Regional Australia Building Boom 2025: Best Locations for Home Owners Looking to Build Their First Home

The Regional Australia Building Boom: What's Driving It?

Before diving into specific locations, it's worth understanding why regional Australia building has exploded in popularity. This isn't a temporary blip—it's a structural shift.

Remote Work Has Changed Everything

The pandemic proved what many suspected: location doesn't matter for countless jobs. With hybrid work arrangements now standard across industries, professionals can genuinely live where they choose. This single factor has unlocked regional markets that were previously considered too far from employment centres.

Infrastructure Investment Is Flowing

State and federal governments are pouring billions into regional infrastructure. Fast rail connections, upgraded hospitals, expanded universities, and improved digital connectivity are transforming regional cities from commuter towns into self-sustaining hubs.

The Affordability Crisis Reaches Breaking Point

When Melbourne's median house price sits around $900,000 and regional alternatives offer similar lifestyle at half the cost, the equation becomes simple. First home buyers are voting with their feet—and their building contracts.

Lifestyle Factors Matter More Than Ever

Australians emerged from lockdowns craving space, nature, and community. Regional living delivers all three, often with beach or countryside access that would cost millions in capital cities.

Geelong: Victoria's Regional Powerhouse

Geelong stands as Victoria's largest regional centre and arguably its most promising regional property market for 2025. Located just over an hour from Melbourne, this coastal city has transformed from industrial hub to thriving lifestyle destination.

Market Performance

Recent data shows Geelong's property market stabilising after the softness that affected much of Victoria through 2024. Median house prices hover around the mid-$700,000 range—significantly more affordable than Melbourne while offering comparable amenities and lifestyle.

Certain suburbs are already showing strong growth signals. Affordable northern and eastern areas like Corio, Norlane, Whittington and Newcomb have recorded some of the strongest recent gains. Established suburbs including Belmont, East Geelong and Highton are also seeing rising activity.

Economic Fundamentals

What makes Geelong particularly compelling is its economic depth. The region's Gross Regional Product reached $21.9 billion in 2024, representing a 152% increase since 2008. This isn't a one-sector economy—it's diversified across health care, education, manufacturing, advanced technology and professional services.

Employment growth tells the story: health care and social assistance roles surged 91% in the five years to February 2025, while professional services and accommodation businesses increased 41%. Major employers like Barwon Health and Deakin University provide stable, long-term job security.

Infrastructure Shaping the Future

Geelong's infrastructure pipeline is transforming the city. The Fast Rail project will slash travel time to Melbourne to just 50 minutes, effectively making it a genuine option for hybrid workers. A $294 million convention centre is under construction, supporting business tourism and local jobs. Avalon Airport expansions will improve connectivity nationally and internationally.

Why Geelong Works for Country Home Building

For first home buyers looking to build, Geelong offers the sweet spot—coastal lifestyle, economic opportunity, and genuine community, all within reach of Melbourne when needed. Home Group's presence in regional Victoria means local expertise and support throughout your build.

The suburbs showing strongest potential for new builds include Leopold, Grovedale, Marshall and Wandana Heights—areas combining growth potential with family-friendly amenity.

At Home Group, our design range—from Classic with $30k Designer inclusions to Luxury with $80k in European-style features—means you can build the quality of home these growing regional markets deserve.

Mandurah: Western Australia's Coastal Gem

Seventy-two kilometres south of Perth sits Mandurah, a city that's evolved from fishing village to one of Western Australia's most compelling regional property markets. For first home buyers considering regional Australia building, Mandurah presents an attractive package of affordability, lifestyle and strong fundamentals.

Market Performance

Mandurah's property market has been nothing short of remarkable. As of late 2025, median house prices sit around $575,000, reflecting approximately 24% annual growth. Properties are moving quickly—houses sell in a median of just 18 days, with units close behind at 21 days.

This isn't just price growth—it's genuine demand. Rental yields remain strong at around 5%, with median weekly rents of $550 for houses. The vacancy rate of 2.2% across broader Perth means minimal risk of extended vacant periods, crucial for investors building for rental income.

Economic and Lifestyle Factors

Mandurah's transformation centres on lifestyle appeal combined with practical connectivity. The Mandurah Train Station provides fast access to Perth CBD, supporting hybrid work arrangements. Locally, the economy has diversified beyond tourism to include health care, retail, construction and professional services.

