The thought of moving out into the sticks is something that appeals to many people. Australia's rural real estate market is booming and it's a lifestyle choice a growing number of buyers want to cash in on.
However, it's important to remember that relocating to rural regions is something that involves some massive changes, especially if you're more accustomed to suburban life.
Being aware of what rural life entails will help you better prepare you for the shift - who knows, you might wish you made the move sooner!
What do you want from your rural property?
Everyone wants something different from life, which is why it's so important to put down your own goals in black and white. Knowing what you want and seeing it written down on paper will help you focus your mind and ensure you make the right decision.
Some people choose to move to regional areas to realign their work-life balance. Is city life getting you down and you desperately need a change? Or perhaps you're approaching retirement and want to start winding down?
No matter what your reasons are, it's important to understand them fully before taking a closer look at the property market.
Buying rural real estate is no less of a financial commitment than buying in a bustling city, so making sure your head and heart are in the right place is essential.
Where would you like to live?
Once you've determined that rural real estate is right for you, it's now time to focus your attention on where exactly you plan to buy.
As with cities, not all rural locations will offer the same type of lifestyle. Some are more remote than others, so you need to weigh up just where you can imagine yourself living.
This may also depend on what you plan on doing once you're there. If you imagine yourself running a farm then obviously this will help narrow down your choices quite considerably. Alternatively, you might envisage yourself living in a property with a view - again, this will restrict your options.
What about the surrounding area?
When you live in the confines of a city, you come to expect certain noises, traffic and other passing problems that you just learn to live with. The same goes when you move into a rural location.
Just because you're out in the sticks doesn't mean that you won't face common issues. Odours, noise, dust and smoke are just some of the problems you can contend with on a daily basis.
There's also the potential for sewerage plants and other high-impact industries to be right on your doorstep, so it's worth factoring this into your decision making process.
If you do decide to move somewhere with a great view and plenty of land, make sure you carry out the necessary research to ensure it won't suddenly be built on. Imagine moving to your dream home only to find the field you overlook has been earmarked for a housing development!
How close are your nearest services?
Although the thought of being away from it all can seem appealing, you'll need to think carefully about how close your local services and facilities really are.
This covers everything from shops to schools, hospitals to roads. We all rely on these facilities at some point or other, so it can give peace of mind to know they're not too far away.
You might feel self-sufficient for the time being, but if you suddenly find you're in need of medical care then the four-hour trek to the nearest hospital might not seem quite so enticing.
