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The Regions Are Rising: Resilience, Opportunity, and the Real Heart of Australia’s Property Growth
For years, the spotlight has been fixed on the capitals. But while the big cities have only recently found their stride again, regional Australia has been quietly proving – yet again – that strength isn’t measured in skyscrapers.
After nine months of capital city underperformance, the tide has turned. The combined capitals have now overtaken the regions in quarterly growth, driven by a strong response to recent rate cuts. City values have bounced from a -0.7% quarterly decline in January to a 1.8% rise over the three months to July.
But make no mistake – the regions aren’t out of the picture. Far from it. While growth across regional markets has stabilised at around 1.7%, the story beneath the headline numbers tells us something much deeper: regional Australia is holding steady, adaptive, and full of markets that continue to outperform, year after year.
Queensland: On The Leaderboard
Not all regional markets are moving at the same pace – and that’s the beauty of them. Diversity, not uniformity, is what gives the regions their staying power.
While 29 of the 50 largest non-capital markets saw some moderation in quarterly growth, others are charging ahead. Lismore, in NSW’s Northern Rivers, surged to the top of the leaderboard with a 4.5% quarterly rise, up a huge 7.0 percentage points since April – a remarkable comeback story for a town that has rebuilt, re-energised, and redefined its market after years of hardship.
Close behind were Bendigo (VIC) and Mount Gambier (SA), both up 3.8%, followed by Bunbury (WA) and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/VIC), rising 3.5% and 3.4% respectively. These aren’t just numbers – they’re proof that regional centres are carving out their own growth stories, powered by affordability, lifestyle appeal, and real economic momentum.
The Quiet Champions of Long-Term Growth
Even as the quarterly leaderboard reshuffles, the annual growth story continues to be dominated by the regions. Albany (WA), Geraldton (WA), Mackay (QLD) and Townsville (QLD) remain the nation’s standout performers, posting extraordinary annual gains of 23.1%, 20.8%, 18.2% and 16.7% respectively.
These are not flash-in-the-pan results – they’re the result of sustained demand, local economic resilience, and industries that underpin long-term confidence. The strength of regional mining and resources markets continues to drive sales and compress selling times, with Albany, Mackay, and Rockhampton all recording median times on market of just 12 to 13 days.
Vendors in these areas are also holding firm – Albany and Mount Gambier recorded the smallest median vendor discounts in the nation at -1.7%.
Sure and Steady
Of course, not every region is running hot. The Bowral–Mittagong area in NSW’s Southern Highlands has felt the chill, with a -2.1% annual fall and properties taking 79 days to sell. Similarly, Warragul–Drouin (-1.5%) in Victoria and Forster–Tuncurry (-1.4%) in NSW saw annual declines.
But even here, the fundamentals remain sound. These are mature markets coming off strong growth cycles, adjusting naturally while others take the lead.
Regional Sales Are Back on the Move
Sales activity tells the same story of quiet regional strength. Across Australia’s 50 largest regional Statistical Urban Areas, 36 markets recorded an increase in annual sales volumes in the year to May. Victoria led the charge, with Shepparton–Mooroopna up 32.7%, Ballarat up 29.8%, and Bendigo up 26.4%.
While some NSW regions like Lismore (-34.4%), Taree (-13.7%), and Nelson Bay (-9.5%) recorded slower activity, the broader picture remains one of recovery and resilience.
The Takeaway: Regional Australia Still Calls the Shots
As the capitals roar back to life, it’s easy to overlook the steady, grounded growth that continues to define regional Australia. But the regions are not lagging – they’re leading differently. They’re building sustainable markets, attracting long-term residents, and rewriting the rulebook on what drives housing strength.
The data is clear: regional Australia isn’t waiting for the cities to lead – it’s setting its own pace, on its own terms.