'More value for money': Why Canberrans are flocking across NSW borders to live
There’s plenty of data to show people have been exiting bigger cities in search of more balanced lifestyles, and the regions have been the beneficiaries.
That’s amply demonstrated by significant price growth, with the Young-Yass area rocketing by 32 per cent in the 12 months to September to $567,500.
Goulburn-Mulwaree was close behind at just over 26.1 per cent to $630,500, and the Snowy Mountains continued to perform strongly at 18.6 per cent to $605,000.
| Region | Property | Sep-22 | Jun-22 | Sep-21 | Quarterly change | Annual change |
| Young – Yass | House | $567,500 | $521,000 | $430,000 | 8.9% | 32.0% |
| Goulburn – Mulwaree | House | $630,500 | $640,000 | $500,000 | -1.5% | 26.1% |
| South Coast | House | $870,000 | $872,500 | $705,000 | -0.3% | 23.4% |
| Queanbeyan | House | $899,000 | $896,000 | $745,250 | 0.3% | 20.6% |
| Snowy Mountains | House | $605,000 | $640,000 | $510,000 | -5.5% | 18.6% |
Graham Bush of Independent Inner North & City says COVID proved to be a game-changer for the regions.
“It prompted people to think about their lifestyles, and new work-from-home options made relocation to the regions very possible,” he says.
Bush says price growth has also driven other lifestyle choices.
“You get much more value for money outside of the cities – even with the recent price growth,” he says.
“Buyers can get more land and much bigger homes – and become part of tight-knit regional communities.”
Michael Henley of Henley Property, which specialises in the Snowy Mountains region, agrees price growth is still being driven by lifestyle choices.
“Jindabyne is one of those rare locations in Australia; it’s at the foot of the ski fields, and it’s also only just over two hours from Canberra and similar to the South Coast,” he says.
“People are coming here for value and for the great outdoors – skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking. It’s all here.”
Henley says quality family homes are still coming to market, but the apartment market in Jindabyne has tightened.
- Lifestyle: A change of lifestyle is one of the biggest drivers of home-owner relocation to the region. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a sense of space with a slowing down of pace.
- Community and access: Relocation offers the opportunity to connect with and become part of a new community. Proximity to Canberra also ensures convenient access to a range of medical services and quality schools.
- Value for money: A property exit from a capital city market often delivers enough equity to drive more bang for the buck when it comes to acquiring a property in the surrounding regions.
Check out our top pick of properties across ACT borders:
Manton
If you’re looking for a country lifestyle with the best in contemporary living, then this spot on the Yass River could be just the place for you.
This modern, six-bedroom residence sits on more than 10 hectares in a beautiful location between Murrumbateman and Yass.
And this character-filled home comes with a mineral pool, tennis court, a self-contained studio – and stunning rural views.
Privacy is assured, while a tree-lined driveway creates a sense of anticipation upon arrival.
That’s enhanced by stained glass doors that offer entry onto polished timber floors – of course – within a welcoming foyer.
There are bedroom wings on both sides, plus the main living hub and a massive games room.
The home is absolutely flooded with light, and there are views from just about everywhere.
The country chef will find plenty to love in the modern kitchen with stone benchtops and a breakfast bar, along with Smeg appliances and oodles of storage.
Bedrooms are generously-sized, and the main enjoys an indulgent en suite and spacious walk-in wardrobes.
Timber stairs lead to a home office or a home theatre, while the ground level offers a one-bedroom studio with private access. It comes complete with a bathroom, kitchen, study nook and large living space, ideal for in-laws, teenager’s retreats or for rental income.
There’s a large three-bay shed with a mezzanine and roller doors on two sides that can garage six vehicles.
This feature is part of an Allhomes Deluxe package.
Expressions of interest: Close noon, November 15
Agent: Independent Inner North & City, Graham Bush 0427 225 823
Or try these:
Goulburn
Price guide: $1.1 million
Auction: 11am, December 2
Agent: Ray White Goulburn, Justin Gay 0429 795 507
Yass
Price guide: $665,000-$695,000
Private sale
Agent: Yass First National Real Estate, Deb Johnson 0427 394 481
Murrumbateman
Price guide: $1.175 million-$1.275 million
Private sale
Agent: Independent Inner North & City, Graham Bush 0427 225 823
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