Why our love for regional areas
continues
Buyers continue to flock to tree and sea change areas around the country, and there’s good reason for this.
Cotality’s latest Regional Market Report reveals that combined regional value growth reacted favourably to this year’s three rate cuts, although this response was milder than our capital cities. Lismore in NSW’s Northern Rivers showed a 7% increase in quarterly growth – the strongest in the country’s 50 largest non-capital city markets. Bendigo in Victoria, and Mount Gambier, in South Australia, tied for second place, with a value increase of 3.8%.
This mix of locations is just one point we discuss in our recently released McGrath Report 2026. We also explore how some regional buyers are tempted by the relaxed pace of life that rural places offer. But these places can have other benefits as well, resulting in them offering quite as many opportunities as city settings – including employment.
One of the biggest opportunities that eventuated from the pandemic was the broader acceptance of remote work or work from home (WFH). And, remote work not only allowed regional buyers to easily buy in their preferred sea and tree change location. It also enabled these buyers to waste less hours and energy on long commutes. As a result, they could not only enjoy a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle but also spend more time with family and friends.
For employees needing to work on-site or similar, some regional locations still offer plenty of job opportunities. Combined with low unemployment rates plus good amenities and infrastructure – including education, arts, and recreation services – and a strong sense of community, these locations are often as appealing as their comparable metropolitan locations.
They certainly ensure buyers and their families don’t have to sacrifice urban-style conveniences to enjoy regional living. So, it’s really no surprise that two out of five city dwellers said they would consider a move to regional Australia this year – up from one in five in 2023, according to Regional Australia Institute data released in June.
Tamworth in NSW’s New England region and Orange in the state’s Central Tablelands are great examples of mid-sized rural locations with plenty of employment opportunities and excellent amenities.
As Jason Wherritt of McGrath Tamworth explains, “Tamworth delivers on both lifestyle and accessibility and … the city’s proximity to the coast, Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney only enhances its appeal.”
Gisborne in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, and Toowoomba in the Darling Downs area of Queensland, are two other mid-sized regional locations offering excellent employment possibilities, everyday conveniences, and lifestyle opportunities.
In Victoria, Greater Geelong is now the most popular area in the country, beating even the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to the top position. In the year to March 2025, Geelong enjoyed Australia’s largest inflow of net internal migration, accounting for 9.3% of all net migration to regions, according to the Regional Movers’ Index latest report.
Again, there’s good reasons for this popularity. Geelong can boast a great location on the scenic Surf Coast but is also only an hour east of Melbourne’s CBD. And, the city is benefiting from recent government investment with major projects including a $449.1 million convention centre. This project forms part of a 10-year, $676 millionplus City Deal which plans to develop new infrastructure across the location, boost employment and visitor growth, and revitalise the CBD.
Cotality’s Regional Market Report shows Geelong has enjoyed a value increase of 24.7% value in the past five years, bringing its median dwelling value to $729,215. The city’s annual dwelling sales are also 10.6% above the five-year average for the region.
With its idyllic waterside location, established services and range of employment opportunities, Geelong is definitely an attractive lifestyle destination.
John McGrath CEO & FOUNDER
This Saturday’s auctions
This Saturday’s open homes
This Saturday’s open homes
It’s the little things that make a house a home.
Each little action we take adds up to a great experience, that’s why McGrath focus on the little things. It leaves nothing to chance and everything to gain.
Northern Beaches
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Tim Cullen 0424 006 855
Bernadette Cullen 0424 006 825 185
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181 19
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427 1b
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407
AUCTION Tuesday 16 December 5.00pm
Price Guide $4,000,000
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 20 Ruskin
25-29
13 beds 12 baths 10 cars
Price Guide $6,500,000
View Saturday 12.15pm - 12.45pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 29 Albert Road,
beds 3 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Tuesday 25 November 3.00pm
Price Guide $3,350,000
View Saturday 12.15pm - 12.45pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
James Baker 0421 272 692
Northern Beaches
FOR SALE
Price Guide $2,200,000
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
41
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 9.45am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 9.15am - 9.45am
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
7
AUCTION Tuesday 9 December 5.45pm
Price Guide $2,200,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
SALE
Price Guide $9,750,000
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 37A Central Road, Avalon
5
FOR SALE
Price Guide $4,600,000 - $4,850,000
View Saturday 11.30am - 12.00pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 64 Riverview Road, Avalon Beach
AUCTION Sunday 7 December 12.00pm
Price Guide $3,100,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jillian McGrath 0412 284 722
7/9
AUCTION Tuesday 9 December 6.30pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
91 Hudson Parade, Avalon Beach
