City dwellers with deep pockets enjoy Queensland's outback country lifestyle

Located a few hours’ drive from Brisbane’s bustling lights, the Southern Downs entice city dwellers with deep pockets looking for a lifestyle change.

Key points:

• Wealthy city dwellers move to the Southern Downs in search of a lifestyle change
• Proximity to Brisbane and Gold Coast appeals to shoppers
• Retirees and investors are also taking advantage of the rural lifestyle and lower prices

Adrian Dundas and his wife, Nancy, left their life on the Gold Coast and moved inland, pursuing the steady rhythm of regional life.

Now calling Warwick home, Mr Dundas said it was the perfect location.

“We’re always looking for places to move and/or invest and this is the gem here,” he said.

“The environment, the geographical position, how friendly the people are, and how generous they are. The cost of living is also much better here.

“It’s a beautiful place, a beautiful place to live.”

The vacancy rate in the Southern Downs is 0.1 percent — one of the lowest in Queensland.(Provided: Adrian Dundas)

The Dundases seem to have followed a well-trodden path.

Migration to Queensland’s Southern Downs was up 23 percent in the March quarter compared to the December 2021 quarter, according to data from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

Across RAI’s migration rankings, the Southern Downs ranks 63rd of all local government areas in the country.

With its simplicity, scrolling landscape, and increased ability to work from home, it doesn’t surprise Mr Dundas.

“We know a number of people who have done that [moved to the Southern Downs] simply because of the pace of life and how much more relaxed it is here,” he said.

“So close to all the other areas around here — heading west, heading east to all the beaches, you have the Gold Coast and Brisbane and of course Toowoomba to the north.

“Regional cities that are located close by but outside the big cities, I think they will be a strategic part of this remote work.”

Properties like Braeside Homestead have attracted buyers from urban areas.(Provided: Real Estate Elder)

Rural luxury

Properties like the heritage-listed 145-year-old Braeside Homestead have attracted upscale buyers with deep pockets.

Completely restored, built under 405 acres, with nearly 5 acres dedicated to gardens, last month millions of dollars.

After 20 years in the industry, Southern Downs real estate agent Andrew Williams said it was one of the most distinctive properties he had ever seen.

“We have a huge interest from people who are simply looking for country retreats, rural lifestyle properties, to professional people who have a history with livestock and have the capacity to buy something like this and enjoy the lifestyle,” he said.

The previous owners of Braeside Homestead expanded the original guesthouse while keeping the original theme.(Provided: Real Estate Elder)

“The last two owners have spent some time and effort renovating the property and bringing it back to where it is today.”

The urban shopper trend is something Mr Williams has been looking at for years.

“We’re certainly seeing a lot of city-based people both professionals and looking for a lifestyle that has capacity and sells from more densely populated areas,” Williams said.

“They want a little peace, a little privacy and maybe some security.

“Instead of that beach house that weekend, they get that country weekend, get out on Friday afternoon back to work on Monday and have that country lifestyle.”

Real estate agent Andrew Williams says more and more city dwellers are attracted to the Southern Downs.(ABC South Queensland: Anthea Moodie)

Another demographic flocking to the Southern Downs is retirees.

After experiencing health problems, Mandy Turner and her partner, Moses McNabb, from the Gold Coast purchased land in Warwick.

Even though they had never lived on land before, Turner said buying land to build on was the change they needed.

“Coming from the Gold Coast, which is very busy and very busy and the traffic is very busy, it’s all a learning curve … but it’s a trip we’ve been looking forward to,” Turner said.

“It’s just a beautiful little town.”

Investors’ joy

It’s not just those looking for homes who choose the Southern Downs, but intra and interstate investors, who have seen the value in choosing the region.

The region has the lowest vacancy rate in Queensland at just 0.1 per cent.

Brisbane-based buyer’s agent Colin Lee said the area was worth the money.

Brisbane buyer’s agent Colin Lee said Southern Downs was good value for money.(Provided: Colin Lee)

“When you go to the Southern Downs you can get property in about 1,000 square meters for less than $300,000, so it’s certainly a very attractive area for a lot of people from Brisbane and the Gold Coast simply because you can get more land to land on. the same amount of money,” he said.

“Because there’s such a low vacancy rate, you see a rent return of around 7 to 8 per cent; the average in South Queensland is around 4 to 5 per cent.

“When you buy a property in Warwick, it pays off on its own. In fact, you get positive cash flow.”

For Mr Dundas, moving back to a more relaxed lifestyle was a no-brainer.

“Rural property is in my blood,” he said.

“I was out of them for some time … but I had the opportunity to return to rural life four years ago and haven’t really looked back.”

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