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From farm to town: best regional downsizers from $595k to $2.275 million

What properties work best for the big transition.
Jen Melocco, National Property News Director, ACMBy Jen Melocco, National Property News Director, ACM
You can have a bright new start by moving into town.

From farm to town: best regional downsizers from $595k to $2.275 million

What properties work best for the big transition.
Jen Melocco, National Property News Director, ACMBy Jen Melocco, National Property News Director, ACM

Downsizing from a family-size suburban home to a smaller house or apartment can be a big adjustment.

Making the move from a large working property to something more manageable in town, is something else altogether.

"We have farmers who have been use to stepping outside and having a thousand acres before seeing another neighbour," says McGrath agent Andrew Pellow, who is based in the NSW regional city of Wagga Wagga.

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"So the change is a big one."

This luxury home in the regional city of Wagga Wagga comes with a $2.275 million price tag.
This luxury home in the regional city of Wagga Wagga comes with a $2.275 million price tag. Credit: View

However, Mr Pellow has seen many make the transition successfully, particularly with those who have a clear idea of what they require to enjoy the next stage of their life.

Not surprisingly, space is a top requirement.

"If they are moving directly into town then the priority is for a place that is private and has a bit of space, or the illusion of space," Mr Pellow said.

Privacy such as this home in Wagga Wagga is a key attraction.
Privacy such as this home in Wagga Wagga is a key attraction. Credit: View

For those looking to come off the land a little earlier, a lifestyle property of 10 acres to 20 acres may be the choice.

"It depends what time of life it is that people decide to make the move," Mr Pellow said.

Those still in earlier retirement years may be willing to take on a larger property, while those who make the move later prefer to be in town and closer to facilities.

Manageable and well located, this home in Orange has a price guide of $1.6 million.
Manageable and well located, this home in Orange has a price guide of $1.6 million. Credit: View

"It depends what time of life it is that people decide to make the move," Mr Pellow said.

Those still in earlier retirement years may be willing to take on a larger property, while those who make the move later prefer to be in town and closer to facilities.

Healthcare is a priority, and larger regional cities that have hospitals and a wider choice in health services are an attractive option.

The interiors of the Orange home are top notch.
The interiors of the Orange home are top notch. Credit: View

Finding a lifestyle location, be it a home within walking distance of the centre of town and its shops and cafes, is also front of mind.

"A lot of these buyers are after lifestyle," Mr Pellow said.

"They like more of the high-end of pockets of town or a suburb with a lake or walking or recreation area.

There is a price guide of $1.6 million to $1.7 million for this home.
There is a price guide of $1.6 million to $1.7 million for this home. Credit: View

These pockets of green provide space and outdoors that many are use to on their properties.

Along with a nice house, the inclusion of a large shed on the property, or even the space to construct one is another big attraction.

This downsizer has a guide of $595,000 to $620,000.
This downsizer has a guide of $595,000 to $620,000. Credit: View

"Most of the time they've been on the farm for 50-odd years, and they like to bring some things in so a shed is key."

It is also an ideal place for retirement hobbies and tinkering away, when the pressures of running a farming business have subsided.

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