If you want to understand any property market, strip it right back to the basics: fear and greed. These two emotions drive every boom and bust, and nowhere has this been clearer than on the Fraser Coast since COVID.
In early 2020, fear gripped the world. Our local property market ground to a halt overnight. Buyers walked away from contracts, confidence evaporated, and panic set in. But six months later, something changed.
A wave of Australians began rethinking their lifestyles. The shine came off the big cities, long commutes, and crowded office towers. Regional living became the dream — and Hervey Bay was right in the crosshairs. Migration surged, with over 2,500 new residents arriving each year. Demand for housing skyrocketed — we needed 1,200 new dwellings annually just to keep up.
Then came the greed. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicked in. Prices soared, rentals exploded, and we saw five straight years of growth.
Now in early 2025, there’s a wobble. Global politics, inflation fears, and market jitters are slowing activity — but not prices. Because while fear may cause hesitation, the greed for lifestyle, space, and freedom is still alive and well.
The lesson? Don’t get caught up in short-term panic or hype. Real estate rewards the patient. Play the long game, because no matter how many dips you hit along the way, property always trends upward over time. Fear and greed will always be part of the story — just don’t let them write yours.
