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_{0.54 – Mike kicks off the episode with Brooke’s listener question about Ballarat}

_{2.39 – Cate lists some of the reasons why Ballarat is a good option for property investment}

_{8.10 – Ballarat is within two hours’ drive from Melbourne and it’s within that ‘psychological’ commuting distance}

_{13.15 – What long term growth does Ballarat offer, and is Brooke’s $690,000 price point adequate for this city?}

_{18.56 – Mike quizzes Cate about rental yields, vacancy rates and the seasonality of rental demand}

_{24.35 – Mike ponders the reasons why investors target property that they may want to live in themselves in the future}

_{37.38 – Gold Nuggets!}

In today’s episode, Mike and Cate tackle a great listener question from Brooke, who asks: “Is Ballarat a no-go for investors, and what about its long-term growth prospects?” With profits from their Perth house and a $690K budget, Brooke and her family are considering a move to regional Victoria — and Ballarat has caught their eye.

Cate dives deep into why Ballarat remains one of Victoria’s most attractive regional cities, offering both affordability and a high quality of life.

But what should Brooke consider before making the move? And what are some of the interesting local things to note about this fabulous provincial city?

💡 Why Ballarat? Cate kicks off by painting a compelling picture of Ballarat’s growth and appeal. With a population exceeding 122,000 and on the rise, Ballarat continues to attract both regional and metropolitan migrants. The city’s relative affordability, compared to Melbourne, combined with strong access to employment and education opportunities, makes it a top contender for families and investors alike.

🏥 Key Industries & Employment Ballarat’s economic backbone includes health services, education, advanced manufacturing, and decentralised government services. With a diverse and stable job market, it stands out as a regional powerhouse — bolstered further by hospitals, schools, and a university attracting students and professionals from across the country.

📜 A Rich History Once a booming gold rush town, Ballarat was home to some of the world’s richest alluvial goldfields. The city’s prosperity led to grand architecture and impressive infrastructure — much of which still stands today, adding to its unique charm.

💰 Investment Outlook Cate outlines the city’s strong rental yields (often outperforming Melbourne), tight vacancy rates, and reliable demand — especially among university students and healthcare professionals on placement. She also highlights Ballarat’s appeal to “regional super consumers” as noted by demographer Bernard Salt, and how the shift to remote work is opening doors for tree-changers seeking lifestyle without sacrificing income.

🏡 Living There & What $690K Buys For Brooke, who’s open to living in Ballarat, Cate and Mike discuss the lifestyle factors: good schools, a thriving food and wine scene, stunning public buildings, and fast rail access to Melbourne. She advises on buyer pitfalls to avoid, the importance of inspecting properties, and how to make the most of the “try before you buy” approach.

🍻 Fun Fact During the gold rush, Ballarat had over 500 pubs! Today, around 50 remain — keeping the city’s vibrant social legacy alive.

🚗 Weekend Tips Cate signs off with some tips for a Ballarat weekend getaway — from local cafes to wine country escapes.

…. and our gold nuggets!

Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: For anyone who is inquisitive about Ballarat, a weekend away can make a nice little experience. The city grid is walkable from the rail station and there are plenty of fun places to go for those who enjoy their food and wine.

Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Making an investment dual-purpose isn’t an easy task, but effective strategy can take an investor a long way when they are considering what their future opportunities may entail. As Mike says, “life happens.”

Related episodes:

• Ep. 121      How supply and demand dictate market movements – Part #3 Locational drivers – Superstar cities, population paradox, NIMBYism, zoning, development, yields, vacancy rates, heritage overlays, regionals and more!
• Ep. 164      Analysing regional locations – What investment principles can be gleaned from the highest performing regions in each state? Comparing capital city vs regional performance from 2003 – before and after covid
• Ep. 169      Houses vs units – Capital growth performance in capital cities and regions over the last 20 years and which locations have units outperformed houses and why?
• Ep. 272      How Proximity to the CBD Across 10km Rings Impact Property Yields, Contrasting Houses vs. Units & the Regions
• Ep. 283      Your Guide to Regional Property Investing – Critical Strategies with Townsville in the Spotlight!

Upcoming episode: 308 – Is Darwin Heating Up? A Deep Dive into Its Property Market

Resources:

Ballarat’s five year growth spurt

Ballarat isn’t just about rental yield….

https://www.apimagazine.com.au/news/article/focus-on-period-grandeur-in-ballarat-on-a-budget

Thinking about moving away from the city?