According to the group, Bathurst’s impressive land sales, diverse economy and growing property demand have made it one of the region’s strongest performers.

The city’s performance encouraged the group to set up its first sales office in Bathurst.

“Expansion into Bathurst was the next logical step for Rawson Group,” CEO Matthew Ramaley said.

“Bathurst now has everything the bigger cities offer in terms of shopping centres, essential health and specialist medical services. Combined with a prospering tourism industry, Bathurst has some of the lowest vacancy rates and strongest property demand in New South Wales.”

The city’s real estate agents agree that Bathurst is likely to become the next property hot spot.

Ray White Emms Mooney sales specialist Mark Sullivan said his office has seen around 50 per cent of inquiries coming from people in the Sydney area since spring.

“I think there is a lot more interest in Bathurst than there has been for a while,” he said.

“Normally about 80 per cent [of inquiry] would be local and 20 per cent would be out of Sydney.”

Bathurst’s proximity to Sydney is one of the biggest factors, Mr Sullivan said, as investors can easily travel to see properties. 

They are also able to make purchases more easily than other areas.

“I think real estate agents, like myself, are professional and give great service, and Bathurst Regional Council is very easy to deal with,” Mr Sullivan said.

Other factors he believes make Bathurst attractive to buyers is its varied economy, employment rate, rent potential and water security. 

He added that interest rates are low and buyer confidence is high, not just with investors, but local buyers as well.

Raine and Horne Bathurst director Michelle Mackay said affordability compared to places like Sydney is what is drawing attention to Bathurst and helping it to become a hot spot.

“I think it is the amount of work that is available and how affordable houses are,” she said.

“The median house price is about $360,000 and unit are around $285,000.”