Wentriro says public transport, schools, cafes, shops and health services tend to be at the top of many buyers’ wishlists.
If your shortlist includes newer suburbs, he says buyers should look at government planning websites to see what new infrastructure will be delivered in the next five or so years.
Short, medium or long term?
Leske says a key question to ask is, “How long am I going to be here for?”
“Most of my clients say 20 years, so it’s a long-term proposition,” she says. “That means you need to consider what’s likely to happen [in your household] in the medium to long term.”
Many of us grow attached to our neighbourhood and will upsize and downsize within a limited area, so it helps to get the basics right from the get-go. As a young couple with no kids, schools might not be on your radar, but if marriage and a family is looking likely, you’ll want to factor this in to your suburb choice.
“What you need at the age of 40 compared to the age of 60 or 70 is different,” says Wentriro. “But people can live in one suburb their whole lives so they’re looking for that one-stop [solution].”
Finding your tribe
It’s common to want to live near like-minded folks, says Wentriro.
If you’re an artist or musician, you might seek out an artistic community. If you’re raising a family, you’ll probably benefit from living close to other families. If you’re retired you may like to have other retirees within easy reach, and if you’ve recently migrated from another country you might enjoy putting down roots in a suburb that already caters to your cultural needs.
Of course, some buyers are searching for true diversity and may concentrate their search in inner-city areas that are home to a broad mix of residents.
Leske says if buyers are confused or overwhelmed as they work their way through potential suburbs, there’s nothing like a local to provide on-the-ground knowledge.
“Once somebody has lived in a suburb and they’re happy there, they become a great referral for that area,” she says.
How to choose a suburb when buying a home
- Set a budget based on how much you can borrow.
- Browse suburbs with median prices that fall within your budget.
- Determine your priorities based on your lifestyle and life stage.
- Plan ahead by thinking about how your needs may change in the future.
- Find a community that caters to your needs.