Australian Lifestyle Property

The terms sea change (moving to coastal areas) and tree change (moving inland) have become very popular in Australia to describe those from metropolitan cities seeking new life styles and opportunities within Regional Australia. We actually dislike the terms because (in our view) they deliver the wrong messages. However, we have used them because they are now so well established.

Tree and sea change are often presented as mutually exclusive permanent alternatives to metro living. They are also generally presented, to use an ugly modern phrase, as life style downsizing, returning to a simpler life.

The reality is that the process is far more complex than this. Here we can in fact distinguish a number of different groups with very different interests and needs.

At one end of the age spectrum we have the backpackers from Australia and overseas who want to experience Regional Australia and look for casual work to pay for travel and living costs. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, we have an increasing number of gray nomads exploring Regional Australia who are also willing to work (often for longer periods) to pay for travel and living costs.

Then there are an increasing number of young Australians taking jobs in Regional Australia as an interim measure because reasonable salaries combined with lower living costs allow them to save in a way no longer possible in the higher cost metro cities. Take, as an example, the young IT graduate who took a technical support role in a remote mining town at twice the salary he could have achieved in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Some of this group stay in Regional Australia because they fall in love with the life style, others return to their home metro city.

There are also an increasing number of families moving to Regional Australia because this allows them to buy their home or to achieve a better and safer educational environment for their children. Some move permanently, others plan to return to the metro cities once their children have reached a certain age.

Then there are those moving because they want a particular life style or to pursue particular interests.

Finally there are the retirees who move for both life style and cost reasons.

Understanding Your Own Needs

Within this varied mix, the key requirement in all cases is to understand your own needs and requirements, including any trade-offs that may need to be made.

Many tree and sea changers who thought they were making a permanent move have in fact returned to their home metro city after a period because they missed familiar things more than expected, because the new life style was less than expected, because the trade-offs were greater than expected or, simply, because their own needs changed.

So it is important to be clear on your needs. It is also important to properly investigate the area that you propose to move to. Both will increase your chances of getting the best result from the change.

Categories of Needs

While needs vary enormously, there are a number of common threads. These can be summarised as:

Partner issues.

We put this one first because in the days of two working partners often pursuing different careers, it is absolutely critical that the interests of both are taken into account in the move. From our experience, partner conflicts are the single biggest reason why tree or sea change fails.

Life style.

What are the things that you really enjoy doing? How do these fit with the localities of most interest to you?

Adaptability. Any move to a new community requires time and adaptability to fit in, to build new friendship links, to find people of common interests. It helps here if you are willing to join in, to participate in community activities. The problem can be most acute for retired couples because they lack the interaction associated with school and work.

Year round experience.

We have put this one in because a lot of people move to an area or community that they have experienced during part of the year only. You need to look at life over the year as a whole. A seaside place can be very different in the middle of winter as compared to the peak summer holiday period.

Income.

You have to have an income to support you whether through your retirement savings, employment or your own business.

Education.

What education facilities do you require for you and your children?

Real estate.

While real estate in Regional Australia is generally cheaper and better value for money than the metro equivalent, this is not always so. Further, people may overpay simply because prices seem lower than those that they are used too. So proper investigation is required.

Health facilities. Health facilities vary across Regional Australia. What are the health needs of you and your family now and in the future? How do these mesh with facilities in the localities of most interest to you?

Retirement facilities.

Depending on your age, what facilities are available to provide support in retirement?

Source
http://www.regionalliving.com.au/

We hear that term used a lot, but what does it mean exactly?

When looking over the internet I found that a Lifestyle Property seemed mainly to be a property or piece of real estate, that is set in a rural, coastal or tourist area.

Not one was found in a city setting.

These properties were more often set on larger than average blocks and were not considered suburban or found within estates.

Another term one could use would be boutique, because these properties had uniqueness about them.

The term could also be exchanged with expensive, because many lifestyle properties were wineries and top end market properties, although not all.

Author
ME White

On behalf of

Realestateguide.com.au

Or should I choose an agent?

As with most things there are fors and againsts in any decision we try to make.

Who knows and loves a property more than the owner/occupier?

