It’s the age-old question — and a big one. Lauren Yeo, our founder and licensed buyers agent, breaks down the decision for you.
One of the most common questions I get as a Buyer’s Agent from couples, grey nomads, and families planning the big lap around Australia is this:
“Should we sell our home to travel… or should we rent it out and keep a foot in the property market?”
It’s a massive life decision — and these days, it’s not just an emotional one. With property prices in many parts of Australia growing well above 10% per year, stepping out of the market entirely can have long-term financial consequences.
But so can holding on to a home you can’t afford to maintain while travelling.
So let’s break it down — the real costs, the real options, and the smartest ways to keep some form of property ownership while you’re travelling around Australia.
🏠 Why Maintaining Property Ownership While Travelling Is a No-Brainer (If You Can Afford It)
In the current market, staying in the property game in any form — whether that’s your own home or an investment property — is incredibly valuable.
Even if you aren’t living in the home while you’re travelling Australia, that property is working in the background. It’s building:
- equity
- capital growth
- long-term wealth
- borrowing power for future upgrades or investments
For many people, this can literally make or break their financial position when they return from their trip.
But — and it’s a real catch — this only works if you can genuinely afford to hold the property while on the road.
🚐 Travelling Australia Can Be Expensive — But There Are Ways to Offset the Cost
Let’s be honest: doing the lap isn’t cheap. Fuel, caravan park fees, maintenance, unexpected repairs, food, and the occasional splurge can add up quickly.
But thousands of Aussies travel full-time by working on the road.
You can offset costs through:
- seasonal farm work
- caravan park management
- online or remote jobs
- hospitality and tourism roles
- trades and labouring work
- content creation or freelance work
This can be the difference between being forced to sell your home… and being able to keep your foot firmly on the property ladder while you explore the country.
❌ When Selling the Family Home Might Make Sense
Some travellers simply don’t want the stress of renting out their own home.
Others want a clean slate, fewer responsibilities, or they need the capital to fund their trip.
Selling your home can be a great option if:
- you don’t want tenants living in your personal space
- you need the money to fund the trip
- the property needs significant repairs
- your long-term plans include relocating anyway
But selling doesn’t have to mean stepping out of property altogether.
🏡 Option: Buy an Investment Property Instead
If you don’t love the idea of strangers in your family home, there’s a clever workaround:
Sell your home → buy an investment property → travel → let the tenant pay down your asset.
This strategy allows you to:
- stay in the property market
- choose a low-maintenance, tenant-friendly home
- buy in a high-growth location (not just your current suburb)
- potentially achieve positive cashflow to help fund your travels
Right now, in many high-growth regional areas, this approach is paying off beautifully for travellers who want financial security without the emotional baggage of renting out their own home.
🛠️ Option: Buy a Property with Space for Your Caravan (Shed + Yard + Parking)
This is a seriously underrated strategy — and one I personally love.
Buy a home you can rent out BUT keep part of the block separate for yourself.
Depending on council regulations, you may be able to:
- fence off a section
- build a shed
- install power and water
- create a safe space to store your caravan
- use it as a base between travelling stints
You get:
- rental income
- capital growth
- a home base
- secure caravan parking
- flexibility to travel whenever you want
It’s one of the best hybrid property-travelling strategies available.
(Important: Always check council regulations before planning this.)
💡 So… What’s the “Best” Option?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But here’s the simplest way to break it down:
If you can afford to hold property while travelling — do it.
Any property. Your home or an investment. Just stay in the market.
If you can’t — selling and reshuffling your strategy may still be a smart move, especially if it allows you to:
- buy a cheaper investment property instead
- reduce financial pressure
- start your travels now (because later isn’t guaranteed)
🌏 Travelling Around Australia Shouldn’t Cost You Your Future Wealth
Aussies are living longer, dreaming bigger, and embracing freedom more boldly than ever.
Your trip around Australia doesn’t have to come at the expense of your financial security.
Whether you:
- rent out your home
- sell and buy an investment property
- build a shed-and-caravan hybrid base
- or find creative ways to work on the road
…there is a way to travel AND keep growing your wealth.
And if you’re unsure which path is right for you, I’m always happy to help you map out your options as a Buyer’s Agent.
Your dream trip shouldn’t derail your long-term property goals — and with the right strategy, it won’t.
Of course – please consult with your financial planner or accountant to discuss these options specific to your circumstances. This is general advice only.
Still unsure which option suits you best or want to chat it through? Get in touch with Vision Property Buyers for an obligation-free conversation. We are always happy to help point you in the right direction — and having a chat won’t cost you a thing.
