If you live in Sydney or Melbourne and are looking to buy your first property, chances are you’re depressingly aware that your $$ won’t go far. The market has boomed, and it’s hard to get your first break.
I’ve decided to wait till the property market cools off a little (fingers crossed!) before taking the plunge into home ownership. For now, I’m investing in myself. And in travel.
Travel is living. The experiences you have on the road, the people you met, the culture and different ideas you absorb – they shape you and they can shape your life. My job at Wotif, which I love, came about through someone I met on my travels. That’s a good return on investment in my book!
But that doesn’t mean I don’t ever want to buy a home. And travel can help with that too. Getting out of town for a few days not only recharges your batteries (so you can keep working hard to save up that deposit), it also introduces you to new places, one of which might be the perfect spot to settle down. Here are some of my favourite Aussie holiday destinations that would also make excellent (and affordable) homes:
The Sunshine Coast’s beaches are the perfect place to reflect on life and de-stress. And they’re only a 90min – 2hr flight from Sydney or Melbourne. Ask the boss for an early mark and you could be beachside in time for dinner.
-
- The Sunshine Coast’s median house price is 50% cheaper than Sydney and 34% cheaper than Melbourne*.
Canberra, our nation’s capital, deserves more attention. It’s got more going on than a lot of people realise. Aside from the monuments and the National this and that, there are some cool hotels (eg: Hotel Hotel), and a number of highly regarded dining options have cropped up in recent years. It’s an easy weekender.
-
- Canberra’s median house price is 38% cheaper than Sydney and 18% cheaper than Melbourne*.
Adelaide, capital of Australia’s fly-over state, has a lot to offer visitors and new residents. Start the day with a swim at Aldinga Beach before heading to the Adelaide Hills, a shortish drive from the city centre. Find your happy place in one of the many vineyards, where you can take in the view while enjoying a soothing red.
-
- Adelaide’s median house price is 56% cheaper than Sydney and 41% cheaper than Melbourne*.
Orange is a real up-and-comer, growing in popularity with both visitors and ex Sydney folk looking for a permanent tree-change. About a 4hr drive from Sydney, it’s home to beautiful colonial buildings, award-winning wineries, and delicious events like F.O.O.D Week and the Orange Wine Festival.
-
- Orange’s median house price is 69% cheaper than Sydney and 58% cheaper than Melbourne*.
Hobart has put up with years of lame “two-headed Tasmanian” jokes, but spend some time there and you’ll realise they were born out of jealousy. A visit to the Museum of Old and New Art is a must, as is a Saturday morning stroll through Salamanca Market. Go in June to check out the exciting Dark Mofo festival.
-
- Hobart’s median house price is 65% cheaper than Sydney and 54% cheaper than Melbourne*.
Dunsborough is a gem of a spot, just a 3hr drive from the Perth CBD. It’s home to beautiful beaches, top-noch surfing, and the spectacular Ngilgi Cave. It’s also the gateway to the scenic (and delicious) Margaret River wine region, in case you need one more reason to pack your bags.
-
- Dunsborough’s median house price is 49% cheaper than Sydney and 33% cheaper than Melbourne*.
And that’s just a few of the many wonderful places Australia has to live and holiday. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
*Source: Domain State of the Market Report, September 2017
Invest in travel!