Moving closer to family is something I'm seeing more and more at the moment.
Suburbs like Highton, Belmont, Geelong West, Herne Hill, and Manifold Heights, there's a real pull back into these areas. And it's not just about location. It's lifestyle, support, and making life easier.
A big driver behind it is people wanting to be closer to family and friends, especially ageing parents. We've almost gone from the "bank of mum and dad" to the "mum and dad childcare program" haha. But in all seriousness, it makes a difference.
With the cost of living where it is right now, especially childcare, families are leaning on that support more than ever. So the move isn't just emotional, it's practical.
Who's Making These Moves
What I'm also seeing is that these buyers aren't first home buyers. This is usually their second or third move.
They're stepping into areas with better schools, lifestyle, parks, walking tracks, cafes and everything that comes with those inner Geelong suburbs and they're thinking longer term.
Where People Can Get It Wrong
This is where I think people need to slow down and think about the plan.
Moving too often is expensive. Stamp duty alone adds up quickly, and a lot of people underestimate how much it costs over time.
Instead of buying something just for now, more families are looking at properties they can turn into their long-term home.
Buy well in a good location, then renovate, extend, and grow into it.
Why Loan Structure Matters
This is where your loan structure becomes really important.
If you know there's a chance you'll renovate or change the property, you need flexibility. One structure I talk through a lot is fixing a portion of the loan, for example 75% and keeping 25% variable.
The fixed portion gives you certainty around repayments
The variable portion gives you flexibility
If you've got equity from a previous property, or you plan to renovate, that variable split gives you room to move without locking yourself in.
Why Fixed Rates Are Back in the Conversation
I've had a lot of enquiries about fixed rates lately. In a time of uncertainty, people naturally look for something to fall back on.
Rates have moved a lot over the last couple of years, and people don't want to be exposed if things shift again. Having a fixed portion of the loan gives clarity and comfort, you know exactly what your repayment will be each month.
That's why a split loan works well in a lot of these situations. You get dependability on one side and flexibility on the other.
Not All Lenders Are the Same
This is a big one people don't realise.
Not all lenders are the same, and some don't do construction loans. There's no point locking in a great fixed rate with a lender that doesn't support your next step.
If your plan is to renovate or build, your lender needs to align with that. Otherwise, you may need to refinance later, which costs time and money.
What I'm Seeing Across Geelong
I'm seeing a lot of families move from Grovedale, Leopold, and Armstrong Creek into more established older suburbs where the focus is family help.
At the same time, there's still strong demand in Mount Duneed. People love the parklands, facilities, proximity to Geelong, the highway, and the Surf Coast. It's a great balance.
Final Thoughts
If you're making a move like this, it's not just about buying the next property. It's about having a proper plan, understanding how often you want to move, what you want the property to become, and making sure your loan supports that.
Getting the structure right upfront can save you a lot of money and stress down the track.
If you're thinking about making a move or want to understand how this could look for you, happy to run through it. Just a proper conversation around your options and what makes sense for your situation.
