Escape from the city

Home could be a $100,000 cheapie for workers who are no longer tied to an office

- Pam Walkley

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a new wave of inquiries from people interested in moving from capital cities to regional areas, according to real estate agents.

The pandemic has meant a lot of people experienced working from home virtually full time for the first time and many found it beneficial. More than 80% of people say the experience has had a positive impact on the way they think about work-life flexibility and how they manage it, according to a survey by the NBN. Additionally, and critically, 67% say they expect to work from home more after this is all over.

If working from home does become the new norm for many, it opens up the areas where people can live and still hold down a job. It means you might even be able to consider buying a real cheapie for $100,000 or less.

Our desire to live close to work is a major reason our cities are so crowded and house prices are so expensive – indeed, too expensive for lots of us.