Tree change — an opportunity for you?
Are you thinking of making a tree change and moving to the country? Our guide will give you everything you need to know about the benefits of a tree change, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
But first, what is a tree change?
A tree change is when you move away from the city or suburbs, into a regional area. The idea is to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a more calmer, peaceful and spacious life in the country.
Tree change trends
The Regional Australia Institute's regional movers index has found that more people are moving away from cities to regional areas, especially since the pandemic. Its latest figures show that migration to regional areas has more than doubled pre-pandemic levels, and is now 15% higher than before the pandemic. And according to demographer Mark McCrindle, most tree changers are under 50 with children, working full time.
When it comes to tree change in Victoria (where we’re based) 7 News Melbourne reports that popular tree change locations include Ballarat, Bendgio, Geelong and Warrnambool. Victoria has eight of the top tree change locations for first home buyers nationwide, which are:
- Woodend
- Beechworth
- Tatura
- Kilmore
- Mansfield
- Wangaratta
- Port Fairy
- Castlemaine
There are many benefits of a tree change
Enjoy more tranquillity and get into nature
Who doesn’t love the peace and quiet of a regional lifestyle? The city pressures like traffic, crowds and suburban noise are a thing of the past in a smaller town. Instead, you can enjoy the pristine and peaceful quiet of regional living. Many regional areas have great natural attractions on the doorstep, including beaches, national parks, lakes, rivers and mountains, all making great spots for day trips, hiking, skiing or bush adventures.
Give your children a great lifestyle
Many people make the move to regional areas to give their kids a more active, less pressured childhood. Many parents feel that regional areas are safer as there’s less crime, which gives peace of mind. Children can walk to school, ride their bikes in the street, and the community all keep an eye out to ensure everyone’s safety. Just like parents, children also enjoy the relaxed pace of country living.
Work from home
Now that the pandemic is over, more people are choosing to work from home, which means you can keep your city job with your move to a regional area. Instead of facing busy traffic or hectic public transport each morning, you can enjoy a coffee with your family over breakfast before heading to your desk to start your working day.
Access better house prices
House prices in regional areas are lower than cities, which gives young families and first home buyers the chance to get into the property market and own their own home sooner. In Melbourne and its suburbs, the average house price is $1.1 million, and has risen by 35% in the last two years. Whereas Victorian median house price is around $780,000 and in some locations is lower still, according to Statisia:
- Ballarat $712,000
- Geelong: $705,000
- Bendigo: $542,000
- Shepparton: $310,000
Join a thriving regional community
Many people make a tree change to enjoy the close-knit community in a smaller town. Everyone knows each other and works hard to contribute to their local community. This allows you to forge stronger bonds and make lifelong friends in regional areas. And with the state government set to invest $3.7 billion into regional initiatives like schools, hospitals, roads and rail, the communities of regional areas can enjoy access to high-quality amenities.
Stay close to the city
Due to close transport links, places like Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo are only 60-90 minutes away. This means you still can enjoy the fun and adventure of city life on your own terms, whenever you wish. Train and road connections make access to the city for shopping, entertainment, sporting events or work extremely viable, giving you the best of both worlds.
How to decide if a tree change is right for you
Making a tree change is not a decision to enter into lightly. You need to be absolutely sure before you make the commitment. A great way to begin is to simply visit the areas you’re considering. Staying in the area for a week or so and exploring the community will help you decide if it’s right for you. Instead of playing tourist, consider the amenities like schools, sports facilities, shopping, medical facilities, community events and transport to make sure it suits your wish list. You can also investigate house prices or build your own brand new home with local builders (like us).
Building or buying in regional Victoria?
Even though regional homes are more affordable than city properties, prices are rising fast. So perhaps you can build your own home in a regional location instead. We have plenty of customers who prefer the freedom and flexibility of building their own home, rather than buying. When you build, you can create a home that precisely meets your expectations for regional living. And if you are planning to work from home, you can build that important study area that older homes often can’t provide. Not to mention the chance to add all the features of modern living, such as open plan living/dining, children’s retreats and ensuites that make building your own a popular and affordable solution for many families.
Thinking of a tree change?
Check out our first home buyer guide for everything you need to know about buying your first home, including finances, grants, buying a land, buying a house and contract basics.
Have fun with our home design configurator and start building the home of your dreams. Or call 1800 1First (1800 134 778) or fill out our online contact form to arrange a chat with our sales team.
Disclaimer
This advice in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs. It is recommended you seek professional advice from a financial adviser before making any important decisions.
First Place is not a financial adviser. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial or other advice to check how the website information relates to your unique circumstances.
NEED MORE ADVICE?
Ask us below