REGIONAL rent prices across NSW have held steady over the March quarter, but remain at record highs compared to a year ago.
New data from realestate.com.au Market Insight, shows rents in regional areas rose 4.3 percent year-on-year despite no growth over the latest quarter.
This has pushed the median advertised rent in regional NSW to $600 per week, highlighting ongoing affordability pressures for tenants.
A spokesperson for realestate.com.au said, “Rent growth remains solid, up 4.6 percent in the past year across the capital cities.
“While still firm, rent growth remains below the peak levels seen in 2022 and 2023, as somewhat improved rental availability, as well as strained rental affordability, has slowed the pace of increases.”
The rental market across the Hastings and Camden Haven regions remains active, however Lauren Webster, a Property Manager at Beachscape Real Estate, told NOTA conditions have started to stabilise since February 2026.
“Current trends indicate the market is now aligning more closely with fair market value pricing, with most properties taking approximately one to three weeks from advertising to securing the right tenant, compared with next-day leasing outcomes a year ago,” she said.
“While leasing timeframes have lengthened, demand remains healthy overall.”
Across the region, compared with 12 months ago, Ms Webster said tenant demand remains solid but is no longer operating at the peak conditions experienced during the previous rental surge.
“At that time, properties were often leased within days and tenants frequently offered above the advertised asking price to secure homes.
“Today’s market is more balanced, with pricing expectations being guided by fair market value.”
Ms Webster said demand for both housing and units continues to be particularly strong in Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie, driven by the popularity of newer homes and lifestyle appeal.
“The Camden Haven areas are currently showing a less favourable trend given its distance from the Port Macquarie CBD,” she said.
Other agents say conditions are beginning to shift as new developments add to supply.
McGrath Estate Agents Port Macquarie Licensed Property Manager Katrina Bates said, “With the market currently active and offering greater choice for renters, the introduction of [more] apartment living has received positive interest.”
Ms Bates said there are currently around 158 properties available locally, signalling an improvement in supply compared to previous years.
“This means renters have a wide range of options, indicating that supply has improved compared to previous periods.”
Despite this, Ms Bates said price pressures remain.
“Rental prices have increased over the past couple of months.
“While this is positive for property owners, it has made it challenging for some renters, particularly those at the lower end of the market.”
The impact is being felt most by retirees and those seeking more affordable housing.
“Retirees, especially those seeking smaller, more affordable properties, are finding it difficult to meet rental costs.”
The data shows regional markets are continuing to outperform capital cities in annual rent growth, reflecting sustained demand for non-metro living.
Looking ahead, the outlook suggests a more moderate pace of increases as supply gradually improves, though affordability challenges are likely to persist.
By Sis HIGGINS
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