How will affordability, lifestyle and population shifts reshape regional property markets?

Australia’s shift toward regional living has reached a new peak, with the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) recording its highest level on record in the March 2026 quarter-up 20.1 per cent on the previous quarter and 4.7 per cent year-on-year.

The data, compiled by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Regional Australia Institute, shows capital city residents moving to regional areas outnumber those relocating in the opposite direction by 29.7 per cent—underscoring the scale and persistence of the trend. While Sydney and Melbourne continue to drive the majority of outflows, accounting for 55 per cent and 36 per cent respectively, the shift is becoming increasingly broad-based across all capital cities.

In this webinar, The Urban Developer brings together industry experts and regional leaders to unpack what is driving this sustained migration and how it is reshaping demand across key markets.

From established destinations such as the Sunshine Coast and Greater Geelong to emerging growth centres like Toowoomba, where net inflows from capitals surged 236 per cent year-on-year, the discussion will explore where momentum is building, what it means for housing supply and infrastructure planning, and whether regional markets can absorb and sustain this growth over the long term.

The central question is whether this represents a structural shift in how Australians choose to live and work, or a cyclical response to recent economic conditions. The answer will determine where the real regional development opportunities are—and who is positioned to take them.

Speakers

Kane Malcomson is a leading advisor across Victoria’s metropolitan and regional growth corridors, with a decade of experience facilitating major greenfield transactions. As co-director of Core Land, he works closely with landowners to navigate development pathways, providing strategic guidance and confidence as regional markets expand and new growth areas emerge.

Craig Purdy brings more than 30 years of experience across financial services and property, wealth management, private banking and corporate finance. Over the past two decades he has focused on prestige housing and boutique, high-end apartment projects across inner-city markets and, with the recent Kings Park Estate acquisition in Toowoomba, has his eye on the regional market.

What you'll learn

• The key drivers behind record regional migration and whether the trend is likely to persist

• Which regional markets are experiencing the strongest growth and why

• How demand is translating into development opportunities across different asset classes

• The role of infrastructure, employment hubs and amenity in shaping regional growth corridors

• Key constraints including planning, servicing and construction capacity

• Strategic considerations for developers assessing regional projects in the current market

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