Top 10 regional property hot spots

Some regional property markets are beating metropolitan markets, according to a presentation by Colliers International research director Tim lawless yesterday.

The top 10 spots are:

1. Townsville
2. Hervey Bay
3. Ballina and Lennox
4. Darwin
5. The Bass Coast
6. East Gippsland
7. Yeppoon
8. Coffs Harbour
9. Wollongong and Shoalhaven
10. Tweed Coast

But he warned that some of these locations are risky investments because what makes them hot can change, reports the Australian Financial Review. For instance, if the area is dependent on one industry, such as coal, a decline in the industry would quickly be reflected in house prices.

Empty nesters flocking to the seaside have driven some of the growth.