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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.
A net 35,000 city dwellers migrated to regional areas in 2023-24, ABS data shows, reflecting a shift towards regional living beyond the lockdown-era peak of 49,000 in 2020-21.
While the appeal of regional living is widely understood – better affordability and a more relaxed lifestyle, for example – other factors may not be as well documented.
Lesser infrastructure
Growing regional areas generally have less infrastructure than metropolitan areas.
“You might say, build it and they will come,” Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said. “Well, people are already coming, and we aren’t building fast enough.
“What we know, in fact, is that population growth is outstripping housing approvals. But this is not a new issue.
“For the last 10 years … regional growth is at record levels. And we celebrate this because it’s a big and vast country that doesn’t need to be dominated by what we would describe as megacities.
“It’s 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.”
But there’s a silver lining. “Even in the face of service gaps, regional Australians continue to report higher levels of wellbeing than capital cities,” Ritchie said. “And 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.”
More space requires more maintenance
For an upsizing buyer from a densely populated area, it can feel like a luxury to have room to move and make noise.
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.
Rob Horder, principal agent at PRD Northern Rivers, noted the area’s high rainfall. “So, therefore, the grass grows fast and the weeds grow faster,” he said.
To stay on top of mowing a block that is almost a hectare in size, he said, it would take “half a day for yourself or a contractor” per week.
“I think people that are doing a tree change enjoy the work that they have to put in to maintain their property. I wouldn’t say it’s a negative at all,” he said.
“Depending on the type of property, and if you haven’t got livestock grazing … you would probably want to do slashing, a couple of times a year to maintain any weeds,” he said, adding that slashing costs can range from $100 to $150 an hour.
Daily driving
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.
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.
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.
Environmental risk
Some regional locations face risks of natural disaster such as bushfires or floods.
When considering buying a property, the relevant council can provide planning certificates, which provide information about natural hazards or other identified risks.
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.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said in a statement: “Buyers 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.
“Buyers 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.”
Wildlife and pests
Being surrounded by wildlife during the day or coming across animals on the roads at night are a common part of regional life.
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.
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.
