Airlie Beach/Cannonvale has been named as the top regional town in Queensland for first home buyers
looking for an affordable lifestyle boost after the COVID-19 pandemic.
ME Bank conducted a survey in June 2020 that found over 60 per cent of first home buyers were more
likely to consider buying in a regional area due to COVID-19, to save money and improve their lifestyle.
In the top 20 Australian regional towns popular with first home buyers, Airlie Beach/Cannonvale finished
16th and were the only Queensland town to make the list.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said it was no surprise to him that Airlie Beach and
Cannonvale topped the best regional town for home buyers list for Queensland.
“The Whitsundays is the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef making Airlie Beach/Cannonvale such a vibrant
community and one of the best places in the world to live, work and play.
“It is exciting that our first home buyer demographic is growing quickly on the back of value for money
property options and a desire to raise a family in regional areas.
“My Council’s focus on providing our community with improved facilities and services is the key to improving
liveability to achieve our goal of an economically strong and thriving Whitsunday Region,” Mayor Willcox
said
“Throw in ease of connectivity via air with direct flights from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Brisbane, Sydney
and Melbourne and Airlie Beach/Cannonvale is top of the list for those looking for a sea change.”
ME’s consulting demographer, Chris McNeill from Ethos Urban said the definitive list of Australia’s top 20
regional towns would help first home buyers narrow their property search and find their ideal home in the
sanctuary of the bush or by the beach.
“We did a thorough search right around the nation, looking for towns with just the right mix of lifestyle,
amenities, housing market and natural beauty,” Mr McNeill said.
“Like many Australians cooped up the city, I spent hours during the pandemic trawling through property
websites, daydreaming of a refreshing sea or tree change.
“This list can help make those dreams reality. With working from home on the rise, now is a perfect time to
escape to the country, not only to improve your lifestyle, but save money and buy your first home.”
Source: Whitsunday Regional Council Media release
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