Have you ever stood in a shop holding two or more similar products, trying to choose just one? You usually have an idea of what your ideal purchase will be. But if they’re all great, how do you choose?
Perhaps price pushes your decision. Or how they look. Or you might choose to try more than one in order to make a more informed decision in future.

When choosing a suburb to live in, we’re obviously talking about a much bigger decision. But moving to a suburb without any prior knowledge of the area is risky. That’s when you need to do your research. Real Estate and Domain are good places to start as they both offer suburb profiles for the Northern Beaches. These can help with the essentials, such as median price.

Doing your own, in person, research is also important. Spend time there. Is it bustling or quiet at weekends? (Think Manly versus Manly Vale.) Is there somewhere you can get a coffee or even breakfast on a Saturday morning? Is it within walking distance? Do you work from home and need somewhere you can feel connected through the week?

Take a walk around. Will you want somewhere you can spend plenty of outdoors time? Do you need beaches, playgrounds, playing fields, tennis courts, or a public swimming pool?

It can help to rank your priorities. Would you prefer to be close to the beach, rather than live in a large house or apartment? Is a stunning view from Collaroy Plateau more important than the style of the property itself?  Are you after a fashionable postcode? Think about how you live your life now. After all, we need to enjoy today! Your property can evolve with you and your needs over time.

Other influencing factors for you may include the local schools and/or day care centres, parking, commuter hubs, shops, restaurants, entertainment and health services (think Northern Beaches Hospital, medical centres etc). Somewhere with a large shopping mall nearby (think Westfield Warringah Mall, Brookvale) will also have good transport links.

Then there is the property type itself. You may find it easier to get what you want in certain suburbs. For example, Dee Why is big on apartment living, whereas Allambie Heights property types are predominantly houses.

The Northern Beaches are well-loved for the great outdoors lifestyle they can offer. So, think about whether you want to always be going to find the outdoors: at the beach, the park or Reserve. As an example, Manly Dam offers some great alternatives to the beach, especially for those who love walking and cycling. Or, do you sometimes want to be able to let the children or dogs run around the garden – without having to always walk or drive somewhere? That will determine the property type you want and where it’s most likely to be located within your chosen suburb.

Are you looking for a community to become a part of? The Northern Beaches has plenty of heart. There are some variations from suburb to suburb. For example, Manly has a more transient population – either those travelling or here on temporary visas. On the flip side, Curl Curl properties can be hard to come by, because locals love it and stay!

And if you really can’t decide where you want to be long-term, then renting might be the right choice for you. Use the time to explore your suburb and its surrounding areas. Hopefully you’ll fall in love, and eventually even buy.

At Schwarz we know every stage of your property journey is important. We’ll be there to help you with advice, support and encouragement when you need it.