For many Sydney buyers, the Southern Highlands has become the dream they can actually turn into a reality: rolling green landscapes, crisp air, heritage villages, exceptional schools, and homes with far more space — often at a fraction of Sydney’s cost.

Whether you’re craving a slower, more grounded lifestyle, looking for acreage, or simply wanting to step away from the intensity of metropolitan living, the Southern Highlands continues to rise as one of NSW’s most appealing places to buy property in 2026.

As a buyer’s agent working with purchasers relocating from Sydney, I see the same moment of revelation again and again:
“Why didn’t we consider the Highlands sooner?”
The combination of peace, culture, community and value is genuinely hard to beat.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying property in the Southern Highlands — the suburbs worth considering, lifestyle differences, property types, market conditions, and the common traps people fall into when purchasing out of area.

Why Sydney Buyers Are Moving to the Southern Highlands

1. A better, calmer way of living

The Highlands lifestyle is defined by:

  • Clean air

  • Quiet streets

  • Beautiful gardens

  • Local produce

  • Walking and bike trails

  • Strong community spirit

  • Space to breathe

  • A pace of life that feels intentionally unhurried

It is one of the few regions where you can feel deeply connected to nature while still having access to excellent amenities.

2. More space for less

Compared to Sydney, the Highlands offers:

  • Larger blocks

  • Bigger homes

  • Acreage properties

  • Heritage builds with character

  • Modern homes surrounded by greenery

Even premium homes often cost significantly less than the equivalent in Sydney’s middle and inner rings.

3. A thriving, sophisticated regional community

The region has evolved into a cultural hub known for:

  • Art galleries

  • Bookstores

  • Boutique shopping

  • High-quality restaurants and cafés

  • Homewares and design stores

  • Local wineries

  • Seasonal festivals

This isn’t “country living” in the rustic sense — the Highlands is refined, elegant and quietly vibrant.

4. Strong schools and education pathways

Families often move to the region specifically for the schools, including:

  • Oxley College

  • Chevalier College

  • Frensham

  • Bowral High School

  • Moss Vale High School

Many of these are highly regarded and offer outstanding facilities.

5. Remote and hybrid work becoming the norm

Hybrid work means Sydney buyers can:

  • Work from home most of the week

  • Commute into Sydney 1–2 days easily

  • Enjoy far better quality of life on the days they’re home

The Highlands sits in a sweet spot — far enough to feel rural, close enough to stay connected.

The Southern Highlands Property Market in 2026

The market in 2026 is competitive, but more balanced than the peak frenzy of earlier years. While demand continues to grow, particularly from Sydney and Canberra buyers, there is a healthy variety of properties available — from modern homes to historic estates.

Key 2026 trends include:

  • Strong demand for family homes on large blocks

  • High interest in acreages, lifestyle farms and hobby properties

  • Growing downsizer market attracted to Bowral and Mittagong

  • Limited supply of renovated character homes

  • Continued investor interest, especially in rental-friendly pockets

  • High competition for turnkey properties

The Highlands is a region where local knowledge can make or break your purchase.

Popular Southern Highlands Suburbs to Consider

Here’s a look at some of the most sought-after areas and what they offer:

Bowral

Bowral is the heart of the region — elegant, leafy and beautifully established. It offers:

  • Excellent cafés and dining

  • Boutique shopping

  • Beautiful old homes

  • Tree-lined streets

  • Top schools

  • A well-connected train station

Ideal for: Families, downsizers, and professionals who want convenience and culture.

Mittagong

A fast-growing and highly accessible suburb with:

  • Great transport links

  • A variety of housing stock

  • Newer estates

  • Good proximity to shops and schools

Ideal for: Commuters, young families, and value-focused buyers.

Burradoo

The Highlands’ most prestigious suburb, known for:

  • Grand estates

  • Acreage properties

  • Manicured gardens

  • Tranquil surrounds

Ideal for: Buyers seeking privacy, space and exclusivity.

Moss Vale

A vibrant, practical, and increasingly popular town offering:

  • Excellent transport access

  • A mix of old and new homes

  • Strong rental demand

  • A growing café culture

Ideal for: Families and investors.

Robertson

Known for its lush landscape, high rainfall and green paddocks, Robertson offers:

  • Acreage

  • Village charm

  • Incredible natural scenery

Ideal for: Lifestyle-chasers and tree-change buyers.

