What's it REALLY like owning a place in Dinner Plain?

[Young Angus]

Would love to one day own a little chalet in Dinner Plain one day in the not too distant future but just wondering what it's REALLY like owning a place up there? Do you use it much? Are the rates etc. high or reasonable? Is the community there good and active all year round like the real estate agents would have you believe or is it a ghost town outside of winter months? Do you love that you bought up there or was it a fad and now you just want to sell it and save your money?

Most of all, is it a great ski base for family wanting to get away all year round, especially in winter, and to ski Hotham?

(would be awesome if you could also get to Falls easily enough from DP too because being freehold is great but it's a 2 hour drive!!!)

So come on, spill the tea, what's it really like owning a chalet at Dinner Plain?

 

[Majikthise]

@Boodwah I figure would be able to answer for you.

 

[Echo Base]

Q: What is a Lodge?
A: A house-shaped hole in the snow that you pour money into.

But really, as a Dinner Plain owner for 11 years now, it’s great.
We use it every second long weekend or so in the green season (and even more in the past) and on average two weekends and a week in the ski season (always enough to warrant a season pass)

Alpine Shire’s Dinner Plain rates are expensive compared to other areas, but not as bad as they used to be. The permanent community are great, but it is quiet in summer, which I love. (if you wanted somewhere busy in summer, you’d go to the beach!) We don’t regret buying up there at all, and when we did changeover houses a few years ago, to free up some capital, we were greatly relieved when our short period of not having a place was over.

We are hands-on property owners, doing most renovations and maintenance ourselves, as well as managing guest bookings, which reduces our overheads a good deal.

We love going there in all seasons, always great to have the fireplace going, hang out around the house, looking out at the trees, do a bushwalk, visit a café/bar/brewery/restaurant or a friend’s place.
In winter, the only ski-in ski-out is Nordic (which I take advantage of) but being able to drive straight up to your door (usually without chains in a 4WD) nearly makes up for it. The drive is just 15 minutes to Hotham, and so picturesque, it’s one of my favourite parts of any trip.

Bright would be the go of you want a choice of mountains, but of course, Falls is just a 10 minute helicopter flight away from Hotham I’ve done this once, and it was amazing (but very dependent on the state of the weather and your wallet)

 

[Young Angus]

Q: What is a Lodge?
A: A house-shaped hole in the snow that you pour money into.

But really, as a Dinner Plain owner for 11 years now, it’s great.
We use it every second long weekend or so in the green season (and even more in the past) and on average two weekends and a week in the ski season (always enough to warrant a season pass)

Alpine Shire’s Dinner Plain rates are expensive compared to other areas, but not as bad as they used to be. The permanent community are great, but it is quiet in summer, which I love. (if you wanted somewhere busy in summer, you’d go to the beach!) We don’t regret buying up there at all, and when we did changeover houses a few years ago, to free up some capital, we were greatly relieved when our short period of not having a place was over.

We are hands-on property owners, doing most renovations and maintenance ourselves, as well as managing guest bookings, which reduces our overheads a good deal.

We love going there in all seasons, always great to have the fireplace going, hang out around the house, looking out at the trees, do a bushwalk, visit a café/bar/brewery/restaurant or a friend’s place.
In winter, the only ski-in ski-out is Nordic (which I take advantage of) but being able to drive straight up to your door (usually without chains in a 4WD) nearly makes up for it. The drive is just 15 minutes to Hotham, and so picturesque, it’s one of my favourite parts of any trip.

Bright would be the go of you want a choice of mountains, but of course, Falls is just a 10 minute helicopter flight away from Hotham I’ve done this once, and it was amazing (but very dependent on the state of the weather and your wallet)

This sounds fantastic, and exactly the approach we would be looking for...and we already live at the beach so we have "busy summer" well and truly covered, was more wondering if there was ANY green season presence and shops open at all, but it sounds like there are. Definitely wouldn't want busy, I would love it if I were the only person on the mountain when ever I was there (as I'm sure lots of us would) but if there are some people and some places to get food and socialize during non-winter seasons then that's great...and if there's a bit of that without it being busy (like Bright gets) then that sounds perfect!

 

[hongomania]

Awesome

Summer - quiet, but enough permanent residents and visitors. Just the right balance imo. Not much in the way of dining options but there is a couple of places. Use it all the time in summer, a great retreat and also base for summer mountain activities

Winter - busy and vibes, see you at high plains

Rates / outgoings very reasonable

Whilst hotham ski in ski out is good, I enjoy the driving and it's nice to get off the hill. Plus touring around DP is nice

So much more bang for your buck too - think decks and fireplaces at DP vs shoebox apartment at hotham

Don't regret buying, it's a lifetime purchase. And if you are into renovating then there's lots of opportunity

 

[Boodwah]

DP property prices have gone bananas.

