Living the Lifestyle

Lifestyle properties are coveted for their serene rural settings that provide ample space and privacy. Despite the additional upkeep required for lifestyle properties, the advantages they offer help to clarify their widespread appeal and high demand even in slower markets.

The recent events have prompted many prospective homebuyers to reconsider their living arrangements, with a greater emphasis on factors like lifestyle, environment, and community spirit. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the shift towards remote work, the appeal of living on a lifestyle property has grown significantly. The tranquil rural setting and the ample space and privacy that lifestyle properties offer have become more desirable than ever before, especially for those seeking respite from the stresses of city life.

Moreover, with the advent of flexible work arrangements, more and more people are working from home part or all of the week, making the prospect of living on a lifestyle property even more attractive. The peaceful surroundings and slower pace of life can provide the perfect balance to the fast-paced nature of modern work life. Additionally, the strong sense of community that often comes with living in rural areas can provide a supportive and welcoming environment for individuals and families alike.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of food production, packaging, and transportation. As a result, many people are now interested in growing their own produce, reducing their food miles, and supporting local farmers. This trend has made lifestyle properties with space for a vegetable patch or small orchard all the more appealing.

Moreover, the past few years have seen a resurgence of community spirit, with lifestyle property owners forming local produce-swap groups. These groups provide an opportunity for individuals to share their excess produce, reduce food waste, and build relationships with their neighbors. This sense of community is especially important for those who have moved to rural areas from urban centers, where people often live in isolation.

Larger lifestyle properties also offer the opportunity for grazing animals, such as sheep, cows, or horses. However, buyers must be aware of any covenants or restrictions that may limit the number or type of animals they can have on their property. Some areas may also restrict what you can build on the land, or what activities you can undertake, so it's important to do your due diligence before making a purchase.

One of the unique advantages of lifestyle properties is the abundance of space they offer, which often allows for multiple dwellings on a single section. This feature can be particularly attractive for blended families or those seeking additional income. Lifestyle properties have become increasingly popular for extended families who want to pool their resources to purchase a property. With multiple dwellings on the same section, each family can have their own space and privacy, while still enjoying the benefits of communal living.

Overall, the abundance of space and multiple dwelling options that lifestyle properties offer can provide a harmonious living environment for blended families and young adults living at home. It also provides an opportunity for families to enter the lifestyle property market, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of rural living while maintaining their independence and privacy.

Recent times have caused many individuals to re-evaluate their lifestyles, and with the rise of remote work, there is a growing interest in living on a lifestyle property. The combination of the surrounding environment, community spirit, and flexibility that the extra space offers make rural living all the more appealing.

If you’re considering a move into the lifestyle market, consider the following:

• Do your groundwork. Find out what living on a larger lifestyle property does involve.

• Before you purchase a property, it is important to check the title to the property to see if there are any land covenants registered. The land covenants may contain restrictions, for example, on what you can build on the property and how you may use the property.

• Determine what’s important to you. For younger families, that might be schooling; for others it might mean a larger property with space to graze animals.

• What’s the commute into work?

• Lifestyle properties aren’t as plentiful as city listings so be patient.

Give Charlene a call today to discuss the lifestyle market and which part of the Waikato could be right for you.