We've seen firsthand how these events affect homeowners and buyers. Meighan shares what it's like packing up everything before a weather event, and we both reflect on personal stories: like her dad's laundromat in Lismore and how often they had to evacuate. It's not just the damage; it's the emotional toll, the disruption, and the long road to recovery. But there's also a bigger picture here: how the market reacts, how affected and unaffected properties start to shift in value, and why the price gap can change drastically.

We walk you through what you need to know to manage risk when you're buying, because we don't want you to end up in a property you can't insure properly or, worse, can't sell when you need to. We cover flood maps, bushfire zones, overland flow, insurance exclusions, building codes... all the things that can really affect your long-term experience as a homeowner. It's not about scaring you off, it's about making sure you go in with eyes wide open.

There's a lot to consider, but it comes down to being thorough with your due diligence. If you're prepared and you know what to look for, you can absolutely make a smart and informed decision, even in areas where natural disasters are a reality. And let's face it, that's most of Australia.