Top 10 regional winners revealed
“Dubbo is quickly establishing itself as a renewable energy hub, with over $1 billion in developments such as battery storage and solar farms driving robust commercial activity,” said a spokesperson from Australian Property Research. “This makes Dubbo one of the most promising regional centres for long-term growth and investment.”
Elsewhere in New South Wales, the often-overlooked Shoalhaven region along the coast is quietly attracting investor attention. “Despite being less prominent than hotspots like Newcastle or Port Stephens, Shoalhaven is demonstrating strong investment fundamentals with nearly $1 billion in infrastructure and commercial projects underway,” they added. “It’s a true quiet achiever with significant growth potential.”
Turning to Victoria, areas like Bendigo and Shepparton have long been on the radar for investors. However, Wodonga is now emerging as a strategic location offering substantial upside. “Wodonga’s position as a growing commercial centre with major freight and highway links has sparked considerable infrastructure investment,” said the Australian Property Research representative. “This development activity is setting Wodonga up for sustained growth and solid market performance.”
Addressing common misconceptions about regional property, the spokesperson emphasised that many of these towns are far from risky, showcasing vibrant communities with stable local economies. “Each of the 10 regional hotspots we track offers strong financial foundation - characterised by affordability, low unemployment, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades,” they explained.
“For owner-occupiers, these regions provide valuable job security and lifestyle benefits, while investors enjoy the advantages of higher rental yields, lower vacancy rates, and less competition from oversupply, resulting in more stable and reliable returns.”
Reflecting on recent trends, the spokesperson noted that regional property markets have outperformed many capital cities - including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane - over the past five and ten years. They have also demonstrated remarkable resilience through economic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With their compelling combination of affordability and lifestyle appeal, regional areas are becoming increasingly attractive to a broad range of buyers and investors - so much so that many city-based professionals are seriously considering relocation,” the spokesperson concluded.
