How this family's big move got them everything they were looking for

Trading the vibrant energy of Sydney’s lively suburbs for the serene shores of Brisbane was no small feat for the Cairns family. Hazal and Nathan had long envisioned their future in Sydney – they had lived in Bondi and later in leafy Kirrawee.

But as they started their own family, their dream of home ownership in the city they loved began to slip away. Rising house prices forced them to rethink their priorities and focus on what mattered most.

“When we started looking seriously, we realised that even with solid savings, thanks to living rent-free with Nathan’s parents for 18 months, buying in Sydney was just not feasible,” Hazal says. “Leaving Sydney, being so close to our family, was scary – but we had to accept that the quality of life we wanted wasn’t possible there.”

The couple began considering other cities, weighing their options carefully. With its promise of space, affordability, and a slower pace, Brisbane emerged as a compelling choice.

“The trade-off was clear: leaving our family and friends in Sydney for the possibility of a better home and lifestyle elsewhere,” Hazal says. “We hoped that by moving, we could create a new network, and we’ve been lucky to find an incredible bunch of people in Brisbane. But that first year was tough; it took time to build the life we wanted.”

As Hazal and Nathan welcomed their first daughter, Elkie, it became clear that their growing family needed more space. Yet, even after relocating to Brisbane, they found the market there had its own surprises.

“When we first planned the move, we set our sights on Brisbane’s best suburbs, but after a few auctions where houses sold for way over the asking price, we decided to look further out, rethinking our strategy once again,” Hazal explains. “Determined not to compromise on space or our vision of a big backyard with a pool, we decided to broaden our search and kept searching.”

Their persistence paid off when they discovered Manly, a southern bayside suburb in Brisbane. With its laid-back charm and vibrant community, the town’s marina-centred vibe felt like a homecoming for Hazal, who grew up in Port Stephens, NSW.

When Nathan found the house that would become theirs, Hazal was seven months pregnant with their second daughter, August, and on a trip to visit family in Turkey with their then two-year-old, Elkie, in tow.

“It ticked every box, and Nathan was really excited, but I was so apathetic at that point that I had just given up,” Hazal recalls with a laugh. “I told him, ‘If you like it, make an offer, I trust you.’ The stars aligned, and we got the house before it went to auction. It’s been perfect for us.”

Manly’s wholesome atmosphere and coastal camaraderie provided the ideal backdrop for the Cairns family. With their two daughters, Elkie, now 4, and August, 2, the move to Queensland delivered everything they had hoped for – and more.

“Everything in Queensland, especially in Manly, is slower – people actually let you in traffic and stop to let you cross the road when you’re a pedestrian,” Hazal says. “Our neighbourhood is full of young families with many great places to eat and drink. The waterfront walks remind me of Bondi, minus the rush.”

Their new home, carefully maintained by its previous owners, offered Hazal and Nathan a blank canvas. With a few thoughtful updates inside and a complete transformation of the garden – complete with a backyard pool that fulfilled their vision of the quintessential Australian dream – they were able to move in and immediately embrace the joys of family life.

“We moved into a great starting point, where all that was required was whatever DIY projects we wanted to tackle to make this house truly ours,” Hazal says. “The privacy is amazing – tall hedges, well-positioned pots with flourishing trees, it’s like our own little sanctuary. There’s nothing better than throwing down some towels after a swim and just relaxing with the girls in the backyard.”

The walls of their home now tell the story of a growing family, with the children’s heights marked on door frames and birthdays celebrated in the spacious backyard. Easter mornings are equally joyous, filled with egg hunts – a tradition Hazal carries on from her own childhood. Even their rescue dog, Cashew, has found a place to thrive, embracing life in a home filled with love.

“We were further from the city than we planned, but in the end, it doesn’t bother us at all,” she says. “Sometimes, you have to let go of one dream to make room for another, and when everything falls into place, you realise it was worth every trade-off.”

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