beds 2 baths 4 cars
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407
Northern Beaches
2/78 Wanganella Street, Balgowlah 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 12.00pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.45am - 11.15am
Agent Tim Cullen 0424 006 855
Oliver Cullen 0421 713 023
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Elliott Fahey 0408 408 408
Morgan Fahey 0418 408 408
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
AUCTION Friday 12 December 4.00pm
Price Guide $2,750,000
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
Price Guide $6,950,000
View By Appointment
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide $5,700,000
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427 14
AUCTION Saturday 22 November 12.45pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Giovanni Dimauro 0447 321 954
Mario Esposito 0417 654 068
8 Cousins Road, Beacon Hill 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 12.45pm
Price Guide $2,450,000
View Saturday 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Agent Giovanni Dimauro 0447 321 954
Mario Esposito 0417 654 068
9 Scarborough Place, Beacon Hill
beds 5 baths 5 cars
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Tim Cullen 0424 006 855
Bernadette Cullen 0424 006 825
19 Barkala Road, Bayview
Biralee Crescent, Beacon Hill
Northern Beaches
10 Ralston Avenue, Belrose 5 beds 4 baths 2 cars FOR SALE
Price Guide
$2,500,000
View Saturday 10.15am - 10.45am
Agent Karen Terry 0419 421 584
Stephen Bock 0417 344 445
18 Algona Street, Bilgola Plateau 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Monday 1 December 4.00pm
Price Guide
$2,150,000
View Saturday 10.45am - 11.15am
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
9 Cooinda Place,
4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
FOR SALE
Price Guide $2,050,000 - $2,135,000
View Saturday 2.30pm - 3.00pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
68 The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $8,500,000 - $8,900,000
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 1 Lisa Place, Bilgola Plateau
2/1 Bilambee Avenue, Bilgola Plateau 2 beds 1 bath FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
9 Terama Street, Bilgola Plateau
5 beds 3 baths 3 cars
AUCTION Tuesday 25 November 4.30pm
Price Guide $2,750,000
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
beds 2 baths 4 cars
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
36 Plateau Road, Bilgola Plateau 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
6/22-24 Shackel Avenue, Brookvale
2 beds 2 baths 1 car
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Giovanni Dimauro 0447 321 954
Mario Esposito 0417 654 068
Bilgola Plateau
Northern Beaches
141 Mccarrs Creek Road, Church Point
AUCTION Thursday 27 November 4.00pm
Price Guide $1,995,000
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
6 Corniche Road, Church Point
AUCTION Wednesday 10 December 5.00pm
Price Guide $2,700,000
View Saturday 11.00am - 11.30am
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
2089A Pittwater Road, Church Point Land
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492 2119 Pittwater Road, Church Point
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 12.15pm - 12.45pm
Agent Nathan Ford 0404 696 133
Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
39 Adelaide Street, Clontarf 5 beds 5 baths 2 cars
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Agent Susie O’Brien 0411 762 227
Cumberland
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 11.15am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 11.00am - 11.30am
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877 19 Lincoln Avenue, Collaroy
35 Lincoln Avenue, Collaroy
8 beds 4 baths 3 cars
68 Westmoreland Avenue, Collaroy
beds 5 baths 2 cars
Price Guide $5,000,000 - $5,500,000
View Saturday 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Agent Kirsten Bertram 0404 887 693
Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Price Guide $6,200,000 - $6,500,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877
Price Guide $3,100,000
View Saturday 10.45am - 11.15am
Agent Kirsten Bertram 0404 887 693
Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Northern Beaches
1 Hilma Street, Collaroy Plateau
Land
AUCTION Thursday 27 November 6.00pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 9.00am - 9.30am
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877
14 Cottage Point Road, Cottage Point
6 beds 5 baths 8 cars
AUCTION Thursday 27 November 4.30pm
Price Guide $3,950,000
View Saturday 3.00pm - 3.30pm
Agent Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
11/29-31 Richmond Avenue, Dee Why
2 beds 2 baths 1 car
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
George Bachtis 0419 293 780
43 Hilma Street, Collaroy Plateau 4 beds 2 baths 3 cars
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 9.00am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
George Bachtis 0419 293 780
20 Cottage Point Road, Cottage Point
5 beds 4 baths 4 cars
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Sam Thompson 0497 618 492
9/18 Hawkesbury Avenue, Dee Why
2 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 29 November 3.00pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent George Bachtis 0419 293 780
75 Edgecliffe Boulevard, Collaroy Plateau 3 beds 1 bath 3 cars
AUCTION Sunday 30 November 10.30am
Price Guide $3,650,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.45am
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877
1/52-58 Howard Avenue, Dee Why 2 beds 2 baths 1 car
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Susie O’Brien 0411 762 227
65 Lauderdale Avenue, Fairlight 5 beds 3 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 29 November 4.30pm
Price Guide $8,500,000
View Saturday 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877
Northern Beaches
Cannons Parade,
AUCTION Saturday 22 November 4.30pm
Price Guide $1,850,000
View By Appointment
Agent Karen Terry 0419 421 584
Stephen Bock 0417 344 445
