Best Regional Australia Suburbs to Invest In for 2022

The last 18 months has seen a boom in city-slickers moving regional – avoiding lockdown fatigue, chasing more leisurely lifestyles, or simply buying where they can afford a home they love. 

If you’ve read our latest blog about Australians making the ‘sea change’, and are considering a move yourself you’ll be pleased to know that Canstar in conjunction with Hotspotting.com.au have released a report detailing the country’s top regional suburbs set to soar in 2022. 

Whether you’re looking to invest in Regional towns or make the move, get up to speed with the top suburbs below. But first, here are some top tips for moving regional from our Head of Industry at Homely, David Webb. 

Webb says, “On top of recent growth there are several things you should look to understand about a region before looking to buy.”

His three key pieces of advice are:

1. It’s easy to feel the pull of a coastal lifestyle or see a growth spike in an area and think you stand to make an investment windfall but, as with any purchase, understanding the real reasons for buying in an area is key. 

2. Be sure to research infrastructure, and make sure you’ll have the access to schools, shops, transport and even the internet speeds that you’ll need. You can also make better purchase decisions if you are across proposed developments and historical trends in the area you’re buying into.

3. If you’re looking to make a regional move it can also be a good idea to spend some time in a holiday rental in the area to make sure the lifestyle is everything you’re hoping it will be.

Top 10 Regional Suburbs in New South Wales to Invest in 2022

It is to no surprise that Regional New South Wales ranked 1st in Australia, among regional and metropolitan areas, showing the best investment potential for 2022 buyers. The much-talked about ‘mass exodus to affordability’ has seen hoards leaving the city for a more laid back and cost-effective life – regional Sydney seems to be the place to go to get away – but not too far.

• Blue Haven, NSW 2262 (Central Coast)

Median house price: $560,000

1 year growth: 13.7%

Top Homely suburb review for Blue Haven:

“I bought a House in Blue Haven 4 years ago and really love the place. I have 4 kids .

There are numerous sports…” Read more about Blue Haven NSW 2262.

Check out property listings in Blue Haven on Homely. 

• Cessnock

Median house price: $395,000

1 year growth: 8.2%

Sales activity has doubled in the past 12 to 18 months.

Check out Homely suburb reviews to find out what it’s like to live in Cessnock NSW 2325.

Browse the newest property listings in the area.

• Dubbo NSW 2830

Median house price: $400,000

1 year growth: 8.1%

Read more about Dubbo NSW 2830 in our suburb reviews.

Browse the newest property listings in the area.

• Goulburn

Median house price: $450,000

1 year growth: 7.1%

Check out suburb reviews for Goulburn NSW 2580.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Gwandalan NSW 2259 (Central Coast)

Median house price: $550,000

1 year growth: 17.1%

Read what the locals say about living in Gwandalan NSW 2259.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Karabar NSW 2620 (Queanbeyan)

Median house price: $635,000

1 year growth: 13.1%

Check out Homely suburb reviews of Karabar NSW 2620.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Singleton Heights NSW 2330 (Hunter Valley)

Median house price: $420,000

1 year growth: 6.1%

Read more about Singleton Heights NSW 2330

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Tolland NSW 2650 (Wagga Wagga)

Median house price: $290,000

1 year growth: 17.9%

See what locals on Homely say about Tolland NSW 2650.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Toukley NSW 2263 (Central Coast)

Median house price: $575,000

1 year growth: 13%

Toukley is known to thrive off its easy access to a variety of water environments – both the ocean and lakes.

See what locals on Homely say about Toukley NSW 2263.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Warners Bay NSW 2282 (Lake Macquarie)

Median house price: $725,000

1 year growth: 12.4%

See what locals on Homely say about Warners Bay NSW 2282.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

Top 10 Regional Suburbs in Victoria to Invest in 2022

Despite Regional Victoria experiencing a similar boom to the likes of Regional NSW, it came in #10 in this report. Experts say this is because the area got ‘on the boom’ earlier than other regional areas – having experienced steady and exceptional growth for the last 5 years already. While it is expected that the house prices in Regional Victoria will continue to rise, it won’t be as steep as some other regional areas in Australia.

