Once a favourite destination for weekenders, the stunning Southern Highlands is now a hotspot for buyers wanting to put down roots beyond the city limits.
Nestled in the breathtaking Great Dividing Range, the Southern Highlands is rich in natural beauty. Its proximity to a wide range of top-notch amenities, prestigious schools, and diverse lifestyle options makes it an undeniable hotspot for those seeking a bespoke residential experience.
So, it’s easy to see why Sydneysiders continue to move here.
Thinking of making the move? Here are all the reasons why the Southern Highlands is the place to be.
1. The great outdoors
Anyone who visits this region knows it’s a particularly beautiful part of Australia.
Firstly, it’s an area that has an abundance of native forests and national parks that can be explored on foot or by car.
These have breathtaking cliff-top lookouts and waterfalls to discover for those who love an active lifestyle.
But these bushlands also open to beautiful open valleys with rolling green hills sprinkled with picturesque country towns.
PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty says it’s an area well-known for its beauty.
“It’s definitely the kind of place that has appeal for anyone looking for that beautiful country kind of atmosphere,” she shares.
2. Great lifestyle
For buyers on the hunt for the best when it comes to day-to-day living, this region goes way beyond ticking the boxes.
Of course, there are all the fantastic outdoor activities at your doorstep, like biking, riding, hiking and weekend sports.
But the area is also dotted with local hubs like Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale that offer boutique coffee shops and shopping, wineries, art galleries, antique stores, high-end restaurants and weekend markets.
3. Connection
The Southern Highlands is not only beautiful, but it’s also in an ideal location for anyone who still wants to stay connected to major metropolises.
“It’s only an hour from Wollongong, a really big hub in New South Wales,” shares Flaherty.
“It’s also only 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney, which is an easy commute for anyone on a hybrid working arrangement.”
There’s also the option to catch a direct train from Sydney to Bowral, which takes around two hours.
Remember, Canberra is also only a 90-minute drive away for those who want to work and play in the capital.
4. Great communities
With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that developers are searching the Southern Highlands to find prime land for homebuyers to snap up.
The Ashbourne community in Moss Vale by industry-leading developer Novm is one project turning heads with generous lot sizes and carefully considered design – and is an opportunity rarely seen in this prized region.
“It’s located in a beautiful rural setting, which I think is a big attraction for young families,” says Novm’s project development manager Angela Villate.
“We really wanted to take advantage of the site, which has these really nice hills, so designers have really taken advantage of the views.
“We have a big central space with lakes and a number of local parks, and there’s a local creek that we’re revitalising. There are cycleways too.”
Villate says it’s a “village-style” community that’ll appeal to house-proud residents.
This is all situated only 1.5km from the centre of Moss Vale so that residents can hop to the grocery store and to stylish boutique shops, farmers’ markets, and cafes.
Plus, Villate adds that there is an selection of excellent schools close by, both public and private.
5. Room to move
In addition to being meticulously planned, Ashbourne buyers will be drawn to communities like this because of the allure of space.
The latest lots range in size from 450sqm to 620sqm, which is plenty of space to build the dream family home with a yard. Larger blocks will be available in future releases.
6. Affordability
Of course, the Southern Highlands is not only beautiful but also a place buyers can get more bang for their buck, according to Flaherty.
“Many people have been priced out of property markets in other metropolitan areas, particularly Greater Sydney and are looking for other areas to relocate,” she says.
“This region offers the opportunity to be able to purchase a house with land for that $1 to 1.5 million mark, which is pretty attractive.”
7. It’s celebrity-approved
If there’s any doubt this region is on the rise, check out how many celebrities have given it the tick of approval.
Sunrise host Samantha Armytage owns a beautiful country retreat in Bowral.
Other well-known names rumoured to frequent the areas are Nicole Kidman, Phoebe Burgess, Kyle Sandilands and former Home and Away star Kate Richie.
The Stage 2 first release is all sold out. The next Ashbourne release is in August. Register your interest to find out how you can secure your piece of the Southern Highlands today.
