Many Aussies have long toyed with the idea of a tree change, and recent economic and lifestyle shifts have maintained the enduring appeal of moving regional.

 

Rising costs, hybrid working and a yearning for space are prompting more people to look beyond city postcodes. The latest Westpac Home Ownership Report reflects this pull, finding nearly one in three Australians are planning to buy, invest or rent in a regional area.

 

Sydneysiders Amy and Ben are among them. After years in the Sutherland Shire, these pressures nudged the couple to rethink where their next chapter could unfold. Rather than stretch themselves further in Sydney’s competitive market, they opted for a different route, buying a three-bedroom investment property on a 700 square metre block in Mudgee, a sentimental place already tied into Amy’s family history.

 

“My grandparents and great grandparents were farmers,” Amy says. “Living off the land has always felt like part of who we are.”

 

Beyond familial ties, for the pair, the move felt like the most achievable step toward the slower, more grounded way of life they wanted.

 

Their story reflects a wider national trend - according to the Westpac Home Ownership Report, interest in regional living has held steady over the past year, as Australians weigh affordability and lifestyle against practical needs such as work and access to services. 

 

Why are Aussies making the tree change? 

 

For many Aussies, cost pressures are what first prompt the regional conversation. The research shows that lower cost of living (34 per cent) and more affordable house prices (33 per cent) remain the top drivers for making the switch to the country. 

 

Amy and Ben can relate, having noticed prices even in traditionally more ‘affordable’ pockets - like the Sutherland Shire - were starting to feel out of reach.

 

“We considered staying in Sydney, but even the Shire is getting crazy pricewise,” says Amy. 

 

Their investment in Mudgee is the first step to materialising their dream. The duo plan to “hopscotch” their way towards acreage over the next decade, buying land when the time is right.

 

With a bit of luck and strategy, they hope to eventually transition into rural living full-time.

 

A desire for more space is another motivating factor, with many drawn to less populated areas, offering more room to move and a closer proximity to nature.

 

How to choose the right regional town

 

“There’s nothing like country living,” says Amy. “The fresh air, the food, the wineries - it’s a salt of the earth lifestyle.”

 

Like many people considering a regional move, Amy and Ben didn’t limit themselves to one location. They explored Orange and Bathurst before finally settling on Mudgee.

 

The couple worked closely with a Westpac lender to understand their options, exploring different finance structures that would support both their investment strategy and long-term lifestyle goals.

 

“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.”

 

Being realistic about the trade-offs

 

While the dream of regional living is alive and well, Australians are not naive to the challenges.

 

Two thirds of prospective regional movers cite at least one concern, the most common being distance from healthcare and schools (32 per cent), followed by being further away from family and friends. 

 

“Depending on where you live, you can be further away from essential services,” Amy agrees. “But as regional towns grow, I reckon this is less of an issue as it once was.”

 

Employment opportunities and access to entertainment also come up often, especially with young people.

 

Then there’s the climate. “Drought is something you definitely feel more in the country,” Amy adds. “It’s a part of life you need to understand.”

 

According to Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan, this reflects a more measured decision-making mindset, supported by improving infrastructure and the long-term persistence of hybrid work. 

 

In spite of these concerns, the couple has no regrets. “We’re building towards something that suits our lifestyle, our finances and our future,” says Amy.

 

For those willing to look beyond the city limits, the grass outside of the cities might be greener after all.

 

Five tips for buying/investing in regional Australia

 

1. Get your finances sorted early: Know your borrowing power and secure preapproval so you can act quickly in competitive regional markets. Early lender advice can also clarify the right loan structure. 
2. Research the town, not just the house: Look beyond the property to local healthcare, schools, jobs and infrastructure, as these vary widely across regional areas. 
3. Think long term: Consider how population growth, local industries and infrastructure investment could shape liveability and future demand. 
4. Be realistic about trade-offs: Regional affordability and lifestyle benefits may come with reduced access to services, family or entertainment. 
5. Get advice tailored to you: Personalised guidance helps ensure your property choice aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle plans.

 

For further resources and guidance head to https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/home-loans