The NSW Government has unveiled a $23.9 million package to back housing in regional NSW. As buyers’ agents, we see this as a signal that new homes are coming to areas like Illawarra–Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Bega Valley. The funds support two key programs – the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund and the Low-Cost Loans Initiative – to help local councils build roads, parks, drainage and other infrastructure for about 9,000 new homes. This move is designed to ease the housing shortage and boost growth outside Sydney.
Source From our perspective at D’MANSHA, this announcement is great news for home buyers. Government funding of this scale gives confidence that councils and developers will invest in these regions. As Planning Minister Paul Scully put it, “We know infrastructure unlocks housing… making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth”.
The NSW Government has unveiled a $23.9 million package to back housing in regional NSW. As buyers’ agents, we see this as a signal that new homes are coming to areas like Illawarra–Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Bega Valley. The funds support two key programs – the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund and the Low-Cost Loans Initiative – to help local councils build roads, parks, drainage and other infrastructure for about 9,000 new homes. This move is designed to ease the housing shortage and boost growth outside Sydney.
From our perspective at D’MANSHA, this announcement is great news for home buyers. Government funding of this scale gives confidence that councils and developers will invest in these regions. As Planning Minister Paul Scully put it, “We know infrastructure unlocks housing… making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth”.
What’s Happening?
- The package allocates $23.9M to fast-track housing in regions outside Greater Sydney.
- Councils can apply (until 12 Dec 2025) for Low-Cost Loans (up to $20.9M) to fund infrastructure like roads and cycleways, and for the Strategic Planning Fund (up to $3M) to create housing strategies and masterplans.
- So far, Shoalhaven alone has won over $2M in low-cost loans, expected to support about 9,000 homes when these projects (like park upgrades and road works) are done.
- Illawarra–Shoalhaven (covering Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Bega) is a focus area. Local planners have already used earlier grants for masterplanning and urban release planning. More funding means more streets and community spaces to serve new housing.
In short, roads, drains, parks and community facilities will follow the money. That lifts the long-term appeal of these suburbs.
What This Means for Buyers
- Infrastructure = Value: New roads, footpaths and open space make a suburb more desirable. We expect land and house prices to grow as these upgrades completepropertycouncil.com.aunsw.gov.au.
- Affordable Options: Regional markets like Illawarra–Shoalhaven are generally more affordable than metro Sydney. That attracts city buyers seeking bargains. As more people look beyond Sydney for value, demand in these areas will rise.
- Confidence Builds: When the government backs a region, it gives buyers confidence. Developers are more likely to build knowing funds are there for shovel-ready projects. This reduces risk for buyers.
- Growth Corridors: Illawarra–Shoalhaven is emerging as a key growth corridor. We’re watching where funding lands (e.g. infrastructure in Shoalhaven and planning in Wollongong). Early investment now can pay off later.
The takeaway: Council upgrades are on the way, and this will slowly ease regional supply shortages. We advise buyers not to wait too long – prices are poised to climb with demand and infrastructure improvements.
Ready to Act?
If you have questions about this news or want help finding the right home in these regions, we’re here to help. Contact us at 0406 11 22 44 or book a free strategy call for personalised advice.At D’MANSHA, we’re on your side – combing through the data, spotting opportunities, and guiding you through every step so you buy with confidence.