In recent years, Melbourne has experienced significant urban expansion, with infrastructure upgrades and high-density housing developments reshaping many suburbs. Areas like South Yarra, Windsor, and Prahran are seeing increased government intervention to fast-track housing projects, while high-rise developments near transport hubs are becoming more common. While these changes aim to improve affordability and connectivity, moving into a suburb undergoing major infrastructure upgrades presents unique challenges.

If you are planning to relocate to one of these evolving areas, understanding the risks and preparing accordingly can help ensure a smooth transition.

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1. How Infrastructure Upgrades Affect Daily Life

Moving house is already a complex process, but relocating to an area with ongoing construction can add additional layers of difficulty. Here are some common issues you might face:

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1.1 Traffic Congestion and Road Closures

Major redevelopment projects often lead to roadworks, detours, and temporary street closures. This can affect access to your new home, make moving house services more complicated, and increase travel time for daily commutes. Large house removals in such areas may require careful planning to navigate restricted streets.

1.2 Public Transport Disruptions

With new high-rise towers being built near train stations, transport upgrades are inevitable. However, this can mean temporary station closures, altered bus routes, and delays. If you rely on public transport, moving into an area affected by these changes could make commuting more difficult before the upgrades are complete.

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1.3 Noise and Dust from Construction Sites

Moving into a newly developed suburb means dealing with the constant sound of construction work. Noise pollution from heavy machinery, demolition, and roadworks can affect your quality of life, especially if you work from home. Dust and debris from construction sites can also impact air quality, particularly in high-density residential areas.

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1.4 Limited Access to Essential Services

As new buildings go up, existing services like supermarkets, medical centers, and schools may struggle to keep up with the growing population. In areas where infrastructure upgrades are still in progress, residents may experience longer wait times, overcrowded public spaces, and a general lack of facilities until further development is completed.

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2. The Hidden Costs of Moving into a Development Zone

Beyond the immediate inconveniences, there are also financial considerations to keep in mind when moving into a rapidly changing suburb.

2.1 Higher Moving Costs

With road closures and construction limiting access, furniture removalists may face difficulties getting trucks close to your property. This could result in extra fees if removalists need to carry furniture over longer distances or use special equipment. If you’re searching for "furniture removal near me," it’s worth asking removal companies about potential surcharges for difficult access areas.

2.2 Unpredictable Property Values

While new developments can drive up property prices in the long run, short-term market fluctuations are common. If you're buying a home in an area undergoing major redevelopment, there is always a risk that property values may drop before they rise. Rental prices can also be unstable as new apartments enter the market.

2.3 Potential Delays in Moving into a New Build

If you're moving into a newly built apartment or home, construction delays can be a significant issue. Large projects like the STH BNK by Beulah tower in Melbourne have already faced setbacks due to rising costs and labour shortages. If your home isn’t ready on time,  you may need to find temporary accommodation, leading to unexpected costs.

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3. Safety Concerns in Construction Zones

Relocating to an area with ongoing development means being mindful of potential safety hazards.

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3.1 Dust and Air Quality Issues

Construction generates dust and pollutants that can affect people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions. This is particularly relevant in high-density areas where multiple developments are occurring simultaneously.

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3.2 Increased Risk for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Blocked footpaths, detours, and heavy construction vehicles can make walking and cycling more dangerous. Parents with young children or people who rely on mobility aids may find navigating the area more challenging.

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3.3 Emergency Service Delays

Roadworks and temporary street closures can slow down response times for emergency vehicles. If you are moving into a high-rise building that is still surrounded by construction, access for fire trucks and ambulances may be restricted.

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4. How to Minimise Risks When Moving to a Developing Suburb

While the challenges of moving into an area under construction are real, there are steps you can take to reduce potential risks and inconvenience.

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4.1 Research the Project Timeline

Before moving, find out how long major infrastructure projects in the area are expected to take. Government websites and local council announcements can provide estimated completion dates, helping you decide whether the short-term disruption is worth the long-term benefits.

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4.2 Visit the Area at Different Times of the Day

A suburb may seem quiet in the evening but could be filled with construction noise during the day. Visiting the area at different times, including peak hours, can help you get a realistic picture of what living there will be like.

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4.3 Choose the Right Removalist Service

Moving into a high-traffic or construction-heavy suburb requires careful logistics. Hiring experienced house transporters or furniture removalists who are familiar with navigating difficult areas can make the process easier. Be sure to check if they offer flexible scheduling in case of unexpected delays.

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4.4 Check for Parking and Access Restrictions

If you are moving into a high-rise or a street with ongoing works, you may need a special permit for moving trucks. Contact the local council to find out if there are any restrictions or designated loading zones for removals.

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4.5 Consider Renting Before Buying

If you’re unsure about committing to a developing suburb, renting for a year or two may be a smarter option. This allows you to experience the area without the long-term financial commitment of homeownership.

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5. Long-Term Benefits vs. Short-Term Challenges

Despite the temporary inconveniences, moving into an area with ongoing infrastructure upgrades does have potential advantages.

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5.1 Better Transport and Connectivity

Once construction is completed, residents will benefit from improved train stations, new tram lines, and better road infrastructure. This makes commuting easier and increases the area’s overall accessibility.

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5.2 Increased Property Value

While property values may fluctuate during construction, completed developments often lead to price appreciation. Suburbs with upgraded amenities tend to attract higher demand, benefiting homeowners in the long run.

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5.3 More Community Facilities

New housing developments often bring additional public amenities such as parks, schools, and retail spaces. While these may take time to be fully operational, they can greatly enhance the livability of the suburb.

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Conclusion

Moving to a suburb undergoing major infrastructure upgrades presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. While factors like road closures, construction noise, and unpredictable property values can be frustrating, proper planning and research can help mitigate many of these risks.

If you’re considering moving to a developing area, working with experienced removalists, understanding project timelines, and evaluating the long-term benefits will help you make an informed decision. While the short-term inconvenience may seem overwhelming, the future rewards of improved housing, better transport, and increased property value could make it a worthwhile move.

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FAQs

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1. Is it worth moving to a suburb undergoing major infrastructure changes?

It depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for affordability and future growth potential, it can be a good investment. However, be prepared for short-term inconveniences like noise, roadworks, and service disruptions.

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2. How can I avoid unexpected moving costs in a construction-heavy suburb?

Choose a professional removalist with experience in difficult access areas, check for permit requirements, and plan your move outside peak construction hours to avoid delays.

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3. How do I find out if my new suburb has upcoming infrastructure projects?

Local council websites, government planning documents, and community meetings are great resources for understanding future developments in your chosen suburb.

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4. Should I rent first before buying in a developing area?

Yes, renting first allows you to experience the area before committing to a mortgage, helping you decide if the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

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