Most buyers are looking beyond a single suburb when searching for their next home, according to a recent Trade Me Property survey.
The survey, which spoke to 1,953 people in May, found only 11% of buyers were searching in just one suburb. Meanwhile, 38% were looking across two to three suburbs, 30% were considering four to six suburbs and 16% were searching in seven suburbs or more.
The results suggest many buyers are taking a flexible approach in an effort to balance factors such as price, property type, commute times, school zones and lifestyle preferences.
While it’s natural for buyers to have a preferred location, casting a wider net can often create opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
The benefits and drawbacks of a wider search
One advantage of considering multiple suburbs is increased choice. Buyers may discover properties that offer better value, more land or features that would be unaffordable in their first-choice location.
A broader search can also reduce competition. Some suburbs attract intense buyer interest, while neighbouring areas may offer similar amenities with fewer competing purchasers.
However, there can be drawbacks. Researching multiple locations takes more time and can make decision-making more complex. Buyers may also find it harder to compare properties when they’re evaluating very different suburbs, demographics and price points.
For that reason, many successful buyers start with a clear understanding of their priorities. Knowing which features are essential and which are negotiable can help narrow the field and make comparisons easier.
Working with agents across different areas
Buyers don’t need to limit themselves to a single real estate agent when searching across multiple suburbs. Building relationships with agents in different locations can provide access to valuable local knowledge and early awareness of upcoming listings.
Agents often have insights into neighbourhood trends, buyer demand and pricing that aren’t always obvious from online listings alone.
Buyers should also communicate openly about their budget and requirements. Being clear about what they’re looking for helps agents identify suitable properties and can save time for everyone involved.
In a market where buyers generally have more choice than they did a few years ago, flexibility and good information can be powerful advantages.
Whether clients are searching in one suburb or several, understanding their borrowing capacity before they begin can make the process much smoother. Please feel free to pass our details on if a conversation would be helpful.
