Known as the Sapphire City, Inverell has caught the eye of many looking to relocate, so it’s no wonder the country town has made this year’s realestate.com hottest 100 suburbs in 2025.
With a population of 12,057, the town’s countryside provides opportunities for farming, gem fossicking and is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, not to mention it’s affordable housing, good schools and healthcare facilities.
Inverell was the only location in the New England to make this year’s list.
Realestate.com.au’s Hot 100 returns for 2025
For the third year, experts from around the country have nominated suburbs they tip to see short- to medium-term price growth based on nine lifestyle, demographic and economic factors.
The 226 nominated suburbs were then analysed by REA Group’s Hot 100 project team to narrow down the list of suburbs to watch in 2025.
This year’s list has a large number of affordable suburbs, REA Group director of economic research Cameron Kusher says.
“In a lot of instances, the places that have been chosen are more affordable areas, particularly in the capital cities,” Mr Kusher said.
Suburbs were nominated based on various growth drivers, including:
- Affordability, either low prices suiting buyers on a budget or relative affordability compared to nearby suburbs
- Amenity, being the level of lifestyle pluses, from bars and restaurants to boutiques and parklands
- Family appeal, such as dwelling type, perceived safety and proximity to good schools
- Location, including proximity to the CBD or major hubs, or closeness to natural amenity like beaches
- Investment prospects, from rental market conditions to expected imminent upside
- Gentrification, being the changing face of a suburb
- Population growth, representing a projected increase in the number of locals
- Demographic change, indicating a shift from the current make-up of residents, for example young families replacing downsizing elderly locals
- Infrastructure, looking at major investments in projects that will benefit the suburb or surrounds
Suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne of course do feature on the list, but many of those are lesser-known suburbs that may benefit from amenities in neighbouring areas, or be starting to see gentrification, which is what the list intends to show, REA Group economist Anne Flaherty said.
“It’s about opening your eyes to other suburbs out there. We know that a growing number of buyers are being priced out of more and more suburbs. So, people are having to sort of broaden their horizons to other areas that they might be able to buy in,” Ms Flaherty said.
“This is a good way of helping educate people about other suburbs out there that might offer them the quality of life that they’re looking for.”
Many of the suburbs were also had strong investment prospects, Ms Flaherty says.
“One of the trends that stood out to me immediately is a lot of them are relatively high yielding suburbs. So, they have a relatively high level of rental income relative to the actual price of the property.”
Here are the 100 suburbs the experts have tipped for 2025 – whether you’re a first-home buyer, investor or upsizer – you may just find your perfect match here.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now