The 9-to-5 office job is no longer the default for many Australians. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 36% of employed individuals worked from home in 2024. While down from a year ago, this figure (currently the latest available) remains well above pre-COVID levels.
Surveys also reveal the various working options employees now have and are taking advantage of, such as working remotely part-time, working fully remote, and working in a hybrid arrangement.
As workers are no longer confined to capital city job hubs, many are no longer prioritising proximity to CBDs. Instead, they are choosing lifestyle-rich locations (often in regional areas) where space, affordability, and quality of life take precedence.
From CBDs to Lifestyle Hubs
Analysis by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) of ABS figures shows regional Australia's population grew by 1.3% over the 12 months of 2024, from 9.78 million to 9.91 million.
Recent data suggests this shift is not merely pandemic-driven. In the first three months of 2025, RAI and CBA reported that capital city to regional relocations surged by almost 11%, bringing the figure to 20.5% above the pre-Covid average.
Areas like the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Ballarat, and Launceston are seeing renewed investor interest, driven by strong population growth, improved infrastructure, and rising demand from remote workers seeking a change of pace.
How Can Investors Take Advantage of Remote Work
1. Broaden your property search
RAI data indicates that 40% of city-dwelling Australians are considering a regional move, and 61% plan to relocate within five years, often while continuing their current jobs remotely or via hybrid models.
Property investors can tap into this trend by targeting lifestyle-centric, remote‑friendly regions that are benefiting from inbound migration. However, it's not just about picking the next so-called "hotspot for remote workers" promoted by ill-informed brokers or self-styled experts.
Investors are highly advised to focus their search on regional hubs with consistently rising property values, infrastructure investments, major commuter link enhancements, and strong tenant demand.
2. Capitalise on (relative) affordability and demand
Regional property remains relatively more affordable than capital city equivalents, yet rental demand is rising fast.
With rental markets tightening (national vacancy rates are below 2% in May, per SQM Research), remote workers relocating to the regions are a potential source for tenants.
Well-selected regional locations can deliver both capital growth and rental yield. Aim for areas where median dwelling values sit around $650k-$700k, but where demand remains robust.
Additionally, look for dual-income opportunities (e.g. multi-tenanted or short-stay rental potential) and assess rental yields vs entry prices.
3. Seek flexible lending
As people relocate from city centres to regional hubs or interstate lifestyle towns, investors need lending solutions that match that geographic flexibility. Traditional in-branch applications or in-person paperwork aren't always practical anymore.
Seek lenders that offer remote-friendly approval processes, digital documentation, and fast turnaround. These are crucial when you need to act quickly on high-demand regional properties.
At loans.com.au, borrowers can apply anytime, anywhere. Pre-approval is fast tracked in just minutes, and customers receive support online.
Speaking of flexibility, home loan features such as redraw and offset accounts are also essential. Having offsets or redraws lets investors manage expenses, property maintenance, or gaps between leases without overleveraging. This is especially valuable when faced with fluctuating rental income common in seasonal regional markets.
Risks and Precautions
1. Overpaying in fast‑moving markets
Popular locations can become overheated, rigorous due diligence is essential to avoid paying too much in the hype.
2. Liquidity constraints
Regional properties may experience seasonal rental droughts or longer vacancy periods, so ensure your portfolio retains liquid assets to meet ongoing obligations.
3. Varied employment income
Many remote workers are employed casually or on a freelance basis, making income verification harder. Some lenders require up to two years of financials or may rely on specialist assessments.
4. Economic dependency
Some towns rely heavily on tourism, mining, or agriculture. Shocks to these industries can affect rental demand and capital stability.
Investors Should Think Like a Remote Worker
Remote and hybrid work models are rewriting Australia's migration map. And these are giving forward-thinking investors new opportunities in regional markets.
With capital growth, strong rental demand, and growing numbers of remote workers relocating, regional locations now offer a compelling alternative to crowded capitals.
However, investors should approach this with the mindset of their potential tenants and future selves. Today's remote workers value lifestyle, space, and flexibility. And while proximity to work may not be their priority, they still expect quality internet, amenities, and a well-connected community.
It's also vital to consider that these remote workers might rent for now but intend to eventually buy or live in the region. As such, investment properties should appeal not only to renters but also to future owner-occupiers.
Ready to invest where Australians are moving? Secure a flexible investment home loan that fits your goals. At loans.com.au, you can apply online anytime, get fast pre-approval, and access great rates designed for smart property investors.
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