Region draws city folk
REGIONAL Queensland is becoming an increasingly attractive living option and luring more people out of the cities for a change of lifestyle.
Recently released February 2012 building approvals regional figures show positive growth across all regional centres and the Southern Downs is no exception.
In Darling Downs and South West Queensland, new house approvals increased by 21% between January 2012 and February 2012 and MBC Constructions general manager Matthew Collins said the market was still getting stronger.
"In the Southern Downs generally new homes have been steady," he said.
"We have seen an increase in the past couple of months and as the year goes on the inquiry and conversion rate is increasing for residential and commercial properties."
Mr Collins said there were several factors driving the increase with a change of pace from hectic cities to more relaxed regional or rural living one of the biggest.
"Land and building costs are more reasonable out here so people can more easily afford to build," he said.
"People are also over the hustle and bustle of sitting on the highway so they are coming here for a change. Fewer people want to raise their families in the city."
