The tree change dream

It’s the great Australian dream – a vacant block of land away from the city that’s your own private retreat.

With more and more Australians seeking a tree change, buying a vacant blog in a regional or rural WA is becoming increasingly popular.

But what do you do once you’ve found the perfect path of land? How do you go about creating your rural retreat?

Here are the considerations you need to make.

Lifestyle

When making a tree change, it is important to ask yourself – will the area suit your lifestyle needs?

Assess the lifestyle you are looking for and whether your new location will be able to offer that.

Land use

Before signing on the dotted line, do your research about surrounding properties and the zoning that applies.

Local planning scheme regulations should state the rules for land use on surrounding properties which industries can legitimately operate next door.

It’s important to understand what impact they may have on your property and whether it could potentially disrupt your plans for a quiet rural retreat.

Water

What water sources are available?

Identifying a source of potable water is essential as it could determine where about on the property you build your home and will inform your budget as to what infrastructure you need to put in place to move water around your property.

Utilities

Part of making the move away from the city is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, but when it comes to the basics, you’ll still need a source of power for electricity, internet, phone connections etc. This should be factored into your budget.

Housing type

Building a property is a big but exciting undertaking so its important to ensure you’re well prepared.

When planning your home it’s important to think about what you will be using your home for. Is it it to live in permanently or is it a holiday home?

This will help you determine what type of home design will best suit your needs.

Remember that local council areas will have different rules and regulations for building property depending on the location. In some cases, this may influence your home design.

From Fremantle to the Darlington Forest

Paul and Michal are a fun-loving couple who enjoy their fitness and outdoor activities which led them from Fremantle to a secluded block in the the Darlington forest.

“I’ve always had this war in myself of loving the rural lifestyle but loving culture as well,” Michal said.

When we were approached by Paul and Michal, they had specific ideas in mind of what they wanted to achieve.

“We want lots of windows and a view down our site.”

Michal said she had visions of sitting in the bath surrounded by luscious trees while Paul wanted his very own man cave to tinker.

“We will holiday by the ocean for a couple of weeks every year, whereas if we were living by the ocean we would be seeking this as a holiday.”