What’s Driving Property Prices in Regional Hubs?
Over the past few years, regional property markets have transformed from quiet achievers into high performing hubs of growth. In 2025, regional centres like Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and parts of regional Queensland continue to see solid buyer interest and steady price growth.
But what’s driving these regional markets – and why are investors paying closer attention than ever?
At Crest Property Investments, we work closely with buyers seeking value beyond metropolitan boundaries. Here’s a closer look at the key factors behind the rise in regional property prices.
1. Population Growth & Migration Trends
One of the most significant drivers is internal migration. Many Australians are relocating from capital cities to regional centres in search of:
- Greater affordability
- Improved lifestyle
- Less congestion
Post-pandemic work flexibility has accelerated this trend, with remote and hybrid work enabling professionals to live further from CBDs while maintaining career opportunities.
2. Infrastructure Investment
Major public and private infrastructure projects are playing a key role in unlocking growth. For example:
- Geelong: Fast Rail project, Avalon Airport upgrades, and university expansions.
- Ballarat: Western Freeway upgrades, hospital redevelopments, and school investments.
- Bendigo: Transport links, hospital infrastructure, and CBD revitalisation.
These improvements enhance liveability and drive long-term demand for housing, especially in newly developed areas.
3. Relative Affordability
Compared to Melbourne’s median property price, regional hubs offer significantly more value for money. This appeals to:
- First-home buyers priced out of the city
- Downsizers looking for a slower pace
- Investors chasing higher rental yields
As affordability continues to tighten in the metro market, these regional alternatives become even more attractive.
4. Rental Market Pressure
Vacancy rates in many regional centres remain extremely low—often below 1%—driving up weekly rents and improving yields for investors.
New estates, especially those offering house and land packages, are in high demand as local populations grow and supply struggles to keep pace. For property investors, this creates a compelling case for long-term growth and income generation.
5. Government Support & Planning
State and local governments are actively encouraging growth in key regional locations. This includes:
- First-home buyer grants
- Regional development strategies
- Rezoning for new housing estates
- Incentives for businesses to expand into regional areas
These policy measures help fast-track development, improve job opportunities, and boost buyer confidence.
Where Are the Opportunities?
At Crest Property Investments, we’re particularly focused on regional markets that offer:
- Strong infrastructure pipelines
- Affordable entry points
- Solid rental demand
- Long-term growth outlook
We source brand new and off-the-plan opportunities in these regions to help our clients invest with confidence and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Regional hubs are no longer a secondary choice – they’re fast becoming strategic property investment locations. With the right research, planning, and property partner, investors can tap into sustainable capital growth and strong rental returns outside the traditional metro markets.
Ready to explore your options?
At Crest Property Investments, we analyse key data like infrastructure projects, population trends, employment rates, and vacancy levels to identify suburbs with strong long-term potential. We also offer a free concierge-style service to help you from search to settlement. Whether you’re buying your first investment property or adding to your portfolio, our mission is to help you invest with confidence.
If you’d like help identifying locations with strong population growth and long-term potential, get in touch for a free consultation.
If you’d like to learn more about property investment, please feel free to contact us. At Crest Property Investments we specialise in sourcing brand new and off the plan properties for buyers. We also do not charge fees to buyers! We would welcome the opportunity to help with your property purchase.
Our YouTube channel and Market Insights are also a great place to gain more tips. They provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
July 2025
