The Regional Renaissance: Why More Australians Are Moving to the Country and What It Means for Property Owners and Buyers

Over the past few years, Australia has been quietly experiencing a “regional renaissance.” This shift refers to the growing number of Australians making the move from capital cities to regional towns and rural areas. And it’s not just a passing trend—it’s a sustained lifestyle change that’s creating exciting new opportunities for both landowners and prospective buyers.

Who’s Moving and Why?

According to a 2024 Regional Australia Institute (RAI) survey, 40% of metropolitan residents are now considering a move to regional Australia - a significant jump from 20% in May 2023. Of those, 61% plan to make the move within five years (RAI, 2024).

Their top motivators?

●      Affordable housing (41%)

●      Lower cost of living (39%)

●      Proximity to nature (35%)

Perhaps most significantly, 47% of these potential movers intend to continue working remotely or in hybrid roles, meaning they can bring their careers with them, straight into regional communities.

What This Means for Rural Property Owners

As regional migration grows, so too does property demand. Recent figures from NAB show that regional property values rose by 5.3% over the past year (April 2024–25)—outpacing growth in the capital cities (2.6%).

What we’re seeing on the ground is clear:

●      More buyer interest = faster sales

●      Stronger competition = better outcomes for sellers

●      Improved local infrastructure - from internet and healthcare to transport and education - is making regional living more appealing than ever.

For rural landholders, this surge in interest translates to greater market visibility, rising asset values, and the opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength.

Thinking About Selling? Work With a Local Who Knows the Land

In times like these, having a trusted, community-connected rural agent can make all the difference.

We don’t just list properties - we understand them. We never list a property we wouldn’t stand behind ourselves. And perhaps most importantly, we know who’s quietly looking to buy or sell, often before anything even hits the public market.

Many of our best deals happen through off-market sales, where trust and relationships lead the way.

Whether you’re ready to sell or simply curious about the current landscape, we can help you make an informed decision, grounded in real local knowledge.

For all enquiries, please contact Wally at walcooper@ruralpropertylivestock.com.