What is a tree change and is it right for you?

Estimated reading time
 5 min

Learn all about

• Common reasons people opt for a tree change
• 4 ways you can be financially ready for a tree change
• The mere exposure effect and how to avoid it

Did you know that around 28% of Aussies live in regional, remote, or very remote areas?^disclaimer

If you’re in that group, either you were born and raised in a regional town and decided to stay, or you’ve uprooted your city or suburban lifestyle for a tree change.

You might’ve heard of a sea change – when someone chooses to move closer to the coast. But what is a tree change? A tree change is basically a move away from the city in favour of a regional, remote, or very remote area.

So, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, and a breath of fresh country air, we’re going explore what you need to know about tree changes so we can help you get packed up and ready for your next adventure.

Why do people choose a tree change?

Affordable housing

A big driver behind a tree change for many people is housing affordability. You might be able to buy a home and plot of land in a regional area for the same price as a small apartment in a crowded city. This is why people who want to escape city life might choose the country rather than the bay. Houses in these areas are often more affordable than their coastal counterparts – plus they can sometimes come with less tourists.

There’s also a strong demand for rentals in these areas, so buying an investment property in a regional, remote or very remote area might be a smart way to diversify your investment portfolio.

Hybrid working arrangements

As remote or hybrid working arrangements are more common across a range of industries, moving to a regional area doesn’t have to mean finding a new job. Living near a train station can help make hybrid arrangements a breeze.

The lifestyle

Regional living often comes with less traffic and pollutants in the air, wider streets and larger block sizes for new and growing families. And you can immerse yourself in nature with easy access to bushland or the beach.

4 ways to be financially ready for a tree change

1. Make a savings goal

Whether it’s putting aside a set amount every week or opening a dedicated high interest earning savings account (or both!), it’s important to have clear steps to achieve your goal.

Some of the main moving costs you might encounter are:

• Packing materials and removalists.
• Disconnecting and connecting utilities at your new place.
• Storage or temporary accommodation – if your settlement or lease agreements don’t perfectly align, you’ll need somewhere to store your belongings (and yourselves!) in the interim.
• Care for kids or pets.
• New furniture or appliances.
• Cleaning and repair costs.

The ANZ savings calculator can help map out how much you’ll need to save each week or month, so you can work towards your specific goals.

2. Budget for your future lifestyle

While you might be moving to a location that’s within your home-buying budget, it’s important to consider how the lifestyle change will affect your future finances.

For some, moving to a regional area could result in a higher cost of living. This can be due to increases in travel for work or certain services, paying more for groceries because there’s only one supermarket, or using more energy to stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

On the flip side, you might end up saving money thanks to more affordable housing – think a smaller mortgage or rental payments. Either way, it’s good to be prepared for the financial changes your new adventure might bring. Start by researching the cost of living in the area you’re about to call home, then build your future budget around that.

  Hot tip:

Investigate money-saving options like shopping at the local farmer’s markets for produce, scheduling city-based activities on the same day to reduce travel time, and setting up a space for entertaining guests so you won’t always need to head into town to catch up.

3. Secure your work

Before you settle into your shiny new tree-lined life, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve secured work.

If you work for a big corporation, see if you can negotiate to work in a regional office or work remotely instead. Alternatively, look for jobs that are available within your industry in your new area, and apply for those opportunities ahead of the move.

4. Investigate your transport options

Moving to a regional, remote or very remote area means that you’ll most likely need to have a set of wheels to help you get around. It’s important to factor this into your budget and savings goals and see what type of car-buying options are available.

Already own a car? Make sure to budget for the increased cost of petrol or look at other options for getting around town or to work. For example, many regional areas have a train that runs straight to the city.

Avoid falling for the mere exposure effect

Picture this: After a lot of thinking and planning, you’ve uprooted your city lifestyle for a tree change. You’re settling in well, but the lifestyle is very different to what you’re used to. Perhaps you miss certain aspects of your city life – the hustle and bustle, the busy lifestyle, even the overpriced Friday night pub food.

This mentality is what we call the mere exposure effect, which is our preference for what’s familiar to us. Often, when we miss aspects of our old environment, it’s because of repeated exposure. When it comes to a tree change, it can be difficult to break this cycle of what’s familiar.

To reduce the impact, think back to why you moved in the first place. If it was for a lifestyle change, reflect on your health and wellbeing and whether it’s improved. At the end of the day, you’ve chosen a tree change for a reason, so it’s important to remind yourself of that when that city craving comes creeping up.