My Neighbourhood with Andrew Ingham

Teleisha Thomas

April 2023

This month we open a brand-new location in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula and our first in the Greater Geelong area. We sat down with Jellis Craig Barwon Heads Director Andrew Ingham, to talk about living and working on the coast and how his local area has changed through the years to become a vibrant hub for not only holidaymakers, but permanent residents and young families.

Andy Ingham Neighbourhood Portrait Webres — ***Barwon Heads is the first Jellis Craig office to open in the Bellarine and Greater Geelong area. Tell us about your ambition for starting this new business and your plans for the future.***
Starting a business with Jellis Craig on the Bellarine has gone from a conversation to a reality in what seems a short time frame. It is extremely exciting to do what we love in a beautiful part of Victoria with Jellis Craig. We are an experienced, close knit team and have plans to grow in time with the right people to bring the exceptional Jellis Craig experience to the Bellarine and Greater Geelong.
**You entered the real estate industry 13 years ago. What do you love most about living and working in the area?**
The lifestyle, location and most importantly the people I connect with are just some of the reasons. Living and working in small communities allows me to make meaningful connections through daily interactions, whether that is grabbing a coffee at our local cafe, on the dog beach (or park), or through the regular transactions with ancillary property services, relationships are developed over time and become an important part of my own identity, a sense of belonging, and my connection to place.

Together with your wife (and business partner) Sarah, you raised your son in the area. What made it a great location to start a family?

It’s a fantastic place to raise a family. The coastal village towns make for a great place to connect with friends, get involved with sporting clubs, and take advantage of all the great activities the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. We know personally that our son experienced a sense of freedom and connection. Our son was lucky to walk to the beach, school, football oval and main street to enjoy with his friends, and build long-term connections across the region. There is so much to do and explore…it can be hard deciding on the weekends what or which direction to take, by car or foot. It is truly a wonderful place for families of all ages to live, we certainly have not looked back since we made the move over 13 years ago.

DSC 5722 — **How has the coastal real estate market changed over recent years?**
How I wish we bought a home when we first decided to relocate here instead of renting to ‘see how we go’. The market moved very quickly not long after we moved in 2009 from regional Victoria. Our son started primary school when there were approx. 300 students at Barwon Heads Primary School, now that number has nearly doubled showing that the demographic has changed a lot. Other parents/families shared similar reasons for moving to the area, for the relaxed small community lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, while still having easy access to Geelong and Melbourne. The coastal market has certainly changed in recent years. The relaxed and community-led lifestyle has seen the population grow with more and more families making the move to the Bellarine. The access to quality schools, the beach and the outdoors lifestyle means there is a lot to offer families looking for a change of pace.

What are some of the most important considerations that buyers should keep in mind when looking for a property in a coastal town?

There are unique towns and locations within the Bellarine, so consider your lifestyle needs. There are retro beach shacks, architecturally designed masterpieces, or modern apartment living, so there is something for everyone. Locations vary from beach, to the river, to townships. Research is important, so I suggest you come and stay a while to explore and get a feel of the different areas! There are fantastic schools (both primary and secondary) and Deakin University is on our doorstep. The peak holiday season happens, and our visitors are so important to the viability of the region. So, we tend to go into ‘holiday’ mode during these periods and enjoy the weather and buzz of activity. Make sure you are happy to receive visitors from family and friends during ‘their’ holidays (and if you are away yourself, don’t be surprised if they ask you to leave a key behind!)

Staycations become the norm and you find it hard to leave. You won’t look back once you have made the move.

CORP Barwon Heads Localities 266 — ***If you had a friend visiting from interstate, where would you take them...***

For coffee – Starfish Bakery
For lunch – At The Heads
For an activity – A walk up to the Bluff
For dinner – The Dunes
For a drink – The Beach House

Do you remember the first home you sold in the area? Tell us about that.

It was a classic fibro beach shack that I auctioned. It was bought by a great young couple who still enjoy it today as their holiday home.

Do you have a favourite sold property? What made that so memorable?

58-60 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove. The home itself is iconic. It’s on the beach with sweeping views from Barwon Heads to Point Lonsdale and it holds the record price for Ocean Grove. What was just as special is the longstanding relationship made with both the vendor and buyer.