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The Guardian
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Geelong overtakes Sunshine Coast as top tree- and sea-change destination
While the Geelong Cats are fifth on the AFL ladder, their home city is the reigning champion. The Victorian region has become the most popular place for people escaping capital cities to settle, with its picturesque coastline and thriving industry making it an ideal sea-change destination. Greater Geelong has overtaken Queensland's Sunshine Coast as the top region to welcome new residents from the capital cities, followed by Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Moorabool in Victoria and Maitland in NSW. The Regional Movers Index, a quarterly report compiled by the Regional Australia Institute using Commonwealth Bank data, also shows most tree-changers are coming from Sydney and Melbourne. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The rate of people moving to Australia's regions increased by more than 10% in the March quarter, according to the index released on Wednesday. The shift to country life, which accelerated during Covid lockdowns, would only persist as the regions attracted more attention and potential investment, according to a Commonwealth Bank executive, Josh Foster. 'They're idyllic locations to move, whether people want the tree-change or the sea-change,' Foster said. 'I certainly don't see it going back.' Greater Geelong is Australia's largest regional council area, home to more than 282,000 people. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion While the region has a bright future, it is experiencing significant growing pains, according to the council's draft five-year plan. Like most regional areas, greater Geelong is confronting a housing shortage, ageing infrastructure and congestion as it expands. 'Greater Geelong is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, and managing this expansion will be crucial to our success over the coming decades,' the plan says. Maitland, in the Hunter Valley, is also experiencing rapid growth, attracting residents from capitals and other regions. It was the most popular new home for people moving from other regional areas in the year to March, followed by greater Geelong, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and the Fraser coast. Maitland, which had a population of 78,000 in 2016, is on track to exceed 100,000 people by the end of 2026, with six new residents arriving every day, according to a council report. The nation's regional population sits at 9.91 million and is set to increase, according to the Regional Australia Institute's chief executive, Liz Ritchie. 'There are big economic gains to be made by supporting, facilitating and nurturing growth across the regions,' Ritchie said. 'Those benefits can only be achieved … by ensuring communities have the infrastructure, facilities, funding and support they need to continue to welcome all those who are actively choosing a regional life.'
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Liberty Home Loans Help Buyers Embrace Coastal Living
Coastal proximity is a key driver in Australian internal migration, and non-bank lender Liberty has flexible home loans to help buyers chasing the surf-side lifestyle. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2025 / While capital cities remain the focus for employment and international migration, a new study from the University of Sydney shows climate, education levels and tourism industries are driving coastal moves. As a leader in the Australian mortgage space, non-bank lender Liberty helps borrowers with all kinds of lifestyle preferences to secure home loans and move to their dream location. Bernadine Pantarotto, Communications Manager, says those looking to make a sea change and buy property could benefit from working with a free-thinking lender. 'As more people seek out the lifestyle benefits of coastal towns, our flexible home loans can accommodate various financial situations. This could make it easier for borrowers to achieve their dream of seaside living,' said Ms. Pantarotto. Unlike traditional lenders, Liberty takes a holistic approach to credit assessment, combining risk-based pricing with personalised customer service and greater choice. 'At Liberty, we look beyond just the numbers and consider the full picture of each borrower's financial situation to help find a tailored solution,' Ms. Pantarotto said. 'Our flexible home loan options could help more Australians access the financing they need - regardless of smaller deposits, variable income sources or complex credit histories.' Whether borrowers are purchasing their first home, refinancing, or expanding a property portfolio, Liberty can help. 'Our range of home loan solutions, including low doc and low deposit home loans, could help more people say 'yes' to their property plans,' said Ms. Pantarotto. Beyond home loans, Liberty's lending options also include personal, car, business, commercial, and SMSF loans. 'We take the time to listen and find creative ways to support them in achieving their goals, and we've proudly helped over 900,000 free thinkers make their dreams a reality,' said Ms. Pantarotto. With over 27 years of experience, Liberty remains committed to helping more Australians get and stay financial. About Liberty As one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 27 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 900,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial. Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 872 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial. Contact Laura Orchard Media Coordinator P: +61 3 8635 8888 E: [email protected] SOURCE: Liberty press release
