REISA UNSW: Newsletter T2W9

Welcome to Term 2, Week 9 of 2025!

We hope you’re powering through as the end of term draws near!

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REISA UNSW Team

Real Estate News

NSW’s Surprising Property Hotspots

Home buyers searching for affordable options face growing challenges as regional NSW’s house prices hit a record median of $800,000.

Over the year, house prices across regional NSW rose by 5.3%, marking the highest annual growth in three years and outpacing Sydney’s 4.2% rise. Much of this growth is driven by rising demand for affordable housing, which now offers a more appealing alternative to metropolitan areas.

Muswellbrook led the state with an 18.2% jump in median house prices to $585,000. Once overlooked, the town is now drawing attention due to its affordability, employment opportunities, and rising investment in renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

“These areas are proving attractive to home buyers and investors because they are the most affordable locations,” said Domain’s Chief Economist Dr Nicola Powell.

Other fast-growing regions include Lismore (+17.6%) which has gained buyer interest as it continues to recover from the 2022 floods and Kempsey (+15.8%) gaining popularity over pricier neighbours like Port Macquarie.

Experts note that COVID-era migration trends sparked renewed interest in regional living, but ongoing affordability and improved connectivity are now sustaining growth. KPMG’s Terry Rawnsley adds that rental yields in these areas have remained strong, making them appealing for investors.

In towns like Kempsey, where the median sits at $585,000, far below Port Macquarie’s $805,000, buyers are increasingly surprised by the value on offer. “People from Sydney come up here and are amazed by what their money can buy,” says local agent Carlos Peters.

With interest rate cuts boosting buyer confidence, the spotlight is now on regional NSW’s long-undervalued markets, where lifestyle, value, and infrastructure investment are reshaping the housing landscape.

Written by: Divya Goyal

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Real Estate Investment Student Association (REISA), is a student run society founded in 2023 with the objective of providing students with opportunities across all aspects of Real Estate Investment, including Private Equity, Advisory, Development, and Asset Management.

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