The tide is high.

By definition a seachange involves living by the sea. Not necessarily on a waterfront property, but certainly close enough to be cooled by the sea breeze.

The most desirable and therefore expensive properties have in the past been located as close as possible to the water. Water views are seen as very desirable and uninterrupted ocean views are the stuff of real estate agents' dreams.

Absolute waterfront property has in the past commanded the highest price but climate change is forcing many to reconsider the wisdom of living at or close to sea level.
Extreme weather events, flooding and unusually high tides have the potential to threaten many waterfront properties.

According to The New South Wales, Australia, Department of the Environment and Climate Change "In the coastal zone, storms may combine with a rise in the sea level to worsen coastal erosion."

On the Australian east coast the highest tides in 18 years have just been experienced. Known as King Tides these annual events are seen as a glimpse into the future when water levels will be higher than today. This year the New South Wales, Australia, Department of the Environment and Climate Change co-ordinated a project to photographically record the event. Benign weather patterns meant that in New South Wales, this month's King Tides passed without much incident.

Further north but still in Australia AAP reported a very different story.

"Emergency services are on standby in north Queensland as forecasters warn of heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds in and around Townsville and Mackay.
A combination of torrential rain and king tides inundated about 100 homes and closed roads in Cairns on Monday.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michelle Berry said the highest falls overnight were south of Cairns.
Ingham has recorded 314mm since 9am (AEST) on Monday, Cardwell had 249mm and 237mm fell on South Mission Beach.

There is a lesson here for all of us. It sure would might be nice to have the beach at your doorstep, at least until nature conspires to turn your home into a houseboat.

The woman and I have already had the very unpleasant experience of watching your house being flooded with runoff from propety on higher ground. Its hard to imagine what might happen if eight inches (200mm) of rain falls on your house in two days. I would rather know that my house is never going to flood. So this time we bought land on the high side of the street. If the sea level ever rises by 20 metres we will be in trouble but I am willing to bet that it won't happen in my lifetime!

When you decide to move, make sure you pick a location out of reach of rising waters and high enough to ensure that run-off does just that - runs off your property and into the drainage system.