Real-Life Brady Bunch Family Upgrade Home and Kids Reap Future Reward

“We want the kids to be able to stay at home for as long as they can to save and go straight into the property market, rather than rent,” Tara said.

With the cost of living at an all-time high and property prices on the rise, the pair believe that providing their children with a head start will allow them to save and enter the property market with a deposit by the time they reach their mid-20s.

“If by 25 or 26 years of age, they have saved a deposit and can go out and buy their own home, it will ultimately be better for us and for them, compared to getting into the rental market and struggling to save enough to buy their first home,” Rhys said.

“When I was growing up, it was common for children to leave the home at 18 but times have changed and it is increasingly difficult for young people to enter the property market, especially when they’re also trying to stay afloat with current rental prices. If the option is there and we can offer the opportunity to live with us for as long as possible so they can set up for their future, it’s a win-win.”

The couple both bought and built their own houses respectively and have seen firsthand the need to be smart about purchases and buying within budget. The biggest tip the couple can give to prospective first-home buyers and those entering the property market is to start.

“You have to get into the market. I know it’s not great right now, but you have to. The frustrating thing, particularly for first home buyers, is getting the initial deposit when they’re already paying upwards of $600 per week in rent, when that could be going towards a mortgage,” Rhys said.

“I bought my first house when I was young in a not-so-favourable suburb at the time. My advice is to buy where you can afford, be realistic with your budget, and don’t be afraid to move further out. You just need to get started.”

Self-proclaimed as the real-life Brady Bunch family, Tara and Rhys decided to leave their current home to upgrade to a larger block and house within the Hillside development, set amongst approximately 40 hectares of nature, open space and waterway corridors in the Sunshine Coast’s peaceful and relaxed Mooloolah Valley.

“As soon as we drove past, we knew this was where we needed to be and within a week, had purchased the block,” Rhys said.

“It has that rural feel but you’re only 25 minutes from Caloundra and so close to the highway, it just made sense. It’s a much better environment for the kids and that was our primary goal. You have the bushland, the tracks and all those amenities around the estate, it’s the perfect location.”

Set in natures playground in the heart of the picturesque Mooloolah Valley landscape, Hillside, an Urbex community, has recently delivered two new land releases offering large family lots from 710m2 to a spacious 1,719m2 at an average price of $598,452*.

Nestled within 40 hectares of pristine nature and open space, the newest Treeline Land Release and Ridgeline Premium Land Release offer an opportunity to create your own slice of paradise on the Sunshine Coast.

The Treeline Land Release showcases 23 new homesites, ranging from 710m2 to 805m2 and provides a mix of spacious lots offering tranquillity and privacy for buyers seeking a serene retreat.

The Ridgeline Premium Land Release hosts 13 expansive homesites spanning from 1,000m2 to an extraordinary 1,719m2 of prime elevated land, offering a sense of exclusivity amidst natural surroundings with breathtaking vistas.

The homesites start from $545,000* to $680,000*.

For more information, please visit: www.hillsidemooloolahvalley.com.au

Published: The Courier Mail 06/04/2024 ‘Affordability Pain Fuels Insane Gains: The Parents Who Want to Keep Their Nest Bustling’ (Print)