The COVID-19 pandemic has caused large numbers of people to re-evaluate their quality of life, and in many cases make changes.
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This is having some unexpected effects on personal finances and investments.
The most immediate reaction was to exit congestion. In 1665 when the Great Plague came to London people who had the means to travel headed for the country.
Last week saw a rush to beat the Paris lockdown, with masses of people heading for the country before it came into effect.
Hoarding of toilet paper and essential goods has been common here and overseas.
The Reserve Bank also found many more people hoarded cash. The stashes of notes under the mattress grew much larger last year.
The RBA issued 13 per cent more new notes last year, but fewer large notes are circulating.
Having trialled the coast or the country some people decided to stay there permanently.
The enforced work-from-home arrangements have demonstrated the strategy's feasibility longer term for some workers, enabling them to move permanently.
Even those who must still attend the office have sought better quality living.
Anecdotal reports suggest people in city units are seeking to move into houses.
People living in inner city areas are keen to move further out - such as the Northern Beaches and Hills District in Sydney. Conversely units in the inner city are no longer so popular.
The Blue Mountains has become more popular. So have inland regional centres such as Orange, Dubbo and Tamworth. Their property values have risen strongly and rental accommodation is hard to find.
People who can get work anywhere have led the migration, including medical workers like nurses, ambulance officers and medical diagnostics staff.
Many others are coming here too. New Orange residents I have met recently include a city television station producer, and a professional company director.
City dwellers reviewing their quality of life haven't just been buying more liveable homes.
They have also been buying things they have always dreamed of owning, such as classic cars, works of art and collectible wine.
One classic Porsche dealer in Melbourne is reported to have only four cars for sale instead of 25. The others have been snapped up.
Art auctions and collectible wine sales are attracting big crowds.
Rural residential properties with acres to enjoy are even more popular than usual. Some people are buying genuine farming properties.
The high commodity prices are appealing and the lush seasonal conditions add to the attraction.