Homes for sale in Australia's new regional million-dollar suburbs
According to Cotality's latest Million-Dollar Markets report, one in three property markets nationwide now boasts a median value of $1 million or more.
It's a record high driven by ongoing supply shortages, cost-of-living pressures, high interest rates and pandemic-era migration patterns that have reshaped where Australians can and want to live.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.While capital-city suburbs still dominate, Cotality economist Kaytlin Ezzy said the face of the million-dollar market is changing fast.
"Seven-figure markets are no longer confined to prestigious [capital city] suburbs, with their reach expanding more broadly," Ms Ezzy said.
"Five years ago, just 14 per cent of Australian suburbs were members of the million-dollar club.
"Today 41.9 per cent of houses and 13.5 per cent of unit suburbs nationally claim a spot on the once-prestigious list, with seven-figure price tags becoming more commonplace."
Among the newest entrants are coastal and hinterland hubs across regional NSW and fast-growing lifestyle centres in regional Queensland - areas once considered affordable alternatives that now sit comfortably in seven-figure territory.
This week's regional property wrap showcases some of the standout listings in those very markets; homes that capture why demand remains strong.
Among the newest entrants are coastal and hinterland hubs across regional NSW and fast-growing lifestyle centres in regional Queensland - areas once considered affordable alternatives that now sit comfortably in seven-figure territory.
This week's regional property wrap showcases some of the standout listings in those very markets; homes that capture why demand remains strong.
New entrants for houses to the club from regional NSW include Pokolbin, Clarence Town and Chisholm in the Hunter Valley; Kembla Grange in the Illawarra; Diamond Beach on the Mid-North Coast; Boolaroo, Charlestown, Fishing Point, Fletcher, Jewells, Kotara, and Mayfield East in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region; and Tweed Heads South in Richmond-Tweed.
The only new entrants for units were Newcastle, and Bogagnar and Casaurina near Cabarita Beach in the Tweed.
Hunter Valley
This tropical four-bedroom home on a generous 790 square-metre lot in Chisholm has much to offer: movie nights in the home theatre, easy working in the study nook, and playtime in the children's activity area.
Of course, the completely updated home has a gourmet kitchen, master suite, open-plan living and dining.
It is located in Waterford Estate, which offers local walking tracks, daycares, private schools, cafes, and access to local transport. It's guiding $1.4 million.
If you're after a little more land, 73 Boatfalls Drive in Clarence Town is offering 3.2 manicured acres and a four-bedroom, elegant Edwardian residence with a listing price of $1.7 million.
Timeless and sophisticated, this home features a grand hallway, expansive open-plan living, high ceilings, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.
Two walls of bifold doors reveal an impressive 115-square-metre enclosed verandah for all-season entertaining.
The property also comes with a fully self-contained one-bedroom apartment and a shed.
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
A four-bed, three-bath family home, 51 Discovery Drive, Fletcher enjoys an expansive layout and elevated outlook over lovely leafy surrounds, while only a 25-minute drive to Newcastle CBD.
There's a lovely kitchen with a butler's pantry and waterfall island, a wine cellar, media room, multiple living spaces and a converted garage, all on a huge 2,834 square-metre block.
It's listed for sale for $1.495 million.
This modern four-bed build in Fishing Point enjoys water views of Lake Macquarie and a hard-to-beat lifestyle for $1.499 million.
Functional and open-plan with high ceilings and indoor-outdoor flow, the design centres around those views.
The kitchen is another centrepiece with ample custom cabinetry, stone benchtops, and a walk-in pantry.
Parking is plentiful with an extra-large double garage plus workshop space and drive-through access to parking at the rear.
Located with a waterfront reserve across the road, plus a jetty, boat ramp and park at the end of the street, this property is ideal for launching the boat or going for a stroll along the water.
Queensland
The report identified Queensland as the standout performer, with 37 new million-dollar markets across the state, the biggest increase in the country, making regional Queensland now home to 141 seven-figure markets.
The majority are in the Gold Coast (69) and Sunshine Coast (61), but for the first time, smaller inland centres are joining the ranks.
Cotality's data shows four suburbs in Toowoomba, three in Wide Bay, and one each in Townsville and the Whitsundays have crossed the million-dollar threshold, showcasing a broad geographic spread of new high-value regional markets.
Townsville's Castle Hill joined the million-dollar median club, and five-bedroom 6 Yarrawonga Drive captures leafy district outlooks that reach the ocean for $1.39 million.
The family home features a covered alfresco entertaining area, taking in those scenic views, alongside a pool that leads to low-maintenance gardens.
The property is a walk to The Strand, foreshore reserves, shops and buses, while handy to eateries and Breakwater Marina.
East Toowoomba character homes are hot property, and this charming Queenslander on a generous 814 square metres is sure to be snapped up quickly in the current market.
Four-bed, three-bath "Murilla" is a beautifully renovated circa 1900s Queenslander that blends timeless character with modern comfort while surrounded by lush, established gardens.
The home is kitted out with high-end functional inclusions, like an integrated Smart Home and Climate Control system, along with premium roof insulation and keyless access and security.
It's listed for offers over $1.55 million.
Swish Mediterranean-style living is on offer at 66 Alford Street, Mount Lofty.
Listed for $1.675 million, 'Alford House' is as turnkey as they come, being renovated top-to-bottom by Betro Constructions.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home features a heated magnesium pool and is characterised by organic textures, curves, and arched windows, with three-metre-high ceilings and an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that is perfect for entertaining.
The kitchen features American Oak cabinetry, Caesarstone benchtops, a stand-alone Smeg gas oven, an oversized island breakfast bar, and a generous butler's pantry.
There's also an outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas barbecue and a Bluetooth sound system.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Another Mediterranean-inspired pad, located at 20 Maple Avenue, Mapleton, offers stunning views of both the hinterland and the ocean, and is listed for $1.15 million.
What makes this listing unique is that the home was designed with dual living in mind.
The property is spread across two fully self-contained levels, featuring two bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs, making it a boon for multigenerational living, earning an income, or relegating teens to their own quarters.
The upper level showcases a light-filled kitchen and dining area, the master bedroom with 180-degree views, a spacious living room with a Santorini-inspired fireplace, bathroom, and large deck.
Downstairs has its own private entrance and a second kitchen, alongside a generous living space, bathroom and laundry facilities, a large storage area, and a secluded outdoor area overlooking the low-maintenance landscaped gardens and bush backdrop.
Originally published as Homes for sale in Australia's new regional million-dollar suburbs
