Tassie Market Watch- February 2026

by Stephanie Williams

A GREAT SOUTHERN MIGRATION

People are moving out of the city and it looks like they’re heading our way. According to the latest Regional Movers Index, published by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, in the September 2025 quarter, capital city people moving to Australia’s regions outnumbered regional people making a move in the opposite direction by 36 per cent. The top five local government areas by annual growth in total net internal migration inflows in the 12 months to September 2025 vs the previous year, shows numbers 2,3, and 4 on the list as being Latrobe, Devonport and the Huon Valley respectively. Great choice, city folk.

MOST EXY DIGS IN TASMANIA REVEALED

The ten most expensive houses sold in Tasmania last year have been revealed, with all of them beating the $3million mark. About half of them were located in Hobart, though the most expensive property was a coastal home in Cooper Street, Seymour. The final price was undisclosed, but the 2.15ha waterfront property was listed for sale in the $4.5m-$5m bracket, according to realestate.com.au. The next largest sale was a large waterfront property at Woodbridge that fetched $4.25m. The Hobart properties in the top ten were in Sandy Bay (multiple entries), Hobart, South Hobart and Rose Bay.

*Artist’s impression. Pic: City of Hobart*

NEWNESS FOR NEW TOWN ROAD

In late January a development application was approved for the redevelopment of the site at 48-50 and 52 New Town Road, New Town for 23 dwellings and 38 visitor accommodation units. Additional uses on the site include a café on the ground floor and consulting rooms, gym and wellness centre on the lower ground floor. A lower ground floor carpark contains 67 car parking spaces and four motorcycle parking spaces. The development consists of separate buildings connected by walkways and roofing and surrounded by landscaping.

PROPERTY LENS

628 Forth Road, Forth

Indicative price: Offers over $1,390,000

Agent: Kurt Knowles, Harcourts Ulverstone and Penguin

87 Gardners Road, Greens Beach

Indicative price: $595,000 – $665,000

Agent: Erin O’Grady, Sims for Property – Launceston

9 Executive Close, Romaine

Indicative price: Expression of interest

Agent: Tom Smith, One Agency Burnie

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!