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
Bec Hammond
“We recently leased our house through McGrath and the process was seamless! I was overwhelmed by the task of getting the house ready to be rented but Bec & Amanda were friendly, professional and efficient and nothing was an issue. Tenants moved in within 4 weeks of my first contact with McGrath and they kept me up to date during the whole process. Thanks ladies!”
Born and raised in Orange, Rebecca Hammond brings a wealth of local insight to her role as a passionate business development manager. Driven to be known as one of the top agents in her field, she strives to build lasting relationships with people, providing a service that is centered around the customer experience. Rebecca takes great pride in being able to assist property owners with their rental goals. A real pleasure to work with, she’s able to consistently deliver superior results through her incredible attention to detail and unrivalled work ethic. As a part of a well-respected McGrath brand, Rebecca places great value on the immense support she receives from the industry-leading company. If you’re looking for a dedicated agent, Rebecca Hammond is someone you can trust to have your best interests at heart.
What to look for when buying a holiday home.
Buying a holiday home is a dream for many people who want to have a place to escape to during their time off work, but it can be a daunting process. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here are our Top 5 Tips on how to buy a holiday home:
BUDGET
Firstly, it is important to decide on a budget. This will help narrow down your options and focus on properties that are within your price range. It is generally recommended that you spend no more than 30% of your income on a holiday home, as this will ensure that you can afford maintenance, associated fees or taxes.
LOCATION
When it comes to location, there are pros and cons to buying a holiday home close to home versus further afield. If you live in a city, then a beach or country location may be appealing, while those who already live in the country may prefer a city location. It is important to consider factors such as travel time, accessibility, and local amenities when choosing the ideal location.
PROPERTY TYPE
When it comes to the type of property to buy, you’ll need to decide whether an apartment, townhouse or house best suits your needs. Apartments are often a more affordable option and require less maintenance, but can be smaller and less private than houses. Townhouses offer a balance between apartments and houses, but may come with additional costs such as shared maintenance fees.
SHARED HOLIDAYS
If you’re considering sharing the purchase of a holiday home with family members or friends, this can be a great way to split the costs and ensure that everyone has access to holiday accommodation year-round. However, it is important to set clear boundaries and rules around usage and maintenance to avoid any conflicts in the future.
MAINTENANCE
You’ll need to ensure that the property is well-maintained and secure, even when you’re not there. So factor in the cost of insurance, repairs, and any associated fees or taxes.
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
2
Price
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Rachel Smith 0499 820 763
Agent
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Price
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Agent
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Team Fitzgerald
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Rachel Smith 0499 820 763
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
SALE
Price Guide $2,100,000-$2,300,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
93
SALE
Price Guide $1,950,000 - $2,000,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Price
View By Appointment
Agent
Lauren
SALE
Price Guide
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
SALE
Price Guide $2,000,000-$2,200,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Team Fitzgerald 74
Price Guide $1,700,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald 6
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald 13
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
15 Clontarf Close, Orange 5 beds 3 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
10 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,290,000 - $1,340,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
156a Hill Street, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,250,000-$1,300,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
8 Rowan Street, Orange 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide
$1,400,000-$1,450,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Rachel Smith 0499 820 763
1 Bathurst Road, Orange 1 bath SALE
Price Guide
$1,300,000-$1,400,000 View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
98 McKay Road, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
8 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
26 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
37 Westerly Drive, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 6 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Rachel Smith 0499 820 763
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
Price Guide $1,300,000-$1,400,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Price Guide $1,180,000-$1,240,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Price Guide $1,250,000 - $1,350,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
3 Hamer Street, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $990,000 - $1,080,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
31 Pippin Way, Orange 5 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $920,000-$950,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
62B Centennial Crescent, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $650,000 - $ 680,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
1 - 28 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825 35A Larela Circuit, Orange 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
21 William Maker Drive, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide $870,000-$915,000
View Saturday 11.30am - 12.00pm
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
62A Centennial Crescent, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $630,000 - $660,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $900,000-$960,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
8 Aloe Vera Place, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $760,000 - $790,000
View By Appointment
Agent Tori White 0422 424 601
16 McLachlan Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $650,000-$700,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
174 Shiralee Road, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $599,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide $375,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $295,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
50 Ferguson Street, Canowindra 2 beds 1 bath
SALE
Price Guide $550,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Lot 121, Whitebox Street, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $335,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Lot 49, Joseph Street, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $299,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
15 Mountain Vista, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $510,000-$530,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
8 Mallard Way, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $330,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Team Fitzgerald
113
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Lot 174, Sundowner Street, Orange Land
Shiralee Estate, Tanika Street, Orange Land
Three Rivers Road, Molong
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
39 Riddell Street, Molong
4 beds 2 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide
$1,470,000-$1,550,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
97-99 Kiewa Street, Manildra 9 beds 4 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide
$790,000-$830,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
39 Queen Street,
SALE
Price Guide $450,000 - $490,000
View By Appointment
Agent Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
502 Banjo Paterson Way, Molong
5 beds 3 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,350,000 - $1,450,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
9 McArdle Street, Molong 5 beds 3 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $800,000 - $850,000
View Saturday 9.15am - 9.45am
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
17 Penrose Close, Molong Land
SALE
Price Guide $395,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
39 Thistle Street, Molong 4 beds 2 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,050,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
172 Hill Street, Molong 2 beds 1 bath 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $500,000 -$550,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
7 Keppel Street, Bathurst
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
Josh Fitzgerald 0414304898
Molong
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
808
SALE
Price Guide $3,750,000-$3,850,000
View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
SALE
Price Guide $750,000-$770,000
View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
SALE
Price Guide $1,800,000-$1,980,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
SALE
Price Guide $1,150,000
View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
Our Property Management team
Orange, Molong & Bathurst
Bec Hammond
Orange & Molong 0401 622 447 rebeccahammond@mcgrath.com.au
Dearne Yeghoyan
Central West 0400 795 271 dearneyeghoyan@mcgrath.com.au
At McGrath Property Management in Orange, Molong and Bathurst, our dedicated team takes pride in delivering exceptional service tailored to landlords and tenants alike. From comprehensive property marketing to thorough tenant screening, proactive maintenance coordination, and transparent financial reporting, we handle every aspect of property management with professionalism and care.
For more information about how our services can benefit you, please contact our Business Development Manager Rebecca Hammond in Orange and Molong or Dearne Yeghoyan in Central West.
We’re here to help you achieve your property investment goals.
Orange 02 7903 0753
Bathurst 02 6331 5555
Molong 02 6311 1534
Guiding you home