a totally different lifestyle for their money than what they get in the city.
"All of those factors I think are strengthening our marketplace."
One Agency Bestwick Real Estate owner Mitchell Bestwick has also been frustrated by the negative stories in the national media that are scaring people in Bathurst.
In a video posted to Facebook on Thursday. he said house prices haven't dropped and there is still plenty of buyer inquiry.
"I want to reassure the Bathurst community that the market is still good, there is plenty going on, there are listings coming on," he said.
"We've got listings that have been on for a while that are now getting a lot of inquiry and inspections. and we're talking like eight months on from when they've hit the market.
"Definitely if you are looking at selling, don't hold off, now is the time to certainly contact us so we can talk you through the importance ... with the situation going on, about getting the best marketing and the best first impression in the market."