 

[Sean Sunley]

DP property prices have gone bananas.

Certainly have, plus 20%? I'm assuming the market will return to normal when international travel restarts.

 

[Boodwah]

Certainly have, plus 20%? I'm assuming the market will return to normal when international travel restarts.

Well there’s nothing left for sale, it’s all been snaffled. Only a few places left $1M+
And a couple of duplexes that were selling Pre Covid for $300k now asking more than double that.

 

[Majikthise]

and no pub anymore?

 

[Boodwah]

and no pub anymore?

Apparently pub’s been bought (for less than a million which I reckon is cheap) by some conglomerate keen to make a go of it. DP is busy, very busy, lots of folk coming up for MTBg, and today the walk out to FT was also crazy busy. Fed Hut had about 20 tents and the water tank was dry.

 

[Ultra 2.0]

whats with the design of all the buildings at DP? been watching the prices, and recently now well out of range.. all listed as architect designed, i am assuming, just the 1 architect? is there a policy in place for design?

 

[Sean Sunley]

whats with the design of all the buildings at DP? been watching the prices, and recently now well out of range.. all listed as architect designed, i am assuming, just the 1 architect? is there a policy in place for design?

I think the old eastern part was done mostly by the same person hence the lofts, window beds, lots of levels and roof lines. No project builders so mostly unique architect designs but I have seen an owner builder and even a transportable home. There is a design policy but it doesn't seem strictly enforced in the newer western part.

 

[djam]

whats with the design of all the buildings at DP? been watching the prices, and recently now well out of range.. all listed as architect designed, i am assuming, just the 1 architect? is there a policy in place for design?

Peter McIntyre.
https://www.visitdinnerplain.com.au/history-and-heritage/

 

[currawong]

from visitdinnerplain.com.au, my emphasis

The developers, Dinner Plain Pty Ltd were fortunate to have many connections in the ski industry and government, they also had the expertise of architect, Peter McIntyre. Peter McIntryre's design of the Village features buildings architecturally inspired by the characteristics of the old cattlemen's huts.
Construction in the village is still restricted to timber, local stone and corrugated iron, with a limited range of colours approved. Strict covenants limit such detractions as antennae, fences and washing lines, and all buildings are subject to height restrictions.
The architectural success of Dinner Plain has since led to the development of the Australian Alpine style, which is now being adopted as a benchmark by all other alpine resorts in Australia.​

 

[currawong]

snap

 

[Seth]

Australian Alpine style.

The older places are quaint but I’d hardly call them particularly great architecture once you get inside.

 

[CarveMan]

Well there’s nothing left for sale, it’s all been snaffled. Only a few places left $1M+
And a couple of duplexes that were selling Pre Covid for $300k now asking more than double that.

Same as Buller, nothing in between $2-300k dog box hotel room conversions and 3br $700k plus. A 2br just got listed for $550k, old renovation but good location, I'll be amazed if it lasts a week.

 

[LJ1981]

Does anyone know how much would it cost to build a house in DP?? Just an average alpine style home, nothing too big or luxurious. I can see that land is not that bad with price (around $200k), seem cheap compared to buying already established house.

 

[Sean Sunley]

Does anyone know how much would it cost to build a house in DP?? Just an average alpine style home, nothing too big or luxurious. I can see that land is not that bad with price (around $200k), seem cheap compared to buying already established house.

A couple of year's ago I was advised to allow double normal building costs, approx $4k/m2.

 

[Jepson]

Q: What is a Lodge?
A: A house-shaped hole in the snow that you pour money into.

But really, as a Dinner Plain owner for 11 years now, it’s great.
We use it every second long weekend or so in the green season (and even more in the past) and on average two weekends and a week in the ski season (always enough to warrant a season pass)

Alpine Shire’s Dinner Plain rates are expensive compared to other areas, but not as bad as they used to be. The permanent community are great, but it is quiet in summer, which I love. (if you wanted somewhere busy in summer, you’d go to the beach!) We don’t regret buying up there at all, and when we did changeover houses a few years ago, to free up some capital, we were greatly relieved when our short period of not having a place was over.

We are hands-on property owners, doing most renovations and maintenance ourselves, as well as managing guest bookings, which reduces our overheads a good deal.

We love going there in all seasons, always great to have the fireplace going, hang out around the house, looking out at the trees, do a bushwalk, visit a café/bar/brewery/restaurant or a friend’s place.
In winter, the only ski-in ski-out is Nordic (which I take advantage of) but being able to drive straight up to your door (usually without chains in a 4WD) nearly makes up for it. The drive is just 15 minutes to Hotham, and so picturesque, it’s one of my favourite parts of any trip.

