RENTAL vacancy rates across regional NSW increased over the May quarter, but Port Macquarie continues to show strong demand from both tenants and investors.
According to the latest realestate.com.au Market Insight Report, regional NSW’s rental vacancy rate rose by 0.15 percentage points during May to reach 1.39 percent.
The figure was also up 0.27 percentage points over the quarter and sits 39 per cent higher than five years ago.
REA Group Economist Luc Redman said rental conditions across the Mid North Coast had eased in recent months.
“The Mid North Coast has experienced easing rental conditions, with vacancies continuing to rise,” Mr Redman said.
“Since late 2025, the region has seen a significant increase in rental availability, though it remains well below pre-pandemic levels, when vacancy rates were above 2 per cent.
“The improved conditions are mostly due to more dwellings becoming available across the housing market, likely due to a slowing in the population growth of the region.”
Despite the broader trend, local property professionals say Port Macquarie remains a sought-after rental market.
McGrath Estate Agents Port Macquarie Licensed Property Manager Katrina Bates said conditions still favoured landlords.
“The market continues to be considered landlord friendly, with well-presented properties attracting strong inquiry levels and generally experiencing limited vacancy periods,” Ms Bates said.
“Tenants, however, are becoming more aware of pricing, particularly in higher rental brackets, which has resulted in a more measured pace to previous periods.”
Ms Bates said investor confidence remained strong, with many buyers coming from outside the region.
“Investor activity in Port Macquarie continues to be supported by both local and external purchasers, although we see 63 per cent of buyers generally are from outside the region, including both owner-occupiers and investors,” she said.
She said ongoing population growth, employment opportunities and the region’s coastal lifestyle continued to drive rental demand in Port Macquarie.
By Sis HIGGINS
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