VIC Victoria South West recommendations (purchase for home)

Hi everyone,

I just spent the last 3-4 hours reading the many great posts here.

Intro:
I am from Singapore and am applying for Australia PR. I've lived in Melbourne for 7-8 years back in the early 1990s and have a house in Bulleen that is 15 years old by now and rented out to the same family since day one.

If I get my PR, some time next year, I will probably sell the Bulleen house and get something else.

I can work remotely so good internet is a must. My wife is a Chef + Baker so when we go there, she will look for something in the F&B biz.

Looking for:
I'm looking for a place that's
1. + - 30 mins drive to the CBD OR close to train / bus station to CBD - <90 mins,
2. Near (5-15 mins drive) to the beach / coast perhaps with views to the coast or CBD (if the land is high enough) OR
3. Near (walking or short cycle) some nature reserve / wetland etc.
4. Good schools for a boy and a girl (6 and 8 by the time we go over)
5. Close to town centre with shopping centre / supermarket etc will be good to have.

Budget:
6. Around lower end of $500k-$750k

7. Based on market upside potential and proximity, seems like South West suburbs like Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Laverton, etc are within $?

8. Also, any pros and cons to purchasing from one of those land + home launches e.g. Central Equity's Featherbrook project Featherbrook

9. In Singapore, because we are so small, it's common practice to call a real estate agent and have them shortlist properties based on your criteria. Do Aussie agents do the same thing or are they mainly only specialised in their own areas?

Any other alternatives, suggestions?

I really appreciate your time.

 

Keep the bulleen house unless u really need the money

 

Where did you live in the 90s and how familiar are you with Melbourne? Most Singaporeans would look at which schools they want their children to attend and then buy their homes accordingly. Are you particular about whether it is a private school or public school?

Good to make a trip here and explore the various suburbs and get a feel for the area, demographics, also don't assume what you know from the 90s.

You can also engage a buying agent to get more idea of where to buy. With real estate agents, you usually find your area first then engage with agents in that area.

Have you looked through www.realestate.com.au yet?

 

You are so smart or lucky to have not sold in Bulleen. I don't get your math as you were here in the 90's and you house is 15 years old. Did you build when you were overseas? Anyway you could probably buy 2 of the equivalent house in those suburbs you mention so if you want to downgrade lifestyle and put the money into an investment property or business then great. Both for pure capital gain and quality of life then stay in Bulleen.

The only thing about keeping/living Bulleen is you need to consider the implications of north east link on your property