Bright would be the go of you want a choice of mountains, but of course, Falls is just a 10 minute helicopter flight away from Hotham I’ve done this once, and it was amazing (but very dependent on the state of the weather and your wallet)

Hi @echobase
I’m looking to buy a place in Dinner Plain as well. Currently doing all of the sums and am interested to know on average (Covid years excluded) how many nights does your property rent for through the year.

Cheers

 

[stansi]

@Echo Base

 

[qwill]

Australian Alpine style.

The older places are quaint but I’d hardly call them particularly great architecture once you get inside.

lol, Australian Chocolate Box.

 

[Echo Base]

Hi @echobase
I’m looking to buy a place in Dinner Plain as well. Currently doing all of the sums and am interested to know on average (Covid years excluded) how many nights does your property rent for through the year.

Cheers

Scanning quickly over our records, for 2018 ,2019, and 2021, we averaged 76 nights per year, in addition to our own trips. Snow season, we reserve our 10-12 nights, but in green season we tend to let external bookings take priority.

 

[Ultra 2.0]

Well there’s nothing left for sale, it’s all been snaffled. Only a few places left $1M+
And a couple of duplexes that were selling Pre Covid for $300k now asking more than double that.

appear to be a lot more sales listed recently, prices still high though, i would be seriously considering buying if there was private hangarage available at YHOT

 

[Jepson]

Scanning quickly over our records, for 2018 ,2019, and 2021, we averaged 76 nights per year, in addition to our own trips. Snow season, we reserve our 10-12 nights, but in green season we tend to let external bookings take priority.

Thank you! Appreciated you digging out that info for me.

 

[nezumi]

Something funky going on here?

This place was listed today at $1,000,000 - but was already "Under Offer" when it was listed: https://www.domain.com.au/30-horsehair-bend-dinner-plain-vic-3898-2017577188

I was curious (as usual), so I googled the address, mainly trying to find a floorplan, but instead found this: https://www.onthehouse.com.au/prope...horsehair-bend-dinner-plain-vic-3898-13593017

Apparently it listed for $540,000 in Feb 2016, then eventually sold for $260,000 in August 2016 - and now it's up at $1,000,000? That's a tidy profit!

 

[CarveMan]

Something funky going on here?

This place was listed today at $1,000,000 - but was already "Under Offer" when it was listed: https://www.domain.com.au/30-horsehair-bend-dinner-plain-vic-3898-2017577188

I was curious (as usual), so I googled the address, mainly trying to find a floorplan, but instead found this: https://www.onthehouse.com.au/prope...horsehair-bend-dinner-plain-vic-3898-13593017

Apparently it listed for $540,000 in Feb 2016, then eventually sold for $260,000 in August 2016 - and now it's up at $1,000,000? That's a tidy profit!

Welcome to 2021/2022 leisure property capital gains.

Some crazy asking prices at Buller right now.

 

[skimax]

Yes Covid , work / live from anywhere and an asset bubble has really bumped prices . When i sold my place at DP , there may have been 50 odd on the market ( or more) . Times have changed.

 

[Young Angus]

Any predictions for how the DP market is going to look towards end of this year? We still want something up there, but things seem to have gotten a hell of a lot more expensive now. When we started looking a few years ago $500k would get you a nice house with 2 or 3 beds...now you can shut the gates on that!!!

 

[Crawf]

Any predictions for how the DP market is going to look towards end of this year? We still want something up there, but things seem to have gotten a hell of a lot more expensive now. When we started looking a few years ago $500k would get you a nice house with 2 or 3 beds...now you can shut the gates on that!!!

I think there has to be a correction in the next few years. I am definately not a property doomsdayer, however the biggest influencing factor will be return to overseas travel. combined with rising interest rates things will soften. However returning to the $500k range is probably gone.

 

[nezumi]

Speaking of $500k properties, this place sold in 2019 for $545,000, down from an initial asking price of $597,000.

Now it's up for grabs again, and can be yours for the low low price of $1,425,000:

2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898 | Domain

4 bedroom house for Sale at 2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898. View property photos, floor plans, local school catchments & lots more on Domain.com.au. 2017665321

www.domain.com.au

 

[Seth]

Speaking of $500k properties, this place sold in 2019 for $545,000, down from an initial asking price of $597,000.

Now it's up for grabs again, and can be yours for the low low price of $1,425,000:

2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898 | Domain

4 bedroom house for Sale at 2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898. View property photos, floor plans, local school catchments & lots more on Domain.com.au. 2017665321

www.domain.com.au

Throw in a few stinky seasons and the shine will fade a bit as well.

 

[hongomania]

Speaking of $500k properties, this place sold in 2019 for $545,000, down from an initial asking price of $597,000.