The resident of a house knows fully all the wonderful benefits, points and aspects of their home and property and are able to point them out enthusiastically with conviction. Down to the smallest details this also helps build relationship with the prospective buyer and bring a more relaxed atmosphere over the property viewing.

The owner seller is passionate about their property and this is the primary strength of the private seller.

To be fair though a charming well dressed and talented Salesperson can often to this too.

Finance

A primary reason some people choose to sell their home privately is the money aspect.

The huge saving in commissions they are potentially putting in their pocket is a huge attraction to them.

This needs to be balanced out by the fact, selling real estate without an agent is much more time consuming for owner of the home.

You have to be home to field enquiries, and wait around for the prospective buyer to arrive to view your home, on top of the time it took you to prepare your house for viewing.

So if you have the time to do all this, then selling privately is still a good option.

Management
This is basically the feeling that you will have better control over the sale of your property.

The price and the marketing for example.

Many feel a lack of trust in agents and their motives, so this so some extent relieves the stress for the seller, especially during the negotiation on price process.

Again you have to counteract this with, more often than not agents are more in touch with the market and are more likely to price your home in the correct price range to bring you a quick sale and they are confident negotiators having the experience of dealing with real estate ‘haggling’ everyday.

A good agent always acts on the behalf of the seller because they often represent repeat business to them, few agents want to take your money and run.

Another drawback to selling your house privately can be that of length of time to sell, as it can take longer.

If a quick sale is not your motive and you are willing to trade speed of sale for the other benefits then this will not be a problem for you the private seller.

Author
M E White
on behalf of

realestateguide.com.au

Lifestyle Business For Sale QLD Contact Owner>>

Colonial Style Home, Winery On Rural Land. The Boutique winery encompasses a restaurant/cellar door and is set amongst 15 ½ landscaped acres with a beautiful small lake, it includes colonial-style home & huge 850 sq m 2 story factory.

Located between Brisbane & the Gold Coast so close to every thing including the famous beaches, it is also on one of the hottest growth corridors in Australia so future subdivision possible if you want.

The restaurant & factory are currently rented at $2800 pw & the house has been rented at $650 pw.

Either live in the house & get involved with the restaurant winery or sit back & collect the rental.

The business would be a wonderful opportunity for a busy executive looking to escape a high-stress job, retiree or for someone with a little flair to dramatically increase the business. This is a rare lifestyle opportunity.

House 35 squares with triple garage older colonial style - air conditioning in most areas - gas fire - 4 Bathrooms - country kitchen - 3 or 4 bedrooms lounge & dining area - Spacious front veranda & upstairs balcony. Close to major Westfield shopping & schools within 8 K.

Restaurant/tasting building - 10 meter granite bar with inbuilt spit basins - male & female toilets - seats 70 easily - main dining is on the fully covered terrace which overlooks the lake & grounds - see www.thummetstate.com for better idea. Caters for wine sales & tasting - general restaurant trade - breakfast & functions - wedding or any occasion.

Production building is two story concrete slab & substantial suspended concrete floor, steel portal frames for roof suspension & the whole building has fully insulated walls - 33 meters x 12.2 meters on each floor.

Zoned special purpose rural - electricity, huge water storage & bore, various septic systems.

Real Estate Golden Beach QLD View this property>>

Coastal Sea Change Property For Sale
Caloundra- Golden Beach lifestyle ! Walk to the shops and restaurants.
This magnificent Sub-Penthouse on Golden Beach Esplanade will surely impress you and is offering you these benefits:

* 3 bedrooms plus study area
* luxury ensuite to Master bedroom
* Second bathroom with spa bath
* fully furnished
* ducted air-conditioning
* two-pac kitchen with granite bench-tops
* double lock-up garage plus lock-up storage
* heated pool, spa, steam-room & gym
* restaurant on site
* 2 large balconies with magical views to the
* OCEAN and the Glasshouse Mountains

Read more>>

Gold Coast Property For Sale Contact Agent>>
Riverstone Crossing: The location is breathtaking. The lifestyle is incomparable. The home is magnificent. It is all you could ever want and more ! It could be yours sooner than you think with a vendor prepared to consider a trade to $700 000 on a house/unit in the area from Paradise Point to Main Beach on the Gold Coast ! This home is located in one of the Gold Coast’s premier residential addresses where you will be able to enjoy unsurpassed facilities and services. This home has breathtaking views of the 194 hectare estate with a mountainous backdrop and tranquility of the Coomera River. This is a truly unique and exclusive estate. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 50 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Only 5 - 10 minutes from major shopping centres, M1 and train station.

