The SA locations prospective interstate and overseas buyers are searching for property

Searching for a property but worried you’ll be competing with interstate and overseas buyers with deeper pockets? These are the areas they’re looking in.

The city and Adelaide Hills are among the most popular locations for interstate and overseas residents looking to buy property in South Australia.

A PropTrack analysis of the top 10 most searched SA areas on realestate.com.au in 2023 by residents outside the state reveals the CBD topped the list, followed by greater Adelaide then the Adelaide Hills.

Glenelg, North Adelaide and Norwood came next for prospective overseas buyers, while Mount Gambier, Glenelg and Mount Barker followed for those interstate.

Adelaide CBD is one of the most searched SA locations by interstate and overseas buyers. Picture: Colliers International.

Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills was a popular suburb among interstate buyers. Picture: supplied.

Furthermore, the data revealed the most overseas search activity was coming from the US, UK and New Zealand, while interstate it was NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

Real Estate Institute of South Australia chief executive Andrea Heading said SA’s lifestyle and affordability were the main drawcards for interstate and overseas buyers.

“It’s incredibly affordable buying and from Adelaide’s perspective … particularly some apartments and units are really good buying,” she said.

“The Adelaide Hills always does well, particularly with interstate buyers – they have a huge amount of disposable income left over.”

Ms Heading said the commute between the city and the Adelaide Hills was also relatively quick and easy compared to what interstate residents would be used to.

But with many searches from prospective interstate and overseas buyers turning into purchases, Ms Heading said many locals would find it harder to secure property.

“When you go to an auction now, you might be competing against people with deeper pockets,” she said.

REISA chief executive Andrea Heading. Picture: supplied.

Harris Real Estate agent Arabella Hooper. Picture: supplied.

Harris Real Estate agent Arabella Hooper, who specialises in Adelaide Hills properties, said there had been an influx of interstate buyers in the region over the past month.

“Since Christmas we’ve had a massive spike in interstate buyers coming over to look at property and wanting to buy property,” she said.

“We had a massive peak when Covid was at its worst, then that quietened.

“There just seems to be a movement for people wanting to come home again.”

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Ms Hooper said many were returning to Adelaide, including retirees wanting to come home or bolster their retirement funds, and young families needing extended family support.

Cost of living was also a huge factor, she said.

“The cost of educating children and the cost of childcare here is a lot cheaper,” she said.

“It’s a whole lifestyle shift.”