Moving from the suburbs to the bush, the coast to the hills, or venturing regionally can be an exciting change. It can also be a life-changing decision.
There is a lot to think about when considering a sea or tree change. To help you weigh up your options, we’ve created a short guide with the key questions to ask.
What motivates your move?
Major location changes come from a desire for a slower pace or a more rewarding lifestyle.
Understanding why you’re making the move will help you to find a property, lifestyle and location that meet your needs:
- Are you ready to trade the hustle and bustle for a slower pace?
- Has self-employment or remote work given you newfound freedom?
- Are you in search of a better environment for raising a young family?
- Can you feel mother nature’s pull? Or are you ready to go off-grid?
Location, location, location
Location is one of the most important factors in choosing a new home as it has a big impact on liveability, lifestyle and the connections that you make. It can also determine what you can and can’t do with your property. Here are some important location factors to consider when you’re ready to make a change.
Amenities
When choosing where you want to move, consider what your ideal lifestyle looks like and what you need nearby. This can include food and retail, healthcare, entertainment, local schools, public transport, parks and open space.
Select the map view for any property listed on reiwa.com to discover a range of amenities near your location – including schools, cafes, shopping and entertainment and public transport routes.
Future development
It’s worth finding out about any future developments (like new roads, tourist attractions or major residential or commercial developments), that may impact your property value and lifestyle.
Road and transport infrastructure
In WA, people spend an average of 56 minutes commuting each day. If you plan to continue working, consider how busy local roads are during peak hour traffic. If you’re moving to a remote or rural area, find out whether the roads there sealed, prone to closure or flooding.
Getting to know your new local council
Local council by-laws can affect how you use your property, including zoning, subdivisions, building standards and environmental requirements. It’s also worth checking local council rates, as they can vary across the state.
Select the Land Data view for any property listed on reiwa.com to access valuable property information including land dimensions, cadastral boundaries, R-Code zoning, suburb boundaries and relevant heritage information.
Work
Does your job require you to live close to an airport or public transport? Or if you work remotely – is the internet access reliable (Black spots are real!)?
Property value
Understanding an area’s market trends can help you make a more informed decision. Suburb profiles on reiwa.com can give you a range of insights on a local market, from recent sale price growth, time on market and nearby suburb growth, to demographic and property type breakdowns to help guide your property search.
Embracing your new environment
Depending on where you move, the climate and environment can be very different. It’s worth thinking about how this might affect your lifestyle and the type of home you choose.
- When you’re looking for a property, are there environmental risks to consider such as floods, bushfires or coastal erosion?
- Will you have a reliable source of water and power if you are in a remote location?
- Will the weather suit your lifestyle? Are you prepared for the cold morning wake-ups or warm, humid evenings?
Select the map view for any property listed on reiwa.com for important information on nearby bushfire prone areas, bush forever sites and flood plains.
Understanding the local property and rental market
Choosing a new home in a new location requires some complex decisions to be made. To prepare, it can help to give some thought to:
- What is available in your price range?
- Do you plan to rent, buy or build?
- Will you ‘try before you buy’ by renting in the area?
- What are the local market trends – are prices rising, falling or stable?
To get a feel for the property market in your new location, check out the REIWA insights hub.
Moving is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a leap in the dark. When you’re ready to find your ideal sea or tree change, a local REIWA agent can help you every step of the way.