Approved Development Site - Multi-unit And Shopping Facilities Cairns Read More>>

Approved Development Site - Multi-Unit and Shopping Facilities located at White Rock, Cairns QLD.

(Development)

Location 2-26 Giffin Rd White Rock, Cairns QLD.

A Preliminary Approval has been granted by Cairns Regional Council for 112 units consisting of two and three storey and also Commercial Shopping Facility of approximately 890 Square metres.

• SIZE OF LAND:2.29 HA.

• Planning area Res 2.

The corner block is approximately 10 minutes from Cairns CBD, and Situated in the southern corridor, which is the growth area of Cairns.

It is directly opposite Mt Sheridan shopping Plaza, which is due for a $65M revamp by Mirvac.

Public transport runs past the door every half hour.
The property is close to schools, daycare centre’s, parks and sports grounds.

A Nursery and Landscape Supplies yard currently operates on the site.

(Cairns Information)

Cairns is located on the north eastern coast of the state of Queensland, on the east coast of Australia.

Cairns is home to more than 130,000 people from all corners of the world and is renowned for its tourist attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest.

Tropical North Queensland is the ultimate destination to enjoy spectacular natural beauty at its absolute best, and to find fun and adventure. It’s also the perfect place to relax, be pampered, and enjoy the laid-back feel of the tropics…Read More>>

Ocean View Apartment For Sale Mid North Coast Visit>>

Well positioned at Town Beach Port Macquarie to catch the north east breezes, this elegant spacious 3 bedroom apartment exudes luxury and space overlooking the stunning ocean views situated on the third floor.

Port Macquarie has been recognized as the best climate in Australia, with its many fine Restaurants, Boutique cafes, shopping centres, golf courses, sporting facilities, clubs and is only a one hour flight to Sydney.

This apartment is indeed an opportunity for the discerning purchaser to own their own piece of paradise overlooking one of Australia’s renowned beaches at Port Macquarie.

The magnificent complex has just 24 apartments, providing a sense of privilege and privacy in the enjoyment of this spectacular location

As you alight from the lift and enter the main foyer into the living area, you instantly unwind as you take in the ambience of the interior and the sheer space that enhances this apartment.

Before you retire, relax on the terrace and enjoy the beauty of the moon shining down on the water, and then gently slip off to sleep whilst listening to the waves lapping onto the shore.

Imagine yourself sitting on the spacious tiled terrace overlooking the ocean, whilst taking in these glorious views.

The spacious main bedroom has a large walk in robe with drawers and shelving, including an ensuite with double semi recessed basins, Cream Marfil marble vanity top and seprate toilet for privacy.

Plenty of room to house your guests in the other two spacious bedrooms, with doors leading to the terrace overlooking town beach.

Prepare a meal for your guests in the Gourmet Kitchen with Smeg appliances and Galaxy Black granite benchtops, whilst you all enjoy a pre dinner drink on the terrace watching the glorious sunsets.

This apartment is equipped with ducted air conditioning, latest electronic video/audio security system which adds to your peace of mind and security.

Laundry complete with Ariston washing machine and dryer storage cupboards and bench space.

Parquetry floor in kitchen area and 100% wool carpet in bedrooms and living area.

Plenty of off street parking in the secure Double Lockup Garage

The Internal unit area of 225m2, gives you the space to move aound in complete comfort.

Balcony area of 106m2, allows plenty of room to entertain your guests whilst enjoying the views overlooking the ocean.

The apartment offers a total area 362m2, which allows you the freedom to enjoy your surrounds with comfort and privacy.

Body corporate is only $4255.80 per year which takes care of all your maintenance and security requirements.

