A true story about distance, clarity, and the opportunity hidden in plain sight.
The Hidden Hurdle of Double Distance
Last week, I had a call with a family who had recently relocated to Melbourne from the US. They were upbeat and forward-looking, grateful to be here, excited to build a new life, and ready to leave behind a rental that just didn’t feel right.
They were planning to move to a different suburb that aligned more with their lifestyle, closer to culture, cafés, green space, and vibrancy. All the things they loved and left behind in the U.S.
Their optimism was infectious, and I felt genuinely inspired by their outlook. But after the call ended, I had this sinking feeling in my chest.
I realised something that made my stomach drop:
I didn’t say what I really wanted to say.
The Penny Drop Moment
The suburb they were planning to move to offers beautiful, lifestyle-rich apartments well below what they were paying to rent a modest house.
This is a family comfortable with apartment living. They want walkability, a social environment, and something that feels like “them.”
And yet they’re about to lock themselves into another rental.
I should have said it then and there:
“I actually think you should buy, not rent.”
When Two Distances Hit at Once
In that moment, I saw the impact of what I call Double Distance:
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The physical distance from the life they left behind
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The emotional distance from knowing what’s possible in their new home
It’s something I see a lot. People land in Melbourne and spend their first few months in a fog. They can’t yet see the opportunities right in front of them because they’re still adjusting, still recovering.
But this family was ready. They just couldn’t see the opportunity yet. And honestly, that’s on me too, I should’ve helped them see it.
Why Would You Rent Right Now?
This suburb offers apartments at prices that make no sense in a global context. They could own something now for less than what they’re paying in rent.
Even if Melbourne isn’t their forever home.
Even if they eventually leave.
Our primary strategy at Shortlist is buying well below your means and rapidly paying down the loan. That’s how you manufacture equity. That’s how you create freedom, leverage, and options.
For this family, the right apartment could be:
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A stepping stone
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A short-term home base
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A future investment
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Or their “one day” fallback if plans change
Renting Feels Flexible. But Buying Can Be Even More So.
This experience made something very clear:
The emotional impact of Double Distance can stop people from seeing what’s truly possible.
Sometimes it’s not about running numbers or drawing up plans. It’s about helping someone zoom out. Seeing the bigger picture when they’re stuck in survival mode.
That’s what we do at Shortlist. We uncover the possibilities you haven’t yet seen for yourself.
My Promise
This family hasn’t officially engaged our services yet. But I will follow up with them. If I can at least spark a conversation or offer a new way of thinking, that’s worth it.
And if they choose to work with us, I know we can help them make a decision they’ll thank themselves for, whether that means buying now, renting strategically, or both.
→ Want to talk about your next move?
Book a call with me here.
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