How To Sea Change On The Surf Coast

The Surf Coast has become one of Australia’s leading sea change destinations.

Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the local population of Torquay and Jan-Juc swelled 35.2%, and much of this growth came in the form of sea changers moving to our part of the world.

So who exactly are these buyers? What are they looking for? And, if you’re thinking of sea changing to the Surf Coast, how do you go about it effectively? We explore everything you need to know about seeking a new lifestyle on the Surf Coast.

Who are today’s sea changers?

The Surf Coast has long been a popular destination for sea changers. In fact, much of the late 90s TV Show that spawned the phrase ‘sea change’ in the first place was filmed at nearby Barwon Heads.

But sea changing has, well, changed a lot since Laura Gibson (Sigrid Thornton) left her job as a city lawyer to take up residence in the fictional town of Pearl Beach. Today’s sea changers aren’t usually escaping their work and career at all – they’re relocating and either working from home or telecommuting. That way, they get a more relaxed lifestyle while still being able to work interesting, high-powered, usually city-based jobs. It really is the best of both worlds.

For this reason, a lot of sea changers are professionals who, to some extent, don’t need to be in an office to perform their work. Others are business owners, many of whom do most of their work online.

Most of today’s sea changers aren’t starting out in their careers – although some are. But they’re not usually at the end of their careers either. Many are still working full-time, often with children of school age, who want a better, more relaxed life for their family. Thanks to technology and flexible working, they can now actually provide it. These sea changers have spawned themselves a new label: e-changers.

This is reflected in the fact that Census data reveals between 2016 and 2021, the age groups that added the most residents to the Torquay – Jan Juc urban centre were adults aged between 35 and 54, as well as children aged between 10 and 14.

The Surf Coast’s popularity as a sea change destination

The reason the Surf Coast has become so popular is that it has all the ingredients of a quality sea change destination. We have some of the best beaches on the planet, including the globally famous Bells Beach, as well as all the relaxed and calm living that goes with life by the ocean. We also have great cafes, bars, restaurants and shops – people moving here don’t miss a beat when it comes to enjoying the best the city has to offer too.

For sea changers, the Surf Coast also offers great access to both Melbourne and Geelong. It’s only just over an hour to travel to the Melbourne CBD when you need to. Avalon airport is also only half an hour away, meaning that we’re physically connected to the world despite our peaceful location. Thanks to the NBN we’re also digitally connected too.

Finally, for the sea changers with children, the Surf Coast also has great local schools, and Geelong’s independent schools are only half an hour away.

How to sea change the right way

We’ve been fortunate enough to see so many buyers move to our area for a sea change, and we’ve witnessed those who’ve done it well and those who haven’t. Here are our tips for sea changing on the Surf Coast.

1. Take your time to get it right

Moving to the Surf Coast should be a life-defining moment for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones. Make sure you do your research on where you want to be and the type of property that suits you before leaping. Ask us if you need help.

2. Think about your main priorities

For instance, how often will you need to travel, and how will this impact where you live? For instance, if you’re commuting every day, the extra 10 minutes from the Melbourne CBD that it takes to get to Anglesea may make Torquay a better option. (That’s 20 minutes saved each day). If you’re not travelling so often for work, however, this probably won’t factor into your decision-making at all.

3. Make sure you have everything you need

A strong and reliable internet connection is usually a must if you’re still working, as is good mobile reception. Beyond that, if you’re working from home, you need to make sure you have enough space for that to happen.

4. Speak with people who’ve done it before

If you don’t know anyone who’s made the move, get in touch. I’ve been privileged to sell so many homes to sea changers over the past couple of years and can put you in touch with someone who has gone through a very similar move to the one you’re considering.

5. Visit a lot of open homes

The best way to get a sense of what life might be like on the Surf Coast is actually to visit the properties for sale. Map out what your life would look like in them – how far is it from the shops? How far are your activities? And how far to work (if you still need to travel to it)?

6. Consider trying before you buy

If you’re not 100% convinced, you can always try before you buy and rent somewhere on the Surf Coast to see whether it’s for you. Get in touch to find out what rental properties are available right now.

7. Get involved and put down roots

The secret to moving anywhere, and settling in, is to build great relationships in your new community. Join a group, meet your neighbours, volunteer, say “hello”, or connect at the local cafe. Try basketball, drop into the Anglesea Football and Netball club, visit the friendly RSL, or get involved with bowls. We can’t wait to meet you.

Further information?

If you’re interested in making a sea change to Victoria’s Surf Coast, contact me for further information.