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June 24, 2025, 2 p.m.

Boxes to Tick When You Upgrade

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Moving up? Here’s your go-to checklist for a smarter, smoother transition into your next home.

Upsizing is a big moment. Whether you're moving for more space, better schools, or that dream kitchen and pool combo, it's a chance to elevate how you live. But upgrading also means more complexity and more opportunities to maximise value.
Here are the key boxes to tick before, during, and after your move to make your home upgrade a true success.

Clarify your upgrade goals
Start with the why. Are you:

  • Growing your family?
  • Seeking more outdoor space?
  • Wanting a home that supports work-from-home life?
  • Looking to add long-term value?

Knowing what’s driving the move helps define what to prioritise and what to let go.

Review your finances and equity
Understand how much you can spend comfortably, factoring in:

  • Sale price of your current home
  • Agent fees and legal costs
  • Stamp duty on your new property
  • Moving expenses and setup costs
  • New ongoing expenses (utilities, rates, insurance)


Research your target suburbs
When upgrading, location is everything. Think beyond the house itself and consider:

  • School zones
  • Commute times and transport
  • Community and lifestyle offerings
  • Long-term capital growth potential

A bigger house only works if it enhances the life around it.

Sell smart
To maximise your budget for the upgrade, make sure your current home is marketed and presented professionally. This includes:

  • Strategic timing
  • Staging and photography
  • Premium advertising
  • Local and East Coast buyer targeting


Choose the right move strategy
There are several paths to upgrading:

  • Sell first, then buy (less financial pressure, more certainty)
  • Buy first, then sell (more flexibility, may require bridging finance)
  • Buy and hold if you’re keeping your current home as an investment

We’ll help you choose the best option for your goals.

Plan your lifestyle for the next five to ten years
Think about:

  • How your family will use the space
  • Storage and functionality
  • Entertaining needs
  • Room to grow or renovate later

Great upgrades aren’t just about today they’re about making tomorrow easier too.

Upgrade your life with the right support
At Highland, we help clients move into their next chapter with ease. From preparing your home for sale to finding the perfect upgrade, we’ll guide you through every step clearly, strategically, and personally.

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The Highland Difference

Client peace of mind and property success are at Highland’s core. With an exceptional reputation for providing client-centred services, achieving optimal results and delivering a seamless real estate experience, expect premium results as you experience the Highland Difference.