Blog

Why You Should Invest in Real Estate in Wagga Wagga: 25 Years of Growth & a Strong Future Ahead

By Grant Harris - Principal & Licensed Real Estate Agent

Wagga Wagga has quietly become one of the most consistent and resilient regional property markets in Australia. While capital cities often face sharp price swings and fluctuating rental demand, Wagga offers something investors value even more: stability, diversity, and long-term performance.

With 25 years of steady property price growth, strong rental yields, and billions in infrastructure investment underway, Wagga Wagga is cementing itself as one of regional NSW’s most attractive locations for real estate investment. Here’s what makes it stand out.

A Quarter Century of Reliable Property Growth

The Wagga Wagga property market has delivered strong long-term returns without the dramatic boom–bust cycles seen in metropolitan markets. Over the past 25 years:

  • Median house prices have increased from around $145,000 to over $525,000
  • Annual growth has remained stable at approximately 4.5%–5%
  • Rental yields have consistently outperformed Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra

This blend of affordability, capital growth, and steady rental performance makes Wagga one of the most reliable long-term investment markets in regional NSW.

A Strong Rental Market With Consistently High Demand

Wagga’s rental market is underpinned by a diverse and stable population base supported by major employers and institutions. Vacancy rates have historically remained between 1.2% and 2.5%, signalling sustained demand for quality rental homes.

Investors benefit from reliable tenancy demand across multiple demographics, including:

  • Defence personnel
  • Healthcare professionals
  • University students
  • Families relocating from capital cities

This diversity ensures the rental market remains resilient even when other regions soften.

Charles Sturt University: A Key Economic Driver

As one of the largest employers in the region, Charles Sturt University (CSU) significantly contributes to Wagga's local economy and rental demand. CSU attracts thousands of students, educators, researchers, veterinarians, and health professionals each year.

Ongoing investment into programs in:

  • Health and medical sciences
  • Agriculture and environmental research
  • Veterinary sciences
  • Education and workforce training

Continues to strengthen Wagga’s position as a leading regional education hub, supporting long-term demand for accommodation.

Health Sector Growth: Wagga as a Regional Medical Hub

The Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Calvary Riverina service more than 200,000 residents across the Riverina, solidifying the city’s role as the region’s primary health hub.

Recent upgrades include:

  • Multi-stage redevelopment of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
  • Expansion of specialist and allied health services
  • Training partnerships with CSU

Healthcare is one of the nation’s fastest-growing employment sectors—and in Wagga, it provides reliable, long-term job security that boosts housing demand.

Defence: Billions in Federal Spending

Wagga is home to two of Australia’s major Defence facilities:

  • Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre
  • RAAF Base Wagga

These centres generate constant demand from:

  • Defence personnel
  • Recruits and trainees
  • Civilian staff
  • Contractors
  • Relocating Defence families

With ongoing federal investment, Defence remains one of Wagga’s most significant and stable economic pillars.

Major Projects & Infrastructure Investment

Wagga Wagga is experiencing one of the largest growth phases in its history, driven by billions in public and private infrastructure investment.

Major projects shaping the region include:

Riverina Intermodal Freight & Special Activation Precinct (SAP)

A multibillion-dollar logistics, agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing hub.

Bomen Industrial Precinct Expansion

Strengthening industrial, transport, and warehousing capabilities.

Stage 3 Hospital Redevelopment 

Reinforcing Wagga’s role as a regional health centre.

CBD Renewal Projects

Creating a more vibrant, liveable, and business-friendly city centre.

Transport & Highway Upgrades

Improved connectivity to Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

These developments support long-term employment, attract skilled workers, and stimulate population growth—all drivers of a robust property market.

Population Growth & Migration Trends

Wagga’s population is projected to grow from 70,000+ to more than 100,000 by 2038, aligning with the NSW Government's 20-Year Economic Vision, which identifies Wagga as a keyGrowth Centre.”

Growth is driven by:

  • Increased interstate migration
  • Affordable housing
  • Abundant employment opportunities
  • Lifestyle appeal
  • Strong educational and health services

This sustained growth underpins long-term demand for both rental and owner-occupied housing.

Affordable Entry Prices With Strong Returns

Compared with capital cities, Wagga Wagga offers exceptional affordability:

  • Median house price is less than one-quarter of Sydney’s
  • Rental yields are stronger
  • Holding costs remain low
  • Properties appeal to both investors and owner-occupiers

This affordability allows investors to diversify their portfolios, reduce risk, and achieve more stable long-term returns.

Conclusion: A market built on stability & opportunity. Wagga stands out for its unique combination of:

  • Long-term capital growth
  • Resilient rental demand
  • A diverse and stable economy
  • Major institutions, including CSU, Health, and Defence
  • Massive infrastructure investment
  • Strong population growth
  • Affordable entry price points

For investors seeking a market backed by strong fundamentals, consistent growth, and long-term stability, Wagga Wagga remains one of Australia’s most compelling regional real estate opportunities.

Thinking About Selling Your Home in Wagga Wagga?

If you’re ready to take the next step, our friendly team at Raine & Horne Wagga Wagga is here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today to arrange a property appraisal or to discuss how we can help you achieve the best result for your sale.

Get in touch with us here

< Back