Be careful of tree changes
FOR city folk stuck in choking traffic or getting outbid at yet another auction, the appeal of country life – with fresh air, wide open spaces and affordable real estate – is strong.
But buying into the simple life is anything but straightforward.
Whether it’s to make a permanent tree or sea change, a long-term financial investment or as a holiday home, buying property in the country requires a strategic, unemotional approach and considering factors few city buyers ever have to think about, like mobile blackspots, land use and noxious weed control.
Rich Harvey, CEO of propertybuyer.com.au, said the number one rule of buying in a rural or regional area was research.
“Especially when it comes to a permanent sea or tree change, go and visit the place you’re considering, more than once, to ensure it is right for you and you’re not going to be dislocating yourself from your entire social network,” he said.
Mr Harvey said many people had a romanticised view of “moving to the country”.
“They go on holidays to the Glass House Mountains for example and think ‘oh, it’s so beautiful, it’s peaceful’, but it’s four hours from their best friends and five hours from their grandchildren, from everything that matters to them,” he said.
“Yes, there is less traffic and less pollution, it’s sleepy. But is that the lifestyle you want permanently?
“Also look at things like medical facilities, which are needed at all stages of life, and climate. Moving from somewhere like Sydney to Bowral in the Southern Highlands is a big shift in climate, for example.”
Whether it’s to live in permanently or occasionally as a dedicated holiday home, buyers should approach purchasing a home in the country the same way as they would in the city – with a few tweaks.
Look closely at the market, what stock is available, the average number of days to sell and other market-specific data, he said.
Also, don’t fall in love with the property.
“Follow your head, not your heart. Crunch the numbers, know the market,” he said.