Lovedale, Exeter, Sutton Forest & Bundanoon

These areas offer:

  • Peace

  • Larger blocks

  • Strong community feel

  • Village-style living

Ideal for: Those wanting spacious, semi-rural living with charm.

What You Get for Your Money in the Southern Highlands

While prices fluctuate, here is a general comparison:

For the price of a small Sydney townhouse, you may be able to buy:

  • A 4-bedroom family home

  • A character-filled cottage on a large block

  • A renovated home with views

  • A modern home in a new estate

For the price of a modest Sydney family home, you could secure:

  • A half-acre property

  • A lifestyle acreage

  • A federation home

  • A modern home with extensive gardens

  • A premium residence in Bowral or Mittagong

At higher budgets, the Highlands offers:

  • Architect-designed homes

  • Acreage retreats

  • Luxury estates with privacy and mature landscaping

It’s one of the few regions close to Sydney where buyers truly get more — not less — for their money.

What to Check Before Buying in the Southern Highlands

Buying regionally brings unique considerations:

1. Climate and weather patterns

The Highlands is colder, wetter and experiences more severe weather than Sydney. Consider:

  • Insulation

  • Heating systems

  • Dampness issues

  • Property orientation

  • Garden and maintenance needs

2. Bushfire zoning

Many areas have bushfire risk ratings (BAL ratings), which can affect:

  • Insurance

  • Building requirements

  • Renovation plans

3. Water and septic systems on acreage

Not all properties are connected to:

  • Town water

  • Sewer systems

  • Gas

You’ll need to understand:

  • Septic systems

  • Water tanks

  • Firefighting water storage requirements

4. Commuting patterns

If you plan to travel to Sydney or Canberra regularly, carefully consider:

  • Peak-hour traffic

  • Train options

  • Distance from the highway

  • School run logistics

5. Heritage overlays

Some properties have heritage protections limiting:

  • Renovations

  • Extensions

  • External changes

Local due diligence is essential.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing in the Highlands

As a buyer’s agent, I see these pitfalls often — especially from buyers who are unfamiliar with regional property.

1. Underestimating renovation and maintenance costs

Older homes — especially character homes — need more upkeep than newer Sydney builds.

2. Choosing the wrong suburb for their lifestyle

Buyers may fall in love with a house but overlook:

  • Commuting time

  • School access

  • Isolation

  • Amenities

3. Overpaying because the market feels “cheap” compared to Sydney

A common trap — and one agents recognise immediately.

4. Neglecting environmental risks

Weather, bushfire, damp and drainage issues can all impact property longevity and cost.

5. Relying on online listings instead of on-the-ground insights

Many of the best Highlands properties transact:

  • Off-market

  • Pre-market

  • Through agent networks

  • To buyers with local representation

How a Buyer’s Agent Helps You Purchase in the Southern Highlands

Buying in a region you don’t know intimately can be challenging. Here’s how I help clients navigate the process:

1. Suburb-by-suburb guidance

I help you understand:

  • Village character

  • Price patterns

  • Growth pockets

  • Local amenities

  • Lifestyle suitability

2. Detailed due diligence

Including:

  • Climate risks

  • Bushfire zoning

  • Infrastructure plans

  • Heritage overlays

  • Water/septic systems on acreage

3. Local property inspections

Saving Sydney buyers countless hours of driving and open homes.

4. Price appraisal and negotiation

I ensure clients don’t overpay and negotiate strategically based on:

  • Comparable sales

  • Agent behaviour

  • Market conditions

  • Property condition

5. Access to pre-market and off-market opportunities

Through agent networks and local relationships.

6. Emotional clarity

I help clients make decisions grounded in:

  • Strategy

  • Value

  • Suitability

…not pressure or fear of missing out.

Final Thoughts: Is the Southern Highlands Right for You?

If you’re seeking:

  • Space

  • Beauty

  • Calm

  • Nature

  • Strong schools

  • Community

  • A more affordable lifestyle

  • A place to reconnect with what truly matters

…then the Southern Highlands is absolutely worth exploring.

With the right guidance, you can secure a home that supports your lifestyle, complements your future plans, and feels deeply aligned with your values — whether that’s a family home, a character cottage, a modern build or a lifestyle acreage.