No longer the preserve of downsizers and retirees, sea and tree change lifestyles have become an increasingly popular and affordable option for families and first-home buyers seeking an escape from the urban grind.
City buyers are continuing to flock to the regions in search of affordable homes and job opportunities, with capital city residents moving to the regions outnumbering people moving in the opposite direction by 31%, according to the latest Regional Movers Index.
Migration out of the capitals now accounts for the second highest share since the end of the pandemic in 2022.
According to Vanessa Rader, Head of Research at Ray White, the post-Covid shift has seen younger buyers gravitate towards coastal and regional towns offering not just lifestyle appeal, but improved access to medical and educational infrastructure.
“Schooling options in particular have improved along the coast and in regional hotspots to cater for a growing population of families, which historically only needed to service much smaller communities,” she said.
City buyers are continuing to move to the regions at pace. Picture: realestate.com.au
Along with securing the right property at the right price, Ms Rader said insurance is a key consideration before making the move.
“Coastal properties in particular are more exposed to corrosion and maintenance can be more expensive due to limited access to trades,” she said. “Whether you’re by the water or inland, upkeep costs are often higher than many buyers anticipate, so it’s something to factor in early.”
Here are some of the most sought-after sea and tree change locations where you can still snap up a quaint country cottage or beach home for less than $1 million.
NSW: Yamba vs Orange
Touted as the next Byron Bay, Yamba has emerged as one of NSW’s premier sea change destinations since COVID, prized for its pristine beaches, iconic surf breaks and an increasingly sophisticated dining scene.
Moments from the sand and town centre, this idyllic two-bedroom timber cottage captures the essence of Yamba living, blending rustic coastal charm with timeless style. It also features a separate studio ideal as a creative retreat, home office or guest accommodation.
54B Wooli Street, Yamba sits just moments from the water. Picture: realestate.com.au
Or for those drawn to a tree change, Orange delivers rural appeal without the isolation. Around three-and-a-half hours west of Sydney in the Central Tablelands, it’s one of the state’s largest regional centres, renowned for rolling countryside and a vibrant modern lifestyle.
28 Autumn Street, Orange is listed for $760,000 - $810,000, with dual income potential. Picture: realestate.com.au
Moments from the heart of town, this leafy retreat is a compelling alternative to a beach pad. Rich in historic character and enhanced by contemporary updates, it also features a self-contained residence, providing lucrative dual income potential.
Victoria: Inverloch vs Bendigo
How about the best of beachside living but with the laid-back feel of a small town? Consider Inverloch - an outstanding option just two hours from Melbourne in Victoria's popular Gippsland region.
26 Powlett Street, Inverloch is on the market for $625,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
A stroll from the town centre and beaches, 26 Powlett Street is a contemporary cottage flexing effortless style and relaxed alfresco spaces. With a guide of $625,000, it also represents exceptional value at around $200,000 below Inverloch’s median house price.
Alternatively, for a similar budget, is this stunning sanctuary on the edge of Bendigo CBD. Blending Victorian elegance with modern sophistication, it delivers the charm of country living with bustle of city convenience, just moments from the Bendigo Arts Precinct and dining strip.
24 Bridge Street, Bendigo is listed has a price guide of $650,000 - $699,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
Formerly a gold rush town, Bendigo has evolved into one of Victoria’s most sought-after regional centres and ideal for buyers wanting a taste of country life without sacrificing urban amenity.
Queensland: Agnes Water vs Highfields
A pristine coastal environment for nature lovers, Agnes Water is famous for being the first suburb in Queensland to witness the sunrise.
Offering the ultimate sea-change, 36 Woodrow Drive, Agnes Water is on the market $975,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
If this sounds like the perfect sea change, you could snap up this four-bedroom architectural retreat for $975,000. Offering sublime living zones and sweeping views across golden beaches, Bustard Head, and the historic village of 1770, every day will feel like a holiday.
Prefer the country lifestyle? Just a short drive north of Toowoomba along the New England Highway is Highfields - a blooming community with beautiful parks, delightful walking tracks, cafes and an historic village.
This Highfields home is listed for well below the suburb's median house price. Picture: realestate.com.au
Accepting offers over $950,000 - well below Highfields’ $1.38m median - this contemporary 3-bedroom stunner offers exceptional value in a great location. Built in 2022, it’s designed for effortless living, with open plan living flowing seamlessly to a north-facing terrace.
South Australia: Seaford Meadows vs Mount Barker
Just 30-40 minutes south of Adelaide CBD, Christies Beach has long been a go-to for affordable coastal living. Alternatively, just across the Onkaparinga River, the often-overlooked Seaford Meadows offers comparable value with easy access to Southport Beach.
11 Durham Street, Seaford Meadows offers an affordable entry point to the suburb, listed for $800,000 - $880,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
This modern and stylish three-bedroom home presents an excellent entry point into the Seaford Meadows market, combining low-maintenance living with versatility suited to young families, professionals and downsizers alike.
For those seeking a tree change without straying far from the coast, the rolling countryside and thriving township of Mount Barker is located just over 30km west of Seaford Meadows.
This brand new home at 21 Oaken Street, Mount Barker is on the market. Picture: realestate.com.au
Stylishly finished and equipped with modern conveniences, this brand-new designer home presents an outstanding turnkey opportunity. It’s also eligible for the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant and comes with full stamp duty relief for significant savings.
Perth: Busselton vs Margaret River
Perth has no shortage of beachside suburbs, but for those seeking a true escape from the hustle, Busselton offers a more relaxed sea change lifestyle. Renowned for its turquoise waters and the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, it blends affordability and tourism appeal with a vibrant local community.
8 Stables Lane, Busselton sits just moments from the iconic Busselton Jetty. Picture: realestate.com.au
Within walking distance of the iconic Busselton Jetty is this affordable opportunity – a modest yet modern 3-bedroom home with open plan living and sublime alfresco entertaining bathed in north-east sunshine. With an asking price above $875,000, it sits comfortably below Busselton’s median of $1.06 million.
Pining for a tree change without giving up the coast? Margaret River delivers the best of both worlds, pairing world-class beaches with rolling vineyards and forested landscapes - ideal for those seeking a coastal-hinterland lifestyle. It also boasts a thriving food and wine scene.
33 Tingle Avenue, Margaret River is on the market for offers above $875,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
Priced around $900,000, this superb three-bedroom sanctuary brings that sea-and-tree change within reach. Modern, stylish and low maintenance, it’s also within easy walking distance of schools, parks and town amenities.
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