Hotspotting Identifies Ten Australian Regions Poised for Sustained Capital Growth

The release of the May 2026 National Top 10 Best Buys report has identified ten Australian local government areas (LGAs) positioned to achieve sustained capital growth over the next five to ten years. This selection focuses on structural economic fundamentals rather than temporary market shifts, prioritising regions with deep demand, high sales activity, and significant infrastructure investment. The identified areas include Greater Hobart in Tasmania, Belmont in Western Australia, West Torrens in South Australia, and Greater Bendigo in Victoria. Other locations featured in the national list are Muswellbrook and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat in Victoria, the City of Parramatta in New South Wales, and the Sunshine Coast rail towns in Queensland.

Identifying future growth markets before price potential is fully realised remains a central objective of this long-term investment strategy. Founder Terry Ryder and director Tim Graham have highlighted that the selections are underpinned by employment growth, population movement, and affordability. This forward-looking approach distinguishes the findings from analyses that rely solely on past performance. By focusing on forward-looking indicators, the report aims to guide market participants toward areas where economic underpinnings suggest a high probability of capital appreciation over a five-to-ten-year horizon.

Infrastructure and Rental Dynamics in Western and South Australia

Belmont, Western Australia, stands out as a primary location for unit investment. Median unit prices in the area currently range between $580,000 - $615,000, with unit rental yields sitting in the mid-five to six percent range. The broader Belmont-Victoria Park region experienced annual growth exceeding 30% by April 2026, reflecting a highly competitive market. Current data shows Belmont maintains a median weekly rent of $718 and a gross rental yield of 3.6%. The tightness of the local rental market is further evidenced by a rental vacancy rate of 0.85% and an average of 25 days on market for available properties.

In South Australia, West Torrens is identified as a high-potential growth zone, largely due to massive infrastructure commitments that provide a long-term economic floor for property values. The region is the site of the $15 billion T2D tunnel project and a $600 million airport upgrade. These projects are expected to drive employment and improve local connectivity, supporting property demand as the infrastructure matures. Such large-scale investments are viewed as critical structural drivers that insulate the local market from broader economic volatility.

Victorian and Tasmanian Market Momentum

Greater Bendigo in Victoria continues to show robust transaction levels, with more than a dozen suburbs recording increased sales activity. Typical house prices in the region remain between $500,000 - $650,000, offering a level of affordability that attracts both owner-occupiers and investors. Similarly, Ballarat and Greater Dandenong have been included in the national top ten, reflecting a broader trend of demand for regional Victorian hubs and established metropolitan employment centres.