Plenty of people dream of living on a lifestyle block, eating food they have produced themselves, raising animals, and enjoying space and privacy.

Since the first Covid lockdown, numerous real estate buyers have turned that dream into a reality, choosing self-sufficiency and rural living over a reliance on food supply chains and city dwelling.

Owning a lifestyle block has responsibilities as well as pleasures, though, so it’s important to consider a range of issues if you are contemplating the move out of town.

One thing to think about is what land usage around your property might be. Are there orchards or vineyards nearby? Is your dream of peaceful rural living going to be shattered by frost fans, bird guns and tractors chugging along? Will you cope living in area that will be subject to spraying? Lifestylers need to be tolerant of their established rural neighbours and anticipate country conditions.

Water is another important consideration in Central Otago. Make sure you understand how water rights work and how much water you will realistically need to maintain your rural property. Domestic water supplies often need to be enhanced by irrigation to keep livestock, trees and gardens thriving.

Fire is a risk that many new to rural living underestimate. In this area, dangerous combustible material needs to be minimised, with pastures kept short, neat and tidy to keep home and family safe.

Pest control is another novel responsibility for many. Certain areas of the region need landowners to do their share of dealing with rabbit infestation.

If buying bare land, don’t forget to factor in the costs of driveways, irrigation and other infrastructure. And if you are looking at a small block, make sure you have enough land to house and feed animals.

Consider the additional commuting time you will be imposing on the family, especially if you have busy school aged kids.

If none of these issues put you off, then perhaps a lifestyle block is right for you.

Just take this lifestyle block owner’s advice and don’t let the kids name your animals, or you may find the livestock you intended to fill the freezer enjoying old age in your paddocks.