RENTAL vacancy rates have risen across regional NSW, but property managers in Camden Haven say demand for rental homes continues to outstrip supply.
The latest realestate.com.au Market Insight Report found regional NSW’s rental vacancy rate increased by 0.15 percentage points during May to reach 1.39 percent.
The figure was up 0.27 percentage points over the quarter and 0.10 percentage points annually, while the national vacancy rate rose to 1.37 percent.
REA Group Economist Luc Redman said rental conditions had eased across the Mid North Coast compared to recent years.
“The Mid North Coast has experienced easing rental conditions, with vacancies continuing to rise,” Mr Redman said.
“Since late 2025, the region has seen a significant increase in rental availability, though it remains well below pre-pandemic levels, when vacancy rates were above 2 percent.
“The improved conditions are mostly due to more dwellings becoming available across the housing market, likely due to a slowing in the population growth of the region.”
While more rental properties are becoming available, Stone Real Estate Laurieton Licensed Sales Agent Luke Hadfield said the local market remains highly competitive.
“The rental market remained very strong throughout May,” Mr Hadfield said.
“At one point, our office had effectively 0% vacancy, with all available properties leased.”
Mr Hadfield said several new rental properties had recently come onto the market, but enquiry levels remained healthy and homes continued to lease within reasonable timeframes.
As winter approaches, he expects activity to slow slightly as fewer tenants choose to relocate during the colder months.
“Many people prefer not to relocate during the colder months, and families are often less inclined to move outside of the school holiday periods,” he said.
Despite the seasonal slowdown, Mr Hadfield said interest in the region remained strong from local renters and people relocating from elsewhere.
“Overall, demand continues to outweigh supply, which is helping keep vacancy rates low,” he said.
The report noted that future housing supply remains a key issue, with the long-term impacts of recent federal housing policy changes yet to become clear.
By Sis HIGGINS
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