Raine & Horne Bathurst is set for a thriving autumn real estate market, with the leading local office conducting 17 appraisals in the third week of February.

This result follows the strong start to the year, with the office having exchanged three times as many properties in January compared to the same month in 2024 and twice as many as in January 2023.

Ms Michelle Mackay, Co-principal of Raine & Horne Bathurst, attributes the strong start to a mix of factors, including interest rate cuts and continued strong buyer demand.

“We had two upsizers seeking appraisals, four property investors seeking to sell, two where family situations have changed, three relocations, five downsizers, and one rightsizer,” said Ms Mackay.

Ms Mackay said more rental properties are coming to market than normal, many due to cost-of-living pressures. She cited a January sale of 4/38 Howick Street, Bathurst, purchased by an investor from Sydney for $482,000. The property now achieves a weekly rent of $460, representing a gross yield of just under 5%.

Rate cuts, university accommodation and strong rental demand boost buyer confidence

On the demand side, interest rates have played a role in the early-year surge of buyer activity, with Ms Mackay commenting on the impact of the Reserve Bank's recent rate cut. The Reserve Bank lowered the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.15%, the first rate cut since November 2020.

“The rate cuts have motivated people to enter the market before potential further reductions, and we're optimistic this trend will continue throughout the year,” she said.

Local and Sydney-based buyers are showing significant interest in Bathurst, with approximately 50% of buyers coming from Sydney, attracted by the capital city’s affordability challenges.

Charles Sturt University is also playing a role in the Bathurst market, with a noticeable rise in parents purchasing properties for their university-bound children.

“Parents are securing properties for their children before they start their studies in February or March, especially in December and January,” Ms Mackay noted.

Rental demand remains strong in Bathurst, with vacancy rates consistently under 1%. “Properties for rent are moving very quickly, and with gross yields around 5%, it’s an ideal time for investors to consider the Bathurst market,” Ms Mackay concluded.

Long-term sales success driven by integrity, local knowledge and reliability.

The office’s values—integrity, collaboration, innovation, knowledge, reliability, and professionalism—continue to drive long-term success, including more appraisals, listings and sales.

“We have a great team, a great brand, and long-term stability within the sales division, contributing to our success. Around 40% of our business comes from repeat clients,” Ms Mackay said.

“We go above and beyond to maintain close contact with our buyers. We check in three months after settlement, then send them a lottery ticket a year later, followed by an appraisal offer after another 12 months,” she added.

“It’s about staying in touch and doing the little things right that delivers us excellent appraisal levels and repeat business.”

For all your real estate sales and property management needs in Bathurst, contact Raine & Horne Bathurst on 02 6331 6555.