Now it's up for grabs again, and can be yours for the low low price of $1,425,000:

2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898 | Domain

4 bedroom house for Sale at 2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898. View property photos, floor plans, local school catchments & lots more on Domain.com.au. 2017665321

www.domain.com.au

Friends with the owner. Pretty sure they spent some good coin on it, it's in great condition. Also its unique as an owner can live in the annex area

however if I was paying 1.45m I'd want at least a car port/garage. There is room to build one

House is in a good location

 

[Ultra 2.0]

Speaking of $500k properties, this place sold in 2019 for $545,000, down from an initial asking price of $597,000.

Now it's up for grabs again, and can be yours for the low low price of $1,425,000:

2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898 | Domain

4 bedroom house for Sale at 2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898. View property photos, floor plans, local school catchments & lots more on Domain.com.au. 2017665321

www.domain.com.au

wow. crazy, what will happen when trvel opens up and everthinggets back to some sort of normal?

 

[CarveMan]

wow. crazy, what will happen when trvel opens up and everthinggets back to some sort of normal?

Prices have to cool off, they won’t go back to pre-Covid but surely some owners will want to bank some profit.

 

[Gregah]

Friends with the owner. Pretty sure they spent some good coin on it, it's in great condition. Also its unique as an owner can live in the annex area

however if I was paying 1.45m I'd want at least a car port/garage. There is room to build one

House is in a good location

The VW fridge alone must be worth $350K

 

[nezumi]

Friends with the owner. Pretty sure they spent some good coin on it, it's in great condition. Also its unique as an owner can live in the annex area

however if I was paying 1.45m I'd want at least a car port/garage. There is room to build one

House is in a good location

It's definitely hard to tell much of a difference from the photos from 2019 to now, especially if any of the work was structural rather than aesthetic in nature. Most of the changes I could see was on presentation and styling. It's still a biiiiig increase for 3 years, almost $300,000 each year.

 

[Crawf]

wow. crazy, what will happen when trvel opens up and everthinggets back to some sort of normal?

If you're not using it in the green season, its a lot of money for a couple of months!

 

[Boodwah]

The thing w DP is that prices have been stupid cheap for a very long time, now just arriving at what they're probably worth. You couldn't build that place as is for under $1M, likely a heap more up there. And there's only a small (and finite) parcels of land.

 

[Boodwah]

Its also still pretty much the only freehold alpine property in Oz

 

[djam]

That makes Buller look cheap.

 

[Crawf]

The thing w DP is that prices have been stupid cheap for a very long time, now just arriving at what they're probably worth. You couldn't build that place as is for under $1M, likely a heap more up there. And there's only a small (and finite) parcels of land.

That's a good point about building costs. I believe the inability to gain fire insurance (or at a high price) has scared a lot of people off in the past.

I'd love to have a place there!

 

[Young Angus]

Speaking of $500k properties, this place sold in 2019 for $545,000, down from an initial asking price of $597,000.

Now it's up for grabs again, and can be yours for the low low price of $1,425,000:

2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898 | Domain

4 bedroom house for Sale at 2 Sundew Lane, Dinner Plain VIC 3898. View property photos, floor plans, local school catchments & lots more on Domain.com.au. 2017665321

www.domain.com.au

Now that just makes me sick...I'm sure they didn't spend close to a million bucks on it in that time...can't blame them for trying it on though

 

[Young Angus]

That's a good point about building costs. I believe the inability to gain fire insurance (or at a high price) has scared a lot of people off in the past.

I'd love to have a place there!

Is fire insurance actually not available for up here or is it just as out of reach as the flood insurance in flood prone areas?

 

[CarveMan]

The thing w DP is that prices have been stupid cheap for a very long time, now just arriving at what they're probably worth. You couldn't build that place as is for under $1M, likely a heap more up there. And there's only a small (and finite) parcels of land.

There was a time not that long ago that the DP residents association or whatever it was called put through a motion not allowing real estate for sale signs, as pretty much half the village was for sale and it spooked potential buyers.

 

[Young Angus]

There was a time not that long ago that the DP residents association or whatever it was called put through a motion not allowing real estate for sale signs, as pretty much half the village was for sale and it spooked potential buyers.

Hasn't that always been the case...until covid?

 

[CarveMan]

Hasn't that always been the case...until covid?

Not sure - I just heard it as an anecdote from a former resident.

 

[climberman]

Its also still pretty much the only freehold alpine property in Oz

Are there fire regs for new builds which would also add to new build costs?

 

[hongomania]

Now that just makes me sick...I'm sure they didn't spend close to a million bucks on it in that time...can't blame them for trying it on though

Yeh but as @Boodwah said the cost to rebuild that would be around that price. Dinner Plain is a long way from anywhere and it's hard enough to get any works done up there as it is

Is fire insurance actually not available for up here or is it just as out of reach as the flood insurance in flood prone areas?

Just costs more as in a designated HBRA

 

[hongomania]

If you're not using it in the green season, its a lot of money for a couple of months!

Still cheaper to run that properties in resort areas

So much more bang for buck too; and driving to the resort is part of the appeal imo