That's according to analysis by CoreLogic of Australia's 25 largest non-capital city markets to find out where has performed best and worst. 

Illawara (NSW) had both the highest yearly growth and highest change in sales volumes in the regional house markets, at 12.0% and 14.0% respectively.

Ballarat (VIC) also demonstrated strong selling conditions for houses, with homes selling in just 30 days for very little discount. 

Launceston and North Eastern Tasmania had the highest yearly growth in regional unit markets at 14.8%, and only took 26 days to sell with minimal discount.

The volatility of the regional Tasmanian market was seen in Launceston and North Eastern Tasmania also having the lowest change in sales volumes for both houses and units. 

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest variable interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

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LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$3,011
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
4.6 Star Customer Ratings
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
Apply in minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
 Disclosure
6.09% p.a.
6.11% p.a.
$3,027
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$250
60%
  • No annual fees – None!
  • Get fast pre-approval
  • Unlimited additional repayments free of charge
 Disclosure
5.69% p.a.
6.16% p.a.
$2,899
Principal & Interest
Fixed
$0
$530
90%
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Flexibility to split your loan with both fixed and variable rates
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic Head of Research, said housing values in regional markets had been little affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Broadly, regional housing values have held firm through the COVID period compared with their capital city counterparts, with dwelling values across the combined regional areas of Australia slipping by only 0.1% between March and the end of July, while capital city home values are down 2.0% over the same period," Mr Lawless said. 

"While the region by region data shows diversity, the relatively steady conditions across the regional markets of Australia can probably be attributed to factors such as less impact on housing demand from stalling overseas migration; Close to 85% of Australia’s net overseas migration flows into the capital cities.

"Also there likely remains some momentum in the trend towards rising demand for lifestyle properties that was prevalent prior to COVID-19."

Bunbury (WA) was the worst performer for regional house markets, down 6.3% in the year to July 2020, while Hume (VIC) was the worst for units, down 11.1% in the same period. 

New England and North West New South Wales had the longest days on market for houses at 99 days, while in Wide Bay (QLD) it took 105 days to sell a unit. 

Townsville had the largest discounts to secure a sale for both units and houses, at 5.9% and 6.2% respectively. 

Mr Lawless said regional areas offered a wide range of advantages and risks compared to the nation's capitals. 

"On the positive side, housing prices tend to be lower, providing a more affordable entry point to the market, population densities are generally lower which is something that might be even more appealing as we move through this pandemic, and in many examples, regional areas will offer some lifestyle advantages, either via the locations proximity to the coastline or wide open spaces," he said.

"On the downside, regional economic conditions can be more volatile, especially those areas that are heavily dependent on a single industry for economic prosperity, and some areas may not show the same level of amenity and access to essential services as a capital city or major centre."



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