The lifestyle proposition is undeniable—pristine beaches, extensive waterways perfect for boating and fishing, a bustling marina, quality restaurants and modern shopping centres. It's the Australian coastal dream at a fraction of capital city prices.

Infrastructure and Future Growth

Infrastructure investment continues flowing into Mandurah. New schools, upgraded medical facilities, expanded recreational amenities and improved transport links are supporting the city's growth from holiday destination to permanent residential hub.

The region's population growth of 12.3% between 2016 and 2021 demonstrates sustained appeal, particularly among families seeking the "sea change" lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Building Opportunities in Mandurah

For first home buyers planning to build, Mandurah offers several advantages. Land remains relatively affordable compared to Perth suburbs. The mix of new estates and established areas means options for different budgets and preferences.

Home Group's Western Australian presence extends to the Peel region, bringing local knowledge and relationships that streamline the building process. Whether you're looking at coastal estates or more affordable inland options, there's scope for first home builders to secure quality land and create their ideal home.

The Remote Work Impact: Reshaping Regional Possibilities

The shift to remote and hybrid work has fundamentally altered which locations first home buyers consider viable. This change disproportionately benefits regional areas with strong connectivity and lifestyle appeal.

Pre-pandemic, living in Geelong or Mandurah meant either local employment or brutal daily commutes. Today, it means two or three office days per week with the rest from home—entirely manageable with fast rail or good highways.

This flexibility creates what economists call "arbitrage opportunities." Young professionals can earn metropolitan salaries while paying regional housing costs, dramatically accelerating their ability to enter the property market. For first home buyers, this makes regional Australia building not just feasible but potentially the smartest financial move available.

The work-from-home trend also drives demand in regional areas, supporting property values and rental returns. As more people discover this lifestyle, competition for quality regional property increases, benefiting those who build early in the cycle.

Why Regional Building Makes Financial Sense

Let's address the numbers directly, because they're compelling.

Lower Entry Costs

Building in Geelong or Mandurah costs significantly less than equivalent Melbourne or Perth metropolitan projects. Land prices can be 40-50% lower, while construction costs remain comparable. This means first home buyers can build larger, better-appointed homes for similar total investment.

Government Grants and Incentives

Both Western Australia and Victoria offer substantial first home buyer incentives. In WA, first home buyers can access up to $10,000 in grants for new builds, plus stamp duty concessions. Victoria offers similar support, making regional building financially attractive.

Home Group's finance team can guide you through available grants, ensuring you maximise support available for your first home build.

Stronger Rental Yields

Should life circumstances change, regional properties typically deliver stronger rental returns than metropolitan equivalents. Mandurah's 5% yields far exceed Perth's average, while Geelong offers solid returns with excellent tenant demand.

Quality of Life Returns

While harder to quantify, the lifestyle return on regional building is substantial. Larger blocks, proximity to nature, genuine community connections, lower traffic stress—these factors contribute to wellbeing in ways that compound over time.

Why Choose Home Group for Your Regional Build

Building your first home in regional Australia is an exciting step, and choosing the right builder makes all the difference. As Australia's 3rd largest home builder and a multi-award-winning, family-owned business, Home Group brings genuine expertise and support to your regional building journey.

Award-Winning Designs for Regional Living

Our home designs have earned multiple HIA and MBA awards, including Project Builder of the Year and Display Home of the Year. Whether you're building in Geelong or Mandurah, you'll access the same quality and innovation that's made us one of Australia's most trusted builders.

Exceptional Inclusions at No Extra Cost

Every Home Group build includes luxury features that other builders charge extra for. Choose from our Designer range with $60,000 in premium inclusions, or our Luxury range with $80,000 worth of European-inspired cabinetry, premium appliances, and high-end finishes. Regional building shouldn't mean compromising on quality—and with Home Group, it doesn't.

Dedicated First Home Buyer Support

Our in-house finance team specialises in helping first home buyers navigate grants, low deposit loans, and Keystart opportunities. We understand regional lending and work with you from application through to handover, taking the stress out of the process.

Family Values, Local Expertise

As a family-owned business under the Silvestro family, we've built our reputation on honesty, integrity, and exceeding expectations. Our regional teams in Western Australia and Victoria bring local knowledge and genuine relationships that make your build smoother from day one.

Home Group's Regional Presence: Local Expertise Matters

Building your first home should be exciting, not stressful. That's why our family-owned business brings award-winning designs and genuine support to every regional build. As Australia's 3rd largest home builder with multiple HIA and MBA awards, we combine the expertise of a major builder with the personalised service of a family business.

