Regional Australia continues to attract new residents, even as migration momentum eases. The June 2025 Regional Movers Index shows movement from capital cities into the regions dropped by 19.3% in the quarter, the lowest level since 2019.

Despite the slowdown, the flow remains in favour of the regions, with city-to-regional moves still 26% higher than those in the opposite direction. Regional migration now represents 11.2% of all internal moves, reflecting ongoing demand for lifestyle and affordability outside the capitals.

Regional New South Wales and Queensland remain the most popular destinations, followed by Victoria. The Sunshine Coast has returned to number one for net migration, reclaiming its long-held title after being briefly overtaken by Greater Geelong last quarter. Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Queensland’s Fraser Coast round out the top five.

The figures confirm that, although the initial surge of pandemic-era relocations has slowed, lifestyle-driven demand is enduring. Strong regional economies, infrastructure investment, and relative affordability continue to underpin this trend — ensuring that property in well-located regional hubs remains in demand from both buyers and investors.