Award winning Raine & Horne Southern Highlands, led by Director/Principal Matthew Anstee, is off to a strong start in 2025, with a series of impressive rural property listings, an uptick in sales and days-on-market slashed by 50%.

Two standout property listings, “Velvet Ranch[i]” and “Bottega[ii]”, lead the charge in the area's thriving rural market.

Velvet Ranch – a rare blend of prestige, privacy, and rural elegance located at 101 Pearson's Lane, Robertson is priced for sale between $13 million and $14 million. This 122-acre estate, once owned by Australian fashion designer Lisa Ho, offers a perfect mix of tranquillity, grandeur, and world-class equestrian facilities just a short drive from Sydney.

Bottega, located at 752 Kaveneys Road, Jeir, is a luxurious rural retreat priced at around $8 million. Built to be entirely dependent on solar power, it also boasts high-end living spaces and cutting-edge amenities and offers a prime lifestyle opportunity for those seeking privacy and comfort in a peaceful setting. Positioned on 150 acres of pristine farming land, with the capacity to run 40 breeders, this property also presents the ideal opportunity for luxury farmers.

Matthew Anstee notes, "These two properties are prime examples of the type of rural lifestyle buyers are seeking in 2025.”

Rural market strength

Matthew shares that despite the ups and downs after the COVID years, the Southern Highlands rural market has remained strong. “We've seen a remarkable 50-60% increase in sales during December 2024, and that momentum has continued into 2025. 

“We're seeing shorter days-on-market, with properties now selling in an average of 60 days compared to 120 days last year.”

Mattew continued, “The interest rate cuts in February have given buyers confidence, particularly those from Sydney, looking for smaller hobby farms or part-time farming opportunities.

“The demand isn't as high for larger rural holdings, but they have a much higher price tag. However, properties close to town whether it’s Bowral, Moss Vale or Mittagong and within easy reach of services are performing very well."

Cash buyers drive the market

Matthew explains that while interest rates do impact the local rural market, the Southern Highlands attracts a higher proportion of cash buyers. "Around 60-70% of our buyers are paying in cash, having sold properties in the areas such as Sydney’s Hills District for higher prices, then reinvesting in our area. This is a significant factor driving our market," said Matthew

Given this strong demand, for those vendors considering a sale, the property's presentation won't be an issue, with Matthew declaring, "The Highlands is green as I've seen it."

“The farms and pastures are looking fantastic,” he said.

“Our hobby farms and rural properties continue to attract strong interest, particularly from Sydney buyers, especially those from Castle Hill and parts of Dural. 

“These buyers have experienced significant increases in their property values but have also seen rapid changes in their local areas over the past 10 to 20 years. The Highlands offers what those areas had 10 to 15 years ago.”

The outlook for 2025

Matthew is confident about the future of the Southern Highlands rural market, stating, "The market will remain strong in 2025, especially with Sydney buyers looking to make the move. 

“Rural properties in the Southern Highlands continue to offer excellent value for money and space compared to the increasingly congested metropolitan areas.”

For more information on these listings or to discuss market trends in the Southern Highlands, please get in touch with Matthew Anstee and the team at Raine & Horne Southern Highlands on 02 4861 4444. 

 
[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/southernhighlands/properties/101-pearsons-lane-robertson-2577-new-south-wales
[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/southernhighlands/properties/752-kaveneys-road-jeir-2582-new-south-wales