{"id":587676,"date":"2026-04-05T19:58:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T19:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/587676\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T19:58:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T19:58:19","slug":"what-to-consider-before-property-buyers-make-a-tree-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/587676\/","title":{"rendered":"What to consider before property buyers make a tree-change"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Moving away from the city to a tree-change town can be a boon, but there are some everyday practical realities buyers may wish to consider first.<\/p>\n

A net 35,000 city dwellers migrated to regional areas in 2023-24, ABS data<\/a> shows, reflecting a shift towards regional living beyond the lockdown-era peak of 49,000 in 2020-21.<\/p>\n

\"CityCity dwellers may dream of greener pastures, but may want to consider the practicalities. Visit Victoria<\/p>\n

While the appeal of regional living<\/a> is widely understood \u2013 better affordability and a more relaxed lifestyle, for example \u2013 other factors may not be as well documented.<\/p>\n

Lesser infrastructure<\/p>\n

Growing regional areas generally have less infrastructure than metropolitan areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say, build it and they will come,\u201d Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said. \u201cWell, people are already coming, and we aren\u2019t building fast enough.<\/p>\n

\"RegionalRegional areas can offer a more relaxed lifestyle. Visit Victoria<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we know, in fact, is that population growth is outstripping housing approvals. But this is not a new issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the last 10 years \u2026 regional growth is at record levels. And we celebrate this because it\u2019s a big and vast country that doesn\u2019t need to be dominated by what we would describe as megacities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s well known that we want to see a lot more investment in our rural healthcare, and child care is another. There is a lot of investment already under way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related Article\"Goro<\/a><\/p>\n

But there\u2019s a silver lining. \u201cEven in the face of service gaps, regional Australians continue to report higher levels of wellbeing than capital cities,\u201d Ritchie said. \u201cAnd I think it comes back to the social connections, the social bonds, and the space and time that are afforded to you in a regional setting.\u201d<\/p>\n

More space requires more maintenance<\/p>\n

For an upsizing buyer from a densely populated area, it can feel like a luxury to have room to move and make noise.<\/p>\n

While privacy and breathing space are drawcards, the cost of more greenery between neighbouring properties is more maintenance: slashing paddocks, mowing grass, whipper snipping and weeding.<\/p>\n

Rob Horder, principal agent at PRD Northern Rivers, noted the area\u2019s high rainfall. \u201cSo, therefore, the grass grows fast and the weeds grow faster,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

To stay on top of mowing a block that is almost a hectare in size, he said, it would take \u201chalf a day for yourself or a contractor\u201d per week.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think people that are doing a tree change enjoy the work that they have to put in to maintain their property. I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s a negative at all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDepending on the type of property, and if you haven\u2019t got livestock grazing \u2026 you would probably want to do slashing, a couple of times a year to maintain any weeds,\u201d he said, adding that slashing costs can range from $100 to $150 an hour.<\/p>\n

Related Article\"Homes<\/a>Daily driving<\/p>\n

With fewer public transport options, driving becomes a daily necessity. Life in regional areas is generally more reliant on cars to get around, and with a vast area to cover, the kilometres and fuel costs can add up.<\/p>\n

On the plus side, driving involves less traffic and is more scenic. However, there can be less walkability and less convenience living in rural areas.<\/p>\n

Tree-changers may need to consider their regular routines, including work, school, gym, shopping and activities, as these will probably require a car trip each time.<\/p>\n

Environmental risk<\/p>\n

Some regional locations face risks of natural disaster such as bushfires or floods.<\/p>\n

\"SevereSevere flooding in Lismore in northern NSW in 2022.Elise Derwin<\/p>\n

When considering buying a property, the relevant council can provide planning certificates, which provide information about natural hazards or other identified risks.<\/p>\n

A key consideration is whether the property is in a bushfire zone, is flood-prone or has other environmental constraints, as it could influence costs associated with insurance, development plans and building requirements.<\/p>\n

Related Article\"Neil<\/a><\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said in a statement: \u201cBuyers in regional areas should understand any environmental risks that apply to the land, such as bushfire or flooding, as these can affect safety, insurance, and how the property can be used.<\/p>\n

\u201cBuyers should review specific information from their local council on natural hazards and mapping, zoning and planning controls, and make sure they understand how these apply to the property they are considering.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wildlife and pests<\/p>\n

Being surrounded by wildlife during the day or coming across animals on the roads at night are a common part of regional life.<\/p>\n

Awakening with bird song and seeing all manner of Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, and even having space for domestic animals, brings joy to many former city slickers.<\/p>\n

However, this lifestyle also means dealing with less appealing aspects, including animal deaths and the presence of pests such as rodents, snakes, cane toads and spiders.<\/p>\n

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