09/03/2026 Australians maintain steady interest in regional living, led by affordability and lifestyle

Australians maintain steady interest in regional living, led by affordability and lifestyle

9 March 2026

• Three out of 10 of Australians plan to buy, invest or rent in regional areas.
• Lower cost of living and affordable house prices are top motivators.
• Distance from healthcare and schools is the biggest concern for regional movers.

Australians continue to show strong interest in regional areas, with more than a quarter planning to buy, invest or rent outside a capital city, according to the latest Westpac Home Ownership Report.

Between October 2025 and January 2024, the number of people looking at making a regional property move was steady at around three in 10. Meanwhile, people planning to purchase in a capital city jumped three per cent to 55 per cent, indicating that capitals remain dominant overall.

"Regional Australia remains a compelling option for buyers seeking value and space," said James Hutton, Westpac Managing Director, Mortgages.

"What's notable is the consistent interest in regional moves rather than a surge - Australians are weighing affordability and lifestyle alongside proximity to healthcare, education and job opportunities."

Australians considering a move to regional areas are primarily motivated by a lower cost of living (34%) and more affordable house prices (33%). The appeal of less populated environments (28%), along with the desire for more space and proximity to nature (both 24%), highlights a pragmatic blend of budget and lifestyle considerations driving regional intentions.

Two-thirds of Australians planning a regional move report concerns, with the most common being distance from key facilities such as healthcare and schools (32%), followed by distance from family and friends (27%). Employment opportunities (23%) and fewer entertainment options (23% - rising to 39% among Gen Z) are also significant factors, highlighting the trade-offs many buyers weigh when considering life outside the capitals.

"Affordability and lifestyle remain central to regional buying intentions. As infrastructure continues to improve and hybrid work persists, we expect regional interest to remain steady, not spike - consistent with the broader pattern in our data," said Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan.

Westpac's top regional home lending growth areas

Top tips for regional property moves:

• Get pre-approval and personalised advice: Westpac's regional home lending specialists can help you understand your borrowing power and guide you through the process. Getting pre-approval early can help you act quickly when you find the right property.
• Make use of Westpac's property research tools: Use Westpac's free property reports and market research tools to compare suburbs, assess property values, and understand local trends.
• Consider the trade-offs and stay connected: Explore Westpac's Property Investment Hub for tailored insights into rental yields and trends in regional suburbs. Discover strategies to grow your portfolio with confidence, and make informed decisions about investing beyond the capitals

About the Westpac Home Ownership Report

The research was commissioned by Westpac and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 2,000 Australians aged 18+ with surveys distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 19 and 29 September 2025. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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