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Why Coffs Harbour Is Becoming a Real Estate Hotspot in Regional NSW

Coffs Harbour, located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is emerging as one of the most talked-about real estate destinations in regional Australia. Once known primarily for its beaches and banana plantations, this coastal gem is now drawing serious interest from homebuyers, investors, and developers alike. Thanks to a combination of infrastructure investment, lifestyle appeal, and a growing population, Coffs Harbour’s property market is heating up—and fast.

Strong Market Demand Is Driving Growth

Over the last few years, property prices in Coffs Harbour have seen significant increases. As of early 2025, the median house price in Coffs Harbour sits at approximately $815,000, while units are sitting around $595,000, according to CoreLogic data. This marks more than a 90% increase over the past decade, reflecting long-term confidence in the area.

Several factors are contributing to this strong demand:

Population growth: Coffs Harbour’s population is expected to rise from around 77,000 to 96,000 by 2036, as reported in local government projections. Much of this growth is driven by Sydney and Melbourne residents seeking a sea change.

Limited housing supply: The number of properties on the market has dropped significantly. For example, in the first quarter of 2025, house sales decreased by 20%, while unit sales increased by 32%, indicating that buyers are competing over more affordable stock.

Tight rental market: Vacancy rates in Coffs Harbour are under 1%, much lower than the NSW average. Median rents have reached $680 per week, offering landlords solid returns and making the area attractive to investors.

Why Coffs Harbour Is the Darling of Regional NSW

What makes Coffs Harbour stand out among other regional centres?

Firstly, the infrastructure pipeline is impressive. Ongoing and completed projects such as:

The $194 million Health Campus upgrade

The Coffs Harbour Bypass, part of the Pacific Highway upgrade

Revamps to the Jetty Foreshore precinct

New education investments, including growth at Southern Cross University

All these developments enhance liveability and economic opportunities. Improved transport access (including rail and air) makes commuting and connectivity much easier, while the airport ensures regular flights to major cities like Sydney and Brisbane.

Secondly, economic diversification is playing a role. While tourism remains a staple, other industries are gaining strength, particularly in healthcare, education, agribusiness, and construction. According to Westpac’s 2024 regional economic report, Coffs Harbour led the nation in business lending growth, with a whopping 67.5% increase over two years, a sign of strong business confidence.

Additionally, Coffs Harbour’s climate, natural beauty, and community amenities (parks, sports facilities, shopping centres, and restaurants) offer the perfect lifestyle balance for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Coastal Lifestyle and Long-Term Appeal

It’s not just about numbers—people love living here. Coffs Harbour offers an enviable mix of natural beauty and convenience:

Pristine beaches and surf-friendly waters

Access to World Heritage rainforests and mountain ranges

A warm, subtropical climate

A laid-back yet modern coastal culture

This lifestyle appeal has made the area a magnet not only for tree-changers and sea-changers but also for remote workers, now more able than ever to live where they choose. The community is also actively working toward sustainability, with goals like reaching 100% renewable energy by 2030—which adds further appeal for environmentally conscious buyers.

From an investment standpoint, rental yields in Coffs Harbour are also outperforming many metro areas, with average gross returns of 4%–4.9%, compared to Sydney’s sub-3% average. This, combined with low vacancies, means property owners are enjoying healthy cash flow and capital growth.

Final Thoughts

With all indicators pointing upward, Coffs Harbour’s rise as a real estate hotspot in regional NSW looks set to continue. Between strong demand, limited supply, improving infrastructure, and undeniable lifestyle perks, the town checks every box for a modern homeowner or investor.

As we head deeper into 2025, opportunities for both buyers and sellers will continue to evolve. Whether you’re thinking of relocating, investing, or developing, now is a smart time to explore what this coastal community has to offer.

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Joe Builds Pty Limited

70 Finlays Rd, Korora 

NSW 2450, Australia

https://www.joebuilds.com.au/

Whether you're dreaming of a custom family home or a sustainable, energy-efficient build, our team is here to bring your vision to life. As trusted passive home builders in Coffs Harbour, we specialise in smart designs that look good and perform even better.

Get in touch today for a free consultation and let’s talk about building your future—comfortably, sustainably, and locally.

About us:

At Joe Builds Pty Limited, we’re not just building houses, we’re crafting healthy, high-performing homes designed for real life in Coffs Harbour. As experienced custom home builders, we specialise in homes that not only look great but also breathe better, feel more comfortable, and stand the test of time in our region’s humid and unpredictable climate.

From restoring timeless weatherboard homes to designing innovative, low-tox, hempcrete Passive Houses, we bring clarity, integrity, and purpose to every project. Whether your vision is modern or traditional, we approach each build with a deep commitment to energy efficiency and thermal performance, ensuring your home meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s expectations.