The Central West Isn’t Just Somewhere to Move To - It’s Somewhere to Put Down Roots
If you’ve been keeping half an eye on property news lately, you might’ve noticed a few articles saying parts of the Central West - including Dubbo - have started to see property prices lift again. Homes are selling a little faster, buyer enquiry has picked up, and confidence is quietly returning to regional markets.
While most of the media noise is still focused on Sydney, life out here has been moving along in its own steady way. Towns like Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine, Forbes, Parkes, and the smaller communities in between are seeing ongoing interest from people who want space, affordability, and a lifestyle that feels more manageable.
We’re in the middle of these moves every day - reading the contracts, fielding the questions, sorting through the fine print, and watching buyers get the keys to their new place. This month’s blog is a look at what the 2026 property landscape feels like across the Central West, who’s buying, what’s driving demand, and the things buyers and sellers should keep in mind along the way.
A Regional Market That’s Found Its Footing
Over the past year, regional NSW has returned to steady price growth after a quieter period. CoreLogic’s regional market updates show positive movement across many NSW regional centres through late 2025 and early 2026.
You can view broader regional NSW trends here:
https://www.corelogic.com.au/research
Domain has also tracked improving sales volumes and tightening days-on-market in regional NSW:
https://www.domain.com.au/news/regional-nsw-house-prices/
What’s driving it isn’t hype. It’s a practical reality:
Regional homes remain more affordable than capital cities
Remote and hybrid work is now normal
Rental demand remains strong across regional NSW
Infrastructure and services continue to grow in key centres
People genuinely want the lifestyle regional towns offer
For buyers, it means regional property still represents value.
For sellers, it means well-prepared homes continue to attract real enquiry.
Who’s Buying in the Central West Now
Local buyers are still the backbone of the market - first-home buyers, families upsizing, and long-time locals downsizing.
Alongside them is a growing number of buyers coming from outside the region. Some are leaving city life behind. Some are relocating for work. Others are investors responding to tight rental markets across regional towns.
Often, buyers purchasing from outside the Central West region complete most of the process from a distance, including:
· Video inspections
Digital contract signing
Building and pest reports
Phone and email communication instead of in-person meetings
When someone hasn’t lived in the Central West before, they don’t always know local council rules, zoning differences, typical property conditions, or service limitations. That’s when local experience really matters - explaining what’s normal, what needs checking, and what could cause problems later.
Remote Work Changed More Than Offices
Flexible work has quietly reshaped regional living. Many roles in government, health, education, and private industry now allow people to live where they choose, not where an office is located.
NSW Government regional development strategies continue to support population growth and infrastructure investment outside metropolitan areas:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-regional-development
That flow-on effect is clear in Central West towns:
More professionals relocating
Greater demand for family-sized homes
Increased pressure on rental markets
Ongoing demand for vacant land
This isn’t a short-term trend anymore. It’s become part of how people plan their lives.
Regional Property Has Its Own Checklist
Buying or selling in the Central West isn’t identical to city transactions. Regional properties come with additional considerations that need checking early in the process.
Some of the most common include:
Zoning and planning controls
Different councils apply different planning rules. What can be built or extended depends on zoning.
NSW Planning maps can be viewed here:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/spatialviewer
Flood and bushfire overlays
Many Central West properties fall within mapped hazard areas.
This affects insurance, approvals and lender requirements:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/fire/bushfire-prone-land
https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/flood-awareness/flood-map/
Older additions and unapproved structures
Sheds, carports, and extensions added years ago are common in regional towns. Identifying these early avoids surprises later.
Septic systems and services
Properties outside town sewer networks rely on septic systems. Service availability and council compliance need checking.
Easements and access arrangements
Shared driveways, drainage easements and rear access lanes are more common on larger blocks.
None of these are unusual. They just need to be understood before contracts go unconditional.
Land Buyers and ‘Build Later’ Plans
More buyers are securing vacant land now with plans to build later. Some are young families thinking ahead. Some are downsizers planning their next step. Some are investors holding land for future growth.
Vacant land requires additional due diligence:
Zoning and permitted uses
BAL and flood requirements
Power, water and sewer access
Building covenants
Nearby development plans
The NSW Planning Portal provides publicly accessible development information:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/
When these checks happen early, building plans stay on track. When they’re missed, they can lead to unexpected costs or delays.
Whether you’re just starting to browse, getting ready to list, or somewhere in between, a quick chat early on can save a lot of stress later. Give us a call or send a message when it suits - we’re always happy to talk property.
Please note:
The information shared here is general in nature and based on current market observations. It’s not intended as financial or investment advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s always worth seeking independent financial or lending advice before making property decisions.