Western Australia Coverage

Home Group operates across Perth and extends throughout the Peel region, covering Mandurah and surrounding areas. Our team understands local councils, knows reputable trades, and has relationships with land developers in growth estates.

This local knowledge matters practically. It means understanding soil conditions, knowing which estates offer best value, anticipating council approval timelines, and accessing trades who deliver quality work on schedule.

Victorian Operations

In Victoria, Home Group serves Melbourne and regional areas including Geelong and surrounding regions. Our design consultants understand the local market, from what buyers seek in regional builds to how to maximise blocks in popular suburbs.

Design Flexibility for Regional Living

Regional blocks often offer more space than metropolitan equivalents, allowing design elements that maximise lifestyle benefits. Think alfresco areas that actually get used, home offices with natural light, dedicated hobby spaces, or workshop areas in larger garages.

Home Group's design range—from Classic to Designer ($60,000 in premium inclusions) to Luxury ($80,000 worth of European-inspired features)—can be adapted to suit regional living aspirations. Our building designers work with you to create homes that respond to your specific location, orientation, lifestyle needs and budget, all while maintaining the exceptional quality we're known for.

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Making Your Regional Building Dream Reality

For first home buyers considering regional Australia building, the opportunity is now. Market conditions, government support, remote work flexibility and lifestyle benefits align in ways we haven't seen before. Here's how Home Group supports your regional building journey:

Research Thoroughly

Visit potential locations multiple times, in different seasons and on different days. Talk to locals. Understand employment options, schooling if relevant, medical facilities, and community culture. Our regional teams can connect you with local resources and share insights from years of building in these communities.

Understand the Market

Work with Home Group's team to understand local property cycles, rental demand if relevant, and growth prospects. We track regional market performance closely and can help you make informed decisions. Geelong and Mandurah offer different opportunities—we'll help match the market to your circumstances and goals.

Plan Your Build Carefully

Regional builds allow more design flexibility. Consider how you'll actually use your space. Do you need a dedicated office? Would a larger alfresco area add to your lifestyle? Is workshop space valuable? Our design consultants specialise in adapting our Classic, Designer, and Luxury ranges to make the extra land work for you, ensuring every square metre adds value to your lifestyle.

Factor in Connectivity

If maintaining some metropolitan connection matters, proximity to fast rail (Geelong) or major highways (Mandurah) should influence your suburb choice. If you're fully remote, you might prioritise beach proximity or school catchments instead. We'll help you evaluate blocks based on what matters most to your situation.

Secure Finance Early

Our in-house finance team specialises in first home buyer support, including First Home Owners Grant applications, Keystart Opportunity guidance, and low deposit home loan options. Regional lending sometimes involves extra considerations, and our finance partners understand regional building inside out. We'll structure your loan to work for your specific circumstances and prevent delays once you find your ideal block.

Visit Display Centres

See Home Group homes in person. Our Perth display homes showcase what's possible with our range of inclusions, while Melbourne displays demonstrate designs suited to Victorian living. Even if building regionally, these centres provide valuable inspiration, let you experience the quality of our finishes firsthand, and give you the chance to meet our team.

The 2025 Opportunity: Regional Australia's Building Boom

The regional property boom 2025 isn't hype—it's a structural shift in Australian living patterns. First home buyers who recognise this early stand to benefit from affordability, lifestyle improvements, and strong capital growth as more Australians discover regional possibilities.

Geelong and Mandurah represent two excellent case studies—established regional cities with genuine economic depth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment supporting long-term growth. But they're not alone. Across Western Australia and Victoria, regional centres are offering first home buyers opportunities that simply don't exist in capital cities.

Regional Australia building isn't about compromise—it's about choice. Choosing where you want to live rather than where you can afford. Choosing award-winning designs with exceptional inclusions rather than settling for basic finishes. Choosing a family-owned builder who genuinely supports your journey from application to handover.

Your regional building journey starts here. See the difference Home Group's award-winning designs, $60,000–$80,000 in luxury inclusions, and traditional family values make. We understand that building your first home is one of life's biggest decisions, and we're dedicated to making it as seamless and rewarding as possible.

Ready to explore building your first home in regional Western Australia or Victoria? Contact Home Group on 13 14 14 to discuss your options. Our team understands the regional markets and can guide you through every step of your building journey. Welcome to your new home.