Regional property markets continue to deliver strong performance, recording 2.4% price growth in the three months to October, according to Cotality’s latest Regional Market Update. Growth momentum accelerated in 60% of the nation’s 50 largest Significant Urban Areas, pointing to renewed confidence in regional living and sustained migration flows away from major capitals.
Regional Western Australia remains one of the country’s standout performers. Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Geraldton, and Albany each delivered robust quarterly gains, supported by strong economic activity, infrastructure investment, and relative affordability compared with Perth. These markets continue to attract both owner-occupiers and investors looking for high-yield opportunities.
In Southeast Queensland, Toowoomba recorded another strong quarter, building on years of rising demand fuelled by population shifts, lifestyle appeal, and major transport infrastructure upgrades. On the NSW–Victoria border, the Mildura-Buronga region also delivered notable growth, supported by rising interest from both first-home buyers and investors priced out of capital cities.
Hotspotting analysts warn, however, that markets heavily reliant on single industries — particularly mining and resources — may present higher risk despite strong short-term performance. Investors are urged to consider economic diversity, long-term population trends, and the sustainability of local employment before entering such markets.
Days-on-market remain especially low across regional WA and Queensland, where demand continues to exceed supply. In contrast, some regions in NSW are experiencing longer selling periods, with four areas now taking over 60 days on average to secure a sale. This divergence highlights the regional market’s growing complexity: while growth is accelerating in many areas, others are seeing slowed momentum.
Sales activity also varies widely across the country. Victoria posted the strongest uplift, with six regional markets recording more than 20% growth in transaction levels over the past year. Darwin — though technically a capital — recorded a 53.1% increase in transactions, one of the most significant surges nationwide. Meanwhile, Lismore, still recovering from significant flood impacts, reported a steep decline of -22.7%, underscoring the role environmental risk can play in sales performance.
Overall, the regional market continues to be attractive for buyers seeking value, lifestyle improvements, and more space. While affordability remains a key drawcard, infrastructure upgrades, remote work flexibility, and changing lifestyle priorities signal that regional demand may remain elevated well into the next decade.