57 Prince Charles Road, Frenchs Forest
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent
Karen Terry 0419 421 584
Stephen Bock 0417 344 445
7A
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Tim Cullen 0424 006 855
Bernadette Cullen 0424 006 825
B107/2-4 Darley Street,
AUCTION Saturday 22 November 11.15am
Price Guide $675,000
View By Appointment
Agent Karen Terry 0419 421 584
Stephen Bock 0417 344 445 20 Roselands Avenue, Frenchs Forest
AUCTION Saturday 22 November 12.00pm
Price Guide $2,100,000
View Saturday 11.45am - 12.00pm
Agent Kirsten Bertram 0404 887 693
84
SALE
Price Guide $1,700,000
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Susie O’Brien 0411 762 227
10/17 Darley Road, Manly
2 beds 1 bath
AUCTION Saturday 22 November 10.30am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Morgan Fahey 0418 408 408
Elliott Fahey 0408 408 408
3/38 Ocean View Road, Freshwater 1 bed 1 bath 1 car FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Mitchell Skinner 0426 650 077
25/36 Osborne Road, Manly 3 beds 2 baths 3 cars
AUCTION Saturday 13 December 1.30pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 11.30am - 12.00pm
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Jack Milner 0402 823 735
Ozone Street, Freshwater
Northern Beaches
304A/9-15 Central Avenue, Manly
1 bed 1 bath 1 car
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Mitchell Skinner 0426 650 077
32 Crescent Road, Mona Vale 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Tuesday 9 December 4.30pm
Price Guide
$3,900,000
View Saturday 11.30am - 12.00pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
James Baker 0421 272 692
4 Pine Place, Narraweena 3 beds 1 bath 5 cars
AUCTION Saturday 29 November 12.45pm
Price Guide $2,290,000
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Mario Esposito 0417 654 068
Giovanni Dimauro 0447 321 954
5/24 Birkley Road, Manly
3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 29 November 2.15pm
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 12.30pm - 1.00pm
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Mitchell Skinner 0426 650 077
1/1192 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
3 beds 2 baths
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Will Robinson 0402 215 962
67 Consul Road North, Narraweena
2 beds 1 bath 2 cars
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Mario Esposito 0417 654 068
Giovanni Dimauro 0447 321 954
2/12 Turimetta Street, Mona Vale 3 beds 1 bath 2 cars
FOR SALE
Price Guide
$2,000,000
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Nathan Ford 0404 696 133
13/12-14 Wetherill Street, Narrabeen 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
AUCTION Saturday 6 December 10.30am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Julie Lloyd 0410 329 821
27/143 Kurraba Road, Neutral Bay
1 bed 1 bath 1 car
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Vicki Lamb 0452 431 344
Will Robinson 0402 215 962
Northern Beaches
126 Irrubel Road, Newport
AUCTION Wednesday 26 November 6.00pm
Price Guide
$3,400,000
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
James Baker 0421 272 692
168a
Price Guide $8,000,000
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lyndall Barry 0411 436 407 167
AUCTION Monday 1 December 5.30pm
Price Guide $2,750,000
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent Adrian Venturi 0425 205 181
Rowena Hunt 0412 601 647
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427 198
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide $6,000,000 - $6,250,000
View Saturday 10.45am - 11.15am
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427 3 Beach Road, Newport
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944 427 5/31
Price Guide $800,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Rhys Andrews 0487 357 370 8/377
beds 2 baths 2 cars FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.30am - 11.00am
Agent Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Nathan Ford 0404 696 133
Nooal Street, Newport
Wallumatta Road, Newport
Barrenjoey Road, Newport
Barrenjoey Road, Newport
Northern Beaches
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Nathan Ford 0404 696 133
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.00pm - 1.30pm
Agent Laura Mears 0424 918 829
Luke Nolan-Harris 0411 369 132
AUCTION Saturday 13 December 3.00pm
Price Guide $3,850,000
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent Laura Mears 0424 918 829
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Lauren Garner 0403 944
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Laura Mears 0424 918 829
James Baker 0421 272 692
Luke Nolan-Harris 0411 369 132 7B
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Tim Cullen 0424 006 855
Price
- 11.30am
Agent Julie Lloyd 0410 329 821
EXPRESSIONS
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
AUCTION Saturday 13 December 10.30am
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Julie Lloyd 0410 329 821
FOR SALE
Price Guide On Request
View Saturday 1.45pm - 2.15pm
Agent Kelly Mulvihill 0435 177 153
Nathan Ford 0404 696 133 21
AUCTION Saturday 29 November 12.00pm
Price Guide $2,150,000
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012
Izzy Fallowfield 0489 311 877
Price Guide $7,750,000-$8,500,000
View Saturday 9.15am - 9.45am
Agent James Baker 0421 272 692
Laura Mears 0424 918 829
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide $12,000,000
View By Appointment
Agent Laura Mears 0424 918 829
Luke Nolan-Harris 0411 369 132
Price Guide $4,900,000 - $5,250,000
View Saturday 11.30am - 12.00pm
Agent Laura Mears 0424 918 829
Luke Nolan-Harris 0411 369 132
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If you’re considering selling, choose a brand whose calibre of reach and reputation is unparalleled. Experience the McGrath Difference. We welcome your call today.
Thinking of Buying Out of Area?
Collaroy | Dee Why 02 9982 0600
Forestville 02 9451 8466
Manly 02 9977 9500
Mona Vale 02 8044 0388
Pittwater 02 9918 6700
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