For the health conscience, imagine walking along the beachfront as you take in the fresh sea air or enjoy a swim right at your doorstep. Where else can you enjoy this lifestyle with such luxury and a view that will never be built out.

Be quick to inspect as this apartment will not last long as is the only one available for sale on the third floor.

Building Block, Land For Sale Stirling Western Australia View>>

Stirling Property For Sale
Elite Location! Excellent Investment! Build your dream home in Princeton Estate and Welcome to the exclusive life style you deserve!

Vacant Land- one of the best values on market!
Price reduced to sell- be quick to secure this 521 sqm block in the much sought after Princeton Private Estate.
Close to everything…amenities abound!

Wonderful opportunity exists for the astute buyers who wish to build on this land straight away. No extensive waiting time for planning required. Time is Money- so why waste it? Imagine what this will be worth in a few years from now!

Great Location!
Superb level block, surrounded by luxury homes- currently being built.
-overlooking picturesque parklands
-3 surrounding lakes
-2 minute walk to nearest lake (200m distance from location)

-5 minute drive to shops, cafes, buses, trains
-only 7 minutes drive from the beach
-10 minutes drive to City CBD
-Noise fencing (finished by December)
block size: 521 sqm
16m frontage (width)
32.54m deep

Bed And Breakfast Business + Home For Sale At Tea Gardens Central Coast NSW

Read more>>

Looking to escape the rat race but can’t decide if it’s a “SEA CHANGE” or a “TREE CHANGE” that you are after? Why decide between the two when you can have the best of both worlds? You can have your cake and eat it too! Superb country lifestyle, luxury living while also earning income. Sounds too good to be true? Read on!

Lavender Grove Farm B&B is only 2 hours north of Sydney. Set on 30 acres this B&B and hobby farm is nestled amongst grazing land and pine forests, just ten minutes from the quaint riverside village of Tea Gardens and the pristine beaches of Hawks Nest on the north shore of Port Stephens, gateway to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia and 1,000 miles from care!

The council approved Bed & Breakfast has been operating since April 1997. Current owner/operators have upgraded it to a 4½ Green star rating in the ten years they’ve owned the property. The husband & wife team produce a steady income with no other staff.

This property would suit buyers interested in continuing to operate it as a B&B or those wanting to purchase a large family home with an ideal lifestyle.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW:
LAND: 30 acres [11.96 hectares] of mostly cleared land. 550 metres off Pacific Highway which is currently being upgraded to dual lane divided road. Viney Creek Road West is a quiet dirt road which, as part of the Pacific Highway upgrade, is scheduled for tar sealing soon. Property is fully fenced.

PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:
The original dwelling was built in 1988 and has undergone major extensions in 1995, 1999 & 2005.

MAIN BUILDING: Four bedroom brick & tile residence of 300m2 of living area PLUS another 300m2 of verandas and pergola PLUS 80m2 Garage & Cellar.

GUESTS AREA [accommodating a maximum of 8 guests]
* 3 guest bedrooms [all with ensuite, built in robes & ceiling fans]
* 2 guest rooms have private outdoor Jacuzzis
* Huge lounge/dining/bar area with Jetmaster fire, slate floor, opening on to a huge verandah
* Games Room with slate floor opens on to its own verandah
* Kitchenette with sink, power track, microwave, tea & coffee making facilities [off hosts kitchen].

HOSTS AREA:

* Master bedroom with ensuite & walk-in wardrobe
* Gourmet, Galley style kitchen and a half [remodelled in 2005] has two F&P ovens, 6 burner [LPG] gas cooktop, dishwasher, commercial [twin engine] range hood, drawers galore!
* Walk in Pantry
* Private Lounge/Dining with Pot Belly fire [opens on to games room when no guests in residence], timber floor.
* Laundry [the biggest in NSW?]
* Office/study with built in storage and power track.
* Triple Garage [including workshop] all with roller doors [two remotely operated]
* Wine Cellar with 1200 bottle capacity

POOL: 60,000 litre solar heated, salt water swimming pool with salt water chlorinator, sand filter and automatic pool cleaner

3 BAY SHED: With personal access door and two roller doors enabling drive-thru access to paddocks.

Read More>>