Regions getting the most investor attention revealed

“Affordability has been a big driver of demand in these regions, which tend to be favoured by people from capital cities looking for larger homes and more relaxed lifestyles,” Mr Ryan said.  

“But crucially, they are close enough to maintain semi-regular commutes to capital cities when the need arises.”

REA enumerated top regions per state based on the number of new investors in the period between October 2020 and March 2021:

How to succeed

While the strong growth boost may have reached its limit, Mr Ryan said property investors will still be able to obtain capital growth in the future, but it will be important for them to do thorough research into where to invest. 

Looking ahead, adapting to post-COVID property trends will be key to the success of investment strategies, according to him.

Amid the new normal, the economist encouraged investors to look into some “new tick-box items”, including strong connections to industries with solid growth prospects and good access to services, amenities and transport links.

It’s also crucial to consider where buyers and tenants will want to live in the future in light of new work and lifestyle trends, he added.

“Increased remote working is likely to continue to benefit regional areas, although not all will benefit equally.”

“On the flip side, demand for inner-city areas is likely to return when borders open and immigration recommences, while the preference shift among buyers and renters towards larger dwellings, both within cities and away from them, is likely to continue,” Mr Ryan explained.

Ultimately, he opined, the COVID-induced shift in lifestyle and market movements will continue to lift the popularity of regional markets, and it’s up to the investors to tailor their own strategies to ensure maximum success.