Melbourne bounces back, but nation still relocating in 2021

Muval, an online booking platform for removalists, has revealed new data showing an increase in Australians moving to Melbourne following a mass exodus in 2020. The Victorian capital is now equal to Brisbane receiving 22% of all inbound moving enquiries compared to other capital cities.

• New data reveals Australians moving back to Melbourne after a mass exodus during the city’s hard lockdown
• Despite the bounce back, ‘relocation of the nation’ set to continue as Australians flock to smaller cities and regional areas 
• Brisbane remains one of the hottest places to move to with 51% more people wanting to move in than out of the Sunshine State capital 

February 2021: Muval, an online booking platform for removalists, has revealed new data showing an increase in Australians moving to Melbourne following a mass exodus in 2020. The Victorian capital is now equal to Brisbane receiving 22% of all inbound moving enquiries compared to other capital cities. 

The number of removal enquiries through the popular website has proved an early indicator of moving trends as people typically enquire 30 days before their move. Historically, trends identified by Muval are reinforced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics who recently released their September 2020 data.

At its peak, Melbourne Removalist enquiries saw a 61% negative net migration at the height of the city’s hard lockdown in August 2020. As of 31 January 2021, that number is down 21 points to 40% (negative net migration). Despite the gradual rebound, Melbourne holds the largest outbound enquiries compared with other capital cities. By comparison, in January 2020 before the pandemic impacted day-to-day lives in Australia, the city had a net positive migration enquiries of +3% (January 2020). 

“Whilst it’s positive to see Australians migrating back to Melbourne, the overall trend remains a move from our largest cities to smaller capitals and regional areas,” says James Morrell, Chief Executive Officer at Muval. 

Sydney is experiencing a 41% negative net migration on average over the year ending 31 January 2021, according to removal enquiries on the Removalists platform.

Brisbane remains one of the most popular cities to relocate to with 51% more people looking to move to the city than move out - only beaten by Perth (+87%) and Tasmania (+303%). Behind Brisbane is Adelaide (+31% more people moving to the city than out) and Darwin (29%).

“The relocation of the nation is set to continue into 2021 as we see friends and family follow loved ones who have relocated interstate.

“The ripple effect of these changes is a supply and demand issue for smaller cities which is reflected in the current property market. Negative net migration to our two largest cities might also help open the door to better value for renters and homeowners in Sydney and Melbourne.

“Anecdotally, we are also seeing movers relocate to rental properties in a city whilst they look further afield for a place to lay down roots permanently. We anticipate this trend will place a spike in demand for local services and infrastructure in regional areas where historically they have been preparing for slower, more gradual population growth,” added Morrell. 

Muval is also experiencing an increase in online searches for government relocation grants as we get closer to the March deadline when the job keeper payments may be wound back. The grants offer up to $9,000 assistance with removal costs for those relocating to take up employment. 

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About Muval

Muval is a free platform that helps people find the best local and interstate removalists in Australia, compare their prices, and book online. Muval.com.au is one of the top ranked Removalist Services platforms in Australia and provides an important service for those looking to save time and money when looking to move house.

For more information, images and interviews contact: 

Heather Mollins, heather@hm.consulting or 0412421411

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