Gene Fairbanks, Ray White Bowral Moss Vale

With well over a decade of industry experience, Gene Fairbanks of Ray White Bowral Moss Vale continues to serve the Southern Highlands, specialising in all aspects of property in the Highlands. Gene has seen significant change over this period.

“Obviously Covid shifted a lot of things. During that time people were looking for blocks of land that they could live sustainably on. Post-covid clients are looking for smaller blocks of land; they’re not wanting to look after a full acre with a big beautiful garden,” Gene explains. “There’s probably a preference for the half-acre now which leaves more time for family, to holiday more, take breaks from work and less time in the garden.”

“What people are looking for changes from demographic to demographic. The younger families who moved here during Covid and onto half-acres and acres are now looking for the real Southern Highlands lifestyle, which is 5 to 25 acres or bigger. Being the tree change area that we are, a lot of families are moving here so they can have their chickens, a couple of animals — a real lifestyle.”

The region’s lifestyle continues to thrive, supported by a dynamic hospitality sector as experienced café and hotel operators from Sydney bring their talent and creativity to the area. According to Gene, there’s still untapped potential for farm-style hospitality, which could fill a noticeable gap in the market. “It’s a great opportunity,” he says, noting increasing interest from buyers eager to develop such concepts. With an abundance of wineries, high-end cafes, and steadily improving service standards, the area offers a rich dining experience. It’s not just a great place to go out — it also lends itself beautifully to entertaining at home, complete with cozy fireplaces and home-cooked meals.

“Bowral has always been top of the pile in terms of prestige and expense, but towns like Moss Vale and Mittagong — along with surrounding villages such as Robertson, Exeter, Bundanoon, and Berrima — have really closed the gap in terms of property value,” Gene observes. “One of the big drawcards for the Southern Highlands is the schools. We have some of the best feeder schools that lead into some of the top private schools in Sydney. The schooling here really is second to none.”

“There’s a concern for buyers coming down and leaving Sydney, meeting new people, and asking if it’s the right move for the children, but I think there’s a sense of relief for them when they get down here and find how great of an area it is to live, how easy it is to commute. It’s a busy area, especially on the weekends as a tourist area, but we’re still very much a country destination with great country people,” Gene says.