• Beaconsfield VIC 3807

Median house price: $825,000

1 year growth: 15.9%

Top Homely suburb review for Beaconsfield:

“We moved to Beaconsfield from Berwick about three years ago and discovered this best kept secret. It’s the perfect location to raise a family with all amenities within walking distance. A 3 year old can even…” Read more about Beaconsfield VIC 3807 on Homely. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Belmont VIC 3216 (Geelong)

Median house price: $645,000

1 year growth: 15.6%

See what the locals have to say about Belmont VIC 3216 on Homely.

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Corio VIC 3214 (Geelong)

Median house price: $410,000

1 year growth: 13.5%

Read more about Corio VIC 3214 in our suburb reviews.

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Cowes VIC 3922

Median house price: $595,000

1 year growth: 12.3%

Check out what it’s like to live in Cowes VIC 3922 in our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Flora Hill VIC 3550 (Bendigo)

Median house price: $415,000

1 year growth: 10.4%

See what the locals have to say about Flora Hill VIC 3550 on Homely. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Kyneton VIC 3444

Median house price: $695,000

1 year growth: 14.6%

Learn more about living in Kyneton VIC 3444 from the Homely locals. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Shepparton VIC 3630

Median house price: $325,000

1 year growth: 14.3%

Check out what the locals say about Shepparton VIC 3630 on Homely. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• St Albans Park VIC 3219 (Geelong)

Median house price: $495,000

1 year growth: 16.4%

Check out Homely suburb reviews of St Albans Park VIC 3219. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Traralgon VIC 3844

Median house price: $360,000

1 year growth: 12.3%

See what Homely suburb reviews say about living in Traralgon VIC 3844. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Warrnambool VIC 3280

Median house price: $425,000

1 year growth: 13.2%

Find out more about Warrnambool VIC 3280 with Homely suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

Top 10 Regional Suburbs in Queensland to Invest in 2022

Regional Queensland ranked 2nd overall in Australia (out of both regional and metropolitan areas) in this report. It’s said that the vacating of Melbourne & Sydney spurred by the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing – and regional Queensland is where it’s at!

• Bundaberg East QLD 4670

Median house price: $290,000

1 year growth: 19.8%

Top Homely suburb review for Bundaberg East:

“I am very happy and proud with the area. Guests (mostly from Sydney) often comment on how beautiful the street/area is. Everything is within a 10 minute drive, including the beach. House prices are spot on in…” Read more about living in Bundaberg East QLD 4670 in our suburb reviews. 

Browse ‘for sale’ property listings in the area. 

• Burleigh Waters QLD 4220 (Gold Coast)

Median house price: $985,000

1 year growth: 15.7%

See what the locals have to say about Burleigh Waters QLD 4220 in our suburb reviews.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Centenary Heights QLD 4350 (Toowoomba)

Median house price: $395,000

1 year growth: 9.7%

Find out more about living in Centenary Heights QLD 4350 with our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Dundowran Beach QLD 4655 (Hervey Bay)

Median house price: $660,000

1 year growth: 16.8%

Check out the Homely suburb reviews for Dundowran Beach QLD 4655. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Gympie QLD 4570

Median house price: $325,000

1 year growth: 19.8%

See what the Homely locals have to say about Gympie QLD 4570.

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Little Mountain QLD 4551 (Sunshine Coast)

Median house price: $665,000

1 year growth: 14.8%

Learn more about living in Little Mount QLD 4551 with our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Newtown QLD 4350 (Toowoomba)

Median house price: $315,000

1 year growth: 4.5%

See what the locals say about Newtown QLD 4350 on Homely. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Norman Gardens QLD 4701 (Rockhampton)

Median house price: $410,000

1 year growth: 7.9%

Find out more about Norman Gardens QLD 4701 with Homely suburb reviews.

Browse the latest property listings in the area. 

