From affordability to lifestyle: Why Bendigo should be on every first home buyer’s radar
Are you a young adult living in Victoria and looking for a place to call home?
If so, you might want to consider Bendigo! With the rise of blended working arrangements, more and more people are choosing to live the convenient country lifestyle, and Bendigo is the perfect place for that.
‘Bendigo is only 90 minutes away from Melbourne but has all the amenities of a big city at hand,’ says our local building expert and Homebuyers Centre New Homes Consultant, Alex McLean.
While the land was scarce for a period in the region, we’re seeing many more estates and developments open.
‘In most cases, titles are available very quickly after land releases, and many blocks are released with titles already provided. It’s always best to make a move quickly to choose your perfect block,’ explains Alex.
To help you decide if making the move to Bendigo is right for you, we’ve put together your go-to cheat sheet for building in the region.
The Bendigo locations that matter
While estates in Bendigo were once created with a specific buyer in mind, now the location is about availability and affordability. Luckily, there’s plenty of variety in lot sizes and prices, so there’s always a way to make it work within your budget.
‘You have Huntly to the north of Bendigo, Marong & Maiden Gully on the western side, and then Strathfieldsaye to the east – all are experiencing new developments and releases of land with block sizes and prices at varying amounts to cater for all buyers,’ advises Alex.
Trending floorplans
When it comes to home designs, the options are plenty. ‘Our Edison 19 perfectly suits a smaller block and has been exceptionally popular for owner-occupiers and investors. It’s the ultimate chameleon because its flexibility and design options can suit all different lifestyles,’ says Alex.
‘The open kitchen / living / dining at the rear of the house is the perfect viewing ground for a lovely, country backyard – the best place to have your morning coffee and listen to the birds.’
Another great single storey option is the larger four-bedroom Willow 25, which is on display in Kangaroo Flat. ‘It’s been very popular for families looking to build a home to live in long-term,’ explains Alex.
Are you sitting on a smaller block of land with an amazing view?
A double storey floorplan such as the Empire family is extremely popular, says Alex.
‘We work collaboratively with you to understand your lifestyle needs. The result is a new home that’s created specifically for you and that has all the modern fixtures and sustainability requirements that might otherwise not come with an established property.’
Façades that give you an edge
A high-end traditional façade is a go-to when building in Bendigo but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for more modern, architectural styles.
‘The Elmer façade with its three tall windows to the front has been exceptionally popular, as has the Bromleigh with the larger porch design. To really stand out on the street though, and for those looking for something special, the Emerson or the Shoreline façades are a real highlight,’ says Alex.
Make a long-term investment
When searching for your next investment opportunity, have you thought about the option of building in Bendigo?
‘Bendigo has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Victoria, so if you’re planning on investing locally, or even turning a new home into an investment in the future, Bendigo is an incredibly safe option,’ explains Alex.
Development of civic services, railway stations, childcare centres, medical clinics, and supermarkets will only add value to your home down the track.
‘Bendigo’s suburbs have also been listed many times in the leading 10 suburbs for property price growth, including Huntly which took out the #1 spot in 2021. The population is expected to increase by another 13,000 over the next 10 years, but this could happen even quicker with more development coming for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It’s the perfect time to start your journey!’ says Alex.
Other Regional Guides
Ballarat: The perfect blend of urban convenience and small-town charm for first home buyers
Unlock the Door to Your First Home in Geelong
Why you Should Build Your Dream Home in the Thriving Gippsland Region
What to expect from the Bendigo lifestyle
The best part of Bendigo? It’s connectivity. Public transport options are diverse and convenient (even in the newer estates), so you are only ever 15 minutes from the town centre – all while being within a short drive to key amenities.
‘Bendigo is still close enough to Melbourne for daily commuting by rail or car while being priced significantly less than the metro regions,’ reiterates Alex.
‘With a vibrant restaurant, entertainment, sporting and social scene, renowned art galleries, performance venues, and tourist or heritage ventures, Bendigo has become a focal point for Regional Victorians to live and work in.’
What’s more, Bendigo is currently investing in facilities you may not get in the city. Think the new Bendigo Hospital, comprehensive study facilities at the local La Trobe University campus, and easy access to expansive bushlands and reserves.
The country community is also guaranteed to lower your stress levels while you remain connected and enjoy the convenience.
Build mindsets to avoid
Bendigo is a fantastic investment, so treat it like one. Ensure you’re budgeting for both your home design and the land, and that your budget covers your lifestyle needs.
‘There are a few suburbs in Bendigo that have been developed for many years that look attractive to people just starting, but often are priced much higher than newer developments in other suburbs,’ says Alex.
‘It’s not uncommon to focus on a particular part of Bendigo and avoid the rest when doing research. I love to shine a light on different parts of town and help you see the potential of everything around us.’
Another common mistake to avoid is purchasing land before speaking to a builder.
‘Because of our rich gold mining history, several developments have sprung up in areas formerly used for prospecting, but this can lead to much higher site costs or even the need to look at expensive custom builders to suit the land. Make sure you speak with a builder like Homebuyers Centre first to ensure that any land we look at will not only fit your budget but also suit what your desires are for your home,’ advises Alex.
Final words of wisdom
‘Bendigo is a fantastic place, one I’m proud to live in and raise a family in. I’d love to meet you and show you what can be yours, and help you realise your dream of building your own home in the goldfields!’
Are you ready to make the move to Bendigo or looking to invest in the Bendigo property market?
Now is the time! Take a look at our home and land packages or visit our local expert Alex McLean at the Willow 25 display home at 173A High Street, Kangaroo Flat.