ASK THE EXPERT: COASTAL LIVING

WHO BETTER TO ASK ABOUT SEASIDE LIVING THAN A LOCAL? EVEN BETTER IF IT’S A LOCAL WHO KNOWS THE AREA AS INTIMATELY AS AN EXPERT IN PROPERTY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has expanded to Queensland with the first office in the state opening in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. We ask Danelle Wiseman, Principal of BHGRE Caloundra for her tips on making a sea change.

WE WANT A SEA CHANGE. WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?

Danelle: I cheated a little and did a ‘try before you buy’ 30 years ago. I loved it so much, I made the move permanent. Life is certainly different by the coast. It’s a slower pace, more relaxing and a great lifestyle. For the first five years I felt like I was on holiday every day. In terms of career prospects, tourism and retail are the biggest employers in most coastal precincts, often followed by construction, hospitality and closely then by real estate. If you are retiring, look to see if there will be medical facilities nearby and what public transport is like – both important considerations as we age. The Sunshine Coast is so well equipped to make new friends, with active community groups for all ages from youth groups to surf lifesaving, mums’ groups, to men’s sheds, crafts and cards.