Housing prices in the big cities have left many buyers feeling stuck on the sidelines. The good news is that data is pointing to several regional markets where homes are still under $600,000, rental yields are strong, and growth is picking up. These areas are giving everyday Australians a real shot at building wealth through property without the pressure of capital city prices.

Why Affordable High-Yield Properties Outperform Over Time

Leaving money in a savings account might feel safe, but inflation slowly chips away at its value while bank interest struggles to keep up. Property has moved in the opposite direction — for example, Sydney prices have climbed around 3,820% over the past 50 years, while inflation rose about 775% in the same period.

Leverage makes that gap even more powerful. With a reasonable deposit and a home loan, buyers can control a much larger asset, which means their returns grow faster as values rise. Getting into the market before an area heats up gives you a clear head start  and often costs far less than trying to catch up later.

While most people wait for the ‘right’ time, smart buyers plant the seed early and let time do the work.

Location #1 – Riverina (Wagga Wagga, NSW)

Why Wagga Wagga Is Set to Surge

Wagga Wagga has become one of regional NSW’s strongest performers, with its median house price sitting around $539,000. Prices jumped 33.3% between 2019 and 2022, followed by another 19.6% lift from 2022 to 2024 — showing steady momentum even as other areas slowed.

The region is backed by more than $15 billion in planned infrastructure, including the $2 billion Hume Link electricity upgrade, a $16 million UNSW teaching hospital, and the $1 billion Riverina Defence Estate development. These projects bring long-term employment and attract skilled professionals who tend to stay and buy locally.

Rental demand is also rising, supported by the area’s hospitals, defence facilities, and education hubs. This mix of growth drivers and affordability makes Wagga Wagga a compelling option for investors looking for both yield and upside potential.

Tip: Focus on areas around new infrastructure projects to get in before demand spikes.

Location #2 – New England & Northwest (Tamworth and Armidale, NSW)

Tamworth – Affordable Entry with Growth Tailwinds

Tamworth has spent years flying under the radar, with prices staying steady for much of the last decade. That stability is now shifting, with the median sitting around $450,000 — still well below major city levels.

The city offers strong rental yields and has far less housing supply pressure than metro markets, giving investors a chance to secure high cash flow while prices remain accessible.

Armidale – Retiree Magnet with Strong Foundations

Armidale is known for its slower pace and strong local economy, anchored by the University of New England and a growing healthcare sector.

Median prices have only climbed about 49% since 2015, leaving plenty of room for future growth. With baby boomers starting to downsize and leave Sydney and Melbourne, Armidale’s mix of lifestyle appeal and affordability is becoming harder to ignore.

Many retirees are selling in Sydney and Melbourne and relocating here for peace, space, and savings.

Location #3 – North West Tasmania (Burnie and Devonport)

Why These Towns Are Poised for a Ripple Effect

Burnie and Devonport are still sitting in the $450,000–$500,000 range, offering an affordable entry point compared to many parts of mainland Australia. Rental demand has been rising fast, with rents up around 6–6.6% in the past year and 37% over the past five years.

Devonport’s port is undergoing a $240 million upgrade that’s expected to lift freight capacity by 40% and bring an extra 70,000 visitors a year. Burnie already has Tasmania’s largest seaport and a mix of industries, including agriculture, tourism, and transport, which helps support steady local employment and housing demand.

Tip: Fast-rising rents often signal upcoming capital growth — investors follow tenants.

The Buyer’s Agent Problem Isn’t What You Think

Many buyer’s agents talk a big game but lack real experience, or they hand off the buying work to junior staff who don’t fully understand the market. Some even buy properties sight unseen, which means they can miss serious defects that end up costing buyers thousands.

Others are driven by commissions rather than outcomes, pushing deals through quickly so they get paid even if the property isn’t right for you.

But the truth is, good buyer’s agents do exist. The right one can save you from costly mistakes, secure off-market opportunities, and build a strategy around your goals instead of just chasing a sale.

Tip: Finding a trustworthy buyer’s agent is hard, which is why we built BuyerAgentFinder.com.au.
Compare verified buyer’s agents, read reviews, and book a free strategy session to plan your next move with someone you can trust.

How to Buy Smarter With the Right Expert on Your Side

Trying to do everything yourself can feel empowering, but it also comes with risk. Researching markets, inspecting properties, and handling negotiations alone can be slow and stressful — and one misstep can be expensive.

A good buyer’s agent speeds up the process, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and can unlock off-market deals you’d never see on the public portals. The key is finding someone with proven experience who aligns with your goals.

That’s where BuyerAgentFinder helps. You can:

• Search by experience and region

• Verify each agent’s track record

• Book a free strategy session to build a clear plan for your next purchase

Ready to invest confidently? Use BuyerAgentFinder to connect with an experienced buyer’s agent who puts your goals first.

Final Thoughts: Act Before Prices Jump

Every month you wait, prices can edge higher, and that gap adds up fast. The strongest opportunities are usually in affordable, high-yield regions just before they heat up, when competition is low and returns are high.

Start small, start smart, and build momentum with the right support around you. With a clear plan and the right people on your side, growing a portfolio becomes far less stressful.

Want help picking the right suburb, street, and property?
Find and compare trusted buyer’s agents at BuyerAgentFinder.com.au and start building your property strategy today.