However, shopping for a home in regional Victoria, where most homes change hands by private sale rather than auction, poses different challenges to buying in the city, reports REIV, as it's not only about buying the right house, but about buying into a community which is right for you.

With homes more affordable in regional areas, REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo says an increasing number of Melburnians are choosing to move out of the city to not only save money but to achieve a more relaxed lifestyle.

“While the legislative requirements are the same throughout Victoria, with would-be buyers still provided with the Section 32 document and contract of sale, there are questions buyers should ask and points to consider which may not apply in Melbourne,” he says. “Crucial for those planning to commute are transport links: Is there a nearby station and regular train services which are convenient to your work? If you missed the train, would driving and paying for parking be the only alternative? If the station is not within walking distance, is there a bus or would it be necessary to drive?

“Schooling, too, is crucial for those with young families. Are both a primary and secondary school available? If not, how long is the journey that your child would face each day and is there a school bus?”

He says that while some families moving out of the city know their destination either through it being the location for regular holidays or because they are moving closer to family; for those starting out in a new place, getting to know the area and the local facilities is a must, particularly if you are accustomed to an active social life and community involvement.

“If you are a regular moviegoer, where is the nearest cinema complex? Are there local social clubs and activities you could join?”  

He adds that for parents who are at home with young children, it is also important to research community support networks, such as a local parents’ group and family health services.  

“Introduce yourself to those in local businesses such as the post office, the grocery store and, of course, the real estate agency,” Mr Raimondo says. “Their local knowledge can help you decide whether this is the right town for you.

“The move to a regional centre can offer quality of life and, for those on a tight budget, a better home than one that could be purchased in Melbourne. As increasing numbers of young families from the city have sought this ’tree change’, more facilities have opened up in regional towns and centres, catering for particular lifestyle demands.”    

He says it is crucial for people planning to move to a new region to consider the services and amenities on offer in that location.

“If it doesn’t tick all the boxes, consider the other lifestyle advantages it has to offer and how well you could adjust if you had to compromise on your wish list,” Mr Raimondo says.