Big Lap Planning, Selling vs Renting: How to Decide What’s Right for You

Making the big lap planning decision, selling vs renting your home. One of the biggest questions you’ll face when planning a lap of Australia is whether to sell your home or rent it out while you’re on the road.

It’s not a simple financial decision. It’s about freedom, security, and peace of mind. For many lappers, this choice alone keeps them stuck in planning mode far longer than they’d like.

Over the years, we’ve met couples, families and solo travellers who’ve wrestled with this exact dilemma. Some have sold and never looked back. Others have sold and deeply regretted it. Many chose to rent and discovered the ups and downs of managing tenants while exploring Australia.

So, what’s the right move for you? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and key questions to ask yourself before making the call.

Why This Decision Matters So Much

For most Australians, their home is their biggest asset. Selling or renting it out shapes not only how you fund your trip but also what life looks like when you return.

• If you’re nearing retirement, you might worry about being locked out of the market if you sell.
• Families with kids may feel it’s reckless to let go of the family home.
• Solo travellers often view their property as a much-needed safety net.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some common considerations to think through.

The Pros and Cons of Renting Out Your Home

Pros

• Provides a safety net and somewhere to return to.
• Rental income can cover your mortgage or travel costs.
• Your property becomes an investment that may grow in value while you’re away.

Cons

• Dealing with tenants and property managers can be stressful.
• Unexpected repairs and maintenance issues may interrupt your travels.
• Horror stories do happen—like tenants breaking agreements, damaging property, or refusing to leave.

From our own experience, renting can work really well if you have a trusted property manager. They handle the day-to-day so you can focus on enjoying your lap. Yes, you’ll pay a percentage of the rent, but the peace of mind is worth it.

The Pros and Cons of Selling Your Home

Pros

• Total freedom from admin and property hassles.
• Money in the bank to fund your trip.
• A clean slate, selling often feels like drawing a line in the sand and starting fresh.

Cons

• No fixed base to return to.
• Family and friends may pressure you with their opinions.
• If the market rises while you’re travelling, you may struggle to buy back in.

Selling can feel like “burning the lifeboat” exciting and liberating, but also daunting. We’ve met plenty of lappers who embraced it and loved the simplicity, but also those who wished they’d held on to their home.

The Emotional Side of the Decision

This choice isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, fear, and freedom. Many lappers just want to hit the road with 100% confidence, no stress, and no second-guessing.

But there’s always the “what if” factor:

• What if I regret selling later?
• What if the market changes while I’m gone?
• What if keeping the house ties me down more than it helps?

Sometimes, the emotional side of the decision outweighs the financial one.

Practical Checklist to Help You Decide

Ask yourself:

• What’s my mortgage or equity position right now?
• How long do I plan to be away, 12 months, 2 years, or indefinitely?
• Do I need rental income to make this lap possible?
• Do I want a home base to come back to, or am I open to starting fresh elsewhere?
• Am I emotionally ready to let go if I sell?

Our Story

When we set off, we had every intention of selling our Gold Coast apartment. But despite the hot market, it didn’t sell. Instead, we rented it out through Airbnb, managed by Kev’s brother, and it worked brilliantly for us.

At the same time, we also rented out Kev’s house in Hervey Bay. That brought its share of challenges, from maintenance issues to nightmare tenants who turned out to be drug dealers with dogs that destroyed brand new carpets. On the flip side, we’ve also had fantastic tenants who treated our homes with respect.

Eventually, we did sell the apartment when the right buyer came along at the right price, proving that even if you start out renting, the opportunity to sell later may still arise.

Final Thoughts

Whether you sell or rent, the most important thing is not to let this decision hold you back from starting your adventure. There’s no cookie-cutter answer, only what works best for you and your family.

Take time to weigh up your options, talk to a financial advisor about the tax and legal implications, and address any major maintenance issues before you go. Once you’ve made your choice, commit to it and focus on the exciting road ahead.

Have you faced this decision yourself? Did you sell or rent before hitting the road? Share your story in the comments we’d love to hear how you approached it.