Smart inclusions that attract tenants and boost investment value.

With more people making the move from major cities to lifestyle-rich coastal areas, the rental market in regional NSW - especially across the Mid North Coast - is booming. For property investors, this presents a fantastic opportunity to build homes designed specifically for long-term rental appeal.

But not every new build is created equal. To stand out in the regional rental market and attract quality tenants, your property needs to be functional, low maintenance, and aligned with local lifestyle needs.

Here are the top features we recommend including when building a rental home in areas like Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Old Bar, Forster, and beyond.

1. Low-maintenance materials

In a rental, durability is everything. Tenants want a space that feels fresh and clean, and you want finishes that can stand up to wear and tear with minimal upkeep.

Recommended materials:

Hard-wearing flooring like vinyl plank or tiled living areas
Stone or laminate benchtops (easy to clean and less prone to damage)
Quality paint that resists scuffs and marks
Solid surface or hard-wearing alfrescos such as concrete, tiles, or composite decking instead of timber (resistant to rot and fading)

Why it matters in regional NSW:
The Mid North Coast climate can include salty air, humidity, and strong sun - so your finishes need to hold up, both inside and out.

2. Functional layout with open living spaces

Tenants in regional areas are often families, remote workers, or downsizers. Open-plan living with good flow between kitchen, dining, and lounge areas is consistently in demand.

In-demand layout features:

Kitchen island or breakfast bar
Open living that connects to a covered alfresco
Separation between main and secondary bedrooms
Extra space that can function as a study nook

Why it matters in places like Port Macquarie:
The indoor-outdoor lifestyle is a major drawcard for the area—so homes that support relaxed living and entertaining are top of the list for renters.

3. Energy efficiency & climate comfort

In a market where utility costs are on the rise, homes that are cheaper to run will always have the edge.

ceiling fans and split system Port Macquarie

Popular energy-efficient features:

Ceiling fans in bedrooms and living
Good insulation and passive solar design
LED lighting throughout
Double-glazed windows (if budget allows)
Water tanks or solar hot water systems

Why it matters on the Mid North Coast:
Comfort is key in both humid summers and cooler winters. Energy-efficient features not only reduce bills, they improve liveability and long-term tenant retention.

4. Secure parking & storage

In regional areas, especially where public transport options are limited, most households will have at least one vehicle - often more.

Valuable additions:

Lock-up garage or carport
Ample driveway parking
Internal storage cupboards or walk-in pantry
Outdoor shed or garden storage

Why it matters in regional NSW towns/cities:
Space is valued more than ever. Tenants appreciate the ability to securely store tools, surfboards, bikes or camping gear without cluttering their living spaces.

5. Outdoor living & pet-friendly design

With access to beaches, national parks, and walking trails, outdoor living is a huge part of life on the Mid North Coast. Tenants often look for homes that support this lifestyle.

Ideal features:

Covered alfresco or patio
Secure, low-maintenance backyard
Fencing suitable for pets
Durable landscaping (turf, pavers, native plants)

Why it matters:
Pet-friendly homes in regional areas rent faster and can even command higher rental yields. More than 60% of Australian households have pets—yet many rental properties still don’t cater to them.

6. NBN-ready & remote-work friendly

More people are choosing to live regionally and work from home. If you're building an investment in Port Macquarie or nearby towns, make sure your property is NBN-ready and designed with flexibility in mind.

Smart inclusions:

Built-in study nook
Data points in living and bedrooms
Power outlets placed with desk setups in mind

Why it matters:
Remote workers are actively moving to the coast - and they’re looking for rentals that support their new lifestyle.

7. Turnkey finish for immediate occupancy

To maximise your ROI, you want the property rented quickly after completion. Turnkey builds that include all key elements save time and attract tenants faster.

Make sure your property includes:

Window furnishings (e.g. blinds)
Landscaping and fencing
Driveways and letterbox
Clothesline, TV antenna, and flyscreens

Why it matters:
Properties that are 100% move-in ready are more appealing to tenants—and allow you to start generating income straight away.

Ready to build a rental property in regional NSW?

At Morr Homes & Projects, we specialise in helping investors design and build homes that perform well in the rental market - without the stress. Based in Port Macquarie, we bring deep local knowledge, fixed-price transparency, and designs tailored to long-term value and regional lifestyle trends.

Whether you're building your first investment property or expanding your portfolio, we can help you create a smart, durable, and desirable home for tenants.