Queensland’s property market is developing its own State of Origin storyline, with buyers from New South Wales continuing to cross the border in search of sunshine, lifestyle, affordability – and let’s face it, a state team that seems to win the battle between the Blues and the Maroons more than it loses.

Queensland posted a net gain of 19,705 interstate migrants in the year ending 30 September 2025, the strongest result of any Australian state, while NSW had a net loss of almost 23,400 over the same period[i].

However, according to Jason Read, Principal & Auctioneer, Raine & Horne Coomera | Robina | Mudgeeraba, the more interesting migration trend is now taking place within Queensland itself.

“We’re seeing a growing trend of clients relocating north after selling on the Gold Coast and essentially looking to recapture the lifestyle that drew them here in the first place,” Mr Read said.

“For example, in just the past week, we’ve referred four buyers directly to the Hervey Bay office following successful sales of their Gold Coast properties.”

Jason, who always tips the Maroons to win the three-game Origin series that starts on Wednesday, 29 May, said the intrastate migration trend demonstrates how many Queenslanders are now looking beyond the bright lights of South-East Queensland, and moving toward more affordable and relaxed regional coastal markets.

The movement resembles the career journey of North Queensland Cowboy Tom Dearden, one of Queensland’s regular State of Origin stars – although a syndesmosis injury to his ankle will keep him sidelined this series.

A proud Mackay product, Tom Dearden moved south to the Gold Coast as a teenager to attend Palm Beach Currumbin before joining the Brisbane Broncos in 2019. After two seasons at Red Hill, he headed north to Townsville to join the Cowboys, where his career has flourished, and he has emerged as one of the NRL’s premier young playmakers.

Tim Wessling, Principal of Raine & Horne Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, said southerners are moving north for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle and affordability.

“Most of our internet traffic is coming from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and enquiry levels have been very strong,” Tim said.

“People are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle and chase a more relaxed coastal lifestyle, whether they are semi-retiring or hanging up the boots full-time.

“Hervey Bay has less traffic, you can get across town in 15 minutes, and it has many of the facilities people expect in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast. It’s a beautiful place to be, and buyers are looking for a sea change.

Affordability is also a major driver. Tim explains, “You can sell a property in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast for well over $1 million, and sometimes closer to $2 million. In Hervey Bay, you can buy a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a garage and room for a shed from the mid-$800,000s.”

Tim said 1 Adam Court, Urangan[ii], listed by Raine & Horne Hervey Bay, perfectly matches what southern buyers are seeking. “Built by respected local builder Geoff Clark, this well-constructed four-bedroom, two-bathroom home delivers a strong combination of quality, functionality and position in one of Urangan’s most premium areas,” he said.

“Set on a generous 787-square-metre low-maintenance block has room for a shed and is positioned just minutes from the Urangan Marina, beaches, cafes, shopping centres and local schools.”

Jason Read said the migration trend north likewise highlights the collaborative strength of the Raine & Horne network, with independently owned offices working together across territories to help clients shift effortlessly between markets.

“We operate as independent offices, but there’s a strong tradition of collaboration across the network,” he said.

“That means clients benefit from local expertise in multiple markets while enjoying a much easier transition when relocating within Queensland.”

For all your residential sales and property management needs, contact your local Raine & Horne office today.

[i] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/latest-release

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/herveybay/properties/1-adam-court-urangan-4655-queensland