• Paradise Point QLD 4216 (Gold Coast)

Median house price: $1,105,000

1 year growth: 8.3%

Check out what the locals have to say about Paradise Point QLD 4216 in our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Southport QLD 4215 (Gold Coast)

Median house price: $655,000

1 year growth: 14.9%

Find out more about living in Southport QLD 4215 with our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

Top 5 Regional Suburbs in South Australia to Invest in 2022

Ironically, although Regional South Australia ranks last in this report, it has still seen strong growth over the last year and signs that the growth will continue. 

• Encounter Bay SA 5211

Median house price: $435,000

1 year growth: 15.6%

Top Homely suburb review for Encounter Bay:

“Lived here over 2 years, it is a beautiful suburb to live in. We don’t have much in the way of shops but it is only a 6 minute drive to Victor Harbor. We have a great library, and such a lovely…” Read more about Encounter Bay SA 5211 on Homely suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Mount Gambier SA 5290

Median house price: $280,000

1 year growth: 6.9%

See what the locals have to say about living in Mount Gambier SA 5290. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Murray Bridge SA 5253

Median house price: $245,000

1 year growth: 9.3%

Check out what the Homely locals have to say about Murray Bridge SA 5253. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Kadina SA 5554

Median house price: $270,000

1 year growth: 4.8%

Read more about living in Kadina SA 5554 in our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Port Augusta SA 5700

Median house price: $145,000

1 year growth: -3.3%

See what the locals say about Port Augusta SA 5700 in Homely suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

Top 5 Regional Suburbs in Western Australia to Invest in 2022

Regional Western Australia ranked an impressive #3 in this report – said to be due to the rising economy in the state underpinned by a dominant resources sector that is responsible for such economic growth. Experts say this is the first strong growth the area has seen in 10 years. 

• Broome WA 6725

Median house price: $480,000

1 year growth: 10.9%

Are you a Broome local or know the area well? Leave a suburb review for Broome WA 6725 to help other Aussies get to know the area better. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Carey Park WA 6320 (Bunbury)

Median house price: $240,000

1 year growth: 17.6%

See what the Homely locals have to say about living in Carey Park WA 6320. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Falcon WA 6210 (Mandurah)

Median house price: $375,000

1 year growth: 14.4%

Check out the Homely suburb reviews for Falcon WA 6210. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Geographe WA 6280 (Busselton)

Median house price: $490,000

1 year growth: 8.1%

Are you a Geographe local? Leave a suburb review for Geographe WA 6280 to help other Aussies get to know the area better. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Halls Head WA 6210 (Mandurah)

Median house price: $440,000

1 year growth: 11.4%

Find out more about Halls Head WA 6210 with Homely suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

Top 5 Regional Suburbs in Tasmania to Invest in 2022

In the past few years, Tasmania has benefitted from the early days of ‘exodus to affordability’ and while we have seen that trend continue in the last 12 months, there are indicators that regional Tasmania at large has reached its big peak (for now). With that said, there are still promising suburbs around the state offering growth potential plus some nice, low median prices. 

• Mowbray TAS 7248 (Launceston)

Median house price: $315,000

1 year growth: 18.9%

Top Homely suburb review for Mowbray: 

“Mowbray is situated approximately 5 minutes from the Launceston CBD. It has everything you need in one little spot.Supermarkets, cafes, chemists, Dr surgeries and…” Read more in Mowbray TAS 7248 suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Newnham TAS 7248 (Launceston)

Median house price: $350,000

1 year growth: 12.2%

See what the locals have to say about Newnham TAS 7248 in our suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Old Beach TAS 7017 (Brighton)

Median house price: $545,000

1 year growth: 15.9%

Find out more about Old Beach TAS 7017 with Homely suburb reviews. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• Park Grove TAS 7320 (Burnie)

Median house price: $390,000

1 year growth: 15.7%

Help Aussies learn more about Park Grove TAS 7320 by leaving your own suburb review. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.

• St Helens TAS 7216 (Break O’Day)

Median house price: $420,000

1 year growth: 15.1%

See what the locals on Homely have to say about St Helens TAS 7216. 

Browse the latest property listings in the area.