Demika and Johnathon Cucca built their Ripley house in 2021, thinking it would become their dream family home.
But when work meant they had to move down to the Gold Coast, they needed to sell their place – and found despite oversupply concerns within the suburb, selling the home was much easier than buying a new one.
“We did sell our house within 48 hours,” Ms Cucca said. “[But] the market is crazy. I found that because we are heading towards the coast, I guess the minute you find a house, it’s already gone.”
Demika and Johnathon Cucca have spent years in the Ripley home they had built, with their daughter Eliana and son Giorgio. Picture: Liam Kidston
With their old home sold before they knew it, the family raced to find a new place further south, worrying about being homeless while they searched.
While she built her latest home several years ago, Ms Cucca had been living in Ripley for all of her 20s after moving from Springfield Lakes.
“I felt like I was living somewhere else, even though I was so close to where I grew up,” she said. “It’s only 10 minutes down the highway, but, [there’s] beautiful scenery, there’s so much greenery.”
The Cuccas built their home on a new piece of land in Ripley’s Hayfield Estate, and designed it to cater to what they needed as a family. Now with the move, Ms Cucca said she felt less confident when seeking her new place.
“When we were building … we got to make the house how we wanted it,” she said. “[You’re] then trying to find a house that you’re not building that meets all your needs, again.”
It took the family close to a month to find a home near the Gold Coast, but selling their Ripley home took days: with the house listed and then quickly sold at the end of August.
“Thursday night, it went up. Saturday, the lady put an offer on it, and by Sunday, the contract was signed,” Ms Cucca said.
Selling their home in Ripley was a lot easier than finding a new place closer to the Gold Coast. Picture: Liam Kidston
Ripley was named as one of the 30 Queensland areas that represent up to 8 per cent of the state’s housing stock – giving buyers more chances to be first homeowners, but risking oversupply where debts become greater than the home’s value.
Charles Kimmorley of The Kimmorley Group at NGU Real Estate Ripley, who helped sell the property, said Ripley was very capable of meeting a growing demand due to its amenities and future developments.
“While some worry about oversupply, Ripley’s long-term potential and continued growth in infrastructure make it an appealing and smart investment (for both homeowners and investors), with demand expected to keep pace as the area develops,” he said.
“I’d definitely recommend for buyers to look into future developments, consider the family-friendly community, and think long-term as the area grows.”
After years spent in Ripley, the family are nervous but excited for their upcoming move. Picture: Liam Kidston
Ms Cucca noticed that high level of demand when they put the property up for sale. “We thought about using it as an investment house,” she said. “[But] everyone wanting to buy in the area is what kind of also led us to selling right now, because there is a quite a need for it.”
After a stressful search, the Cuccas found their next home, and said they’re excited for their family to grow someplace new.
“If all is well, we definitely feel like we can make this house a home too,” she said.
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