Revealed: How Aussies are dodging record-high property prices

As national home prices hit fresh records, a new quarterly snapshot shows caravans are moving from holiday parks into the housing conversation – and a rising brand has just pulled off a historic double at the top of the market.

Caravans are shifting gear from leisure purchase to housing strategy as more Australians weigh life on the road against record property prices – with some homes on wheels still selling for under $60,000.

By comparison, PropTrack data shows the value of a median house moved closer towards a million dollars ($935,000) in September, while a typical unit now costs almost $700,000.

Into that backdrop lands the Q3 2025 RV Market Brand Consideration Report from Retain Media, a broad read on consumer interest across the recreational vehicle sector based on more than 2.8 million search queries over the quarter.

The report charts a decisive reshuffle in brand momentum and, crucially, underscores how affordability pressures in property are spilling into Australians’ vehicle choices.

Snowy River’s historic double as consumer tastes shift

While Jayco still leads the charge when it comes to most searched for caravan brand in Australia, semi-import Snowy River Caravans stood out from the crowd, taking the top position for most-searched RV brands in both the Imported and RVMAP categories for the first time.

According to the brand’s website, current stock models start at $54,990, with its studio-sized SRC-14 series including all creature comforts a couple of single person could desire.

This includes as small ensuite, a kitchen, a double bet, solar, and a TV unit.

Source: Retain Media

The double victory dislodges long‑standing leader Market Direct Campervans in both categories and signals a meaningful re‑rating of where value and features are resonating with buyers.

Austrack and Ezytrail rounded out the top five most search caravans nationally.

Crusader Caravans, which recently launched a new brand, Dreamhaven, with locally made vans starting at just $68,990 ranked six overcall but claimed second spot in the Aussie-made category.

Other popular brands ranking in the overall top 10 included Avan, New Age Caravans, Avida, and Lifestyle Campers.

Source: Retain Media

A property story on four wheels

With housing affordability stretched and rents elevated, caravans are no longer just a lifestyle fantasy for grey nomads.

A Money.com.au survey found 21 per cent of homeowners would consider downsizing all the way into a caravan if expenses continue to rise, while 13 per cent said they would happily swap bricks and mortar for a permanent life on the road.

The generational breakdown is telling, with Gen Z leading the charge, followed by Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Snowy River Caravan’s SRC-14 series.

The studio-sized caravan sells for as little as $54,990.

Money.com.au’s Finance Expert, Fi Ahlstrom said soaring house prices and rents are forcing people to rethink what ‘home’ actually means.

“With housing so expensive, especially in our capital cities, people are looking at options once seen as just for holidays, like living in a caravan,” she says.

“For some it’s a short-term fix while the cost of living is so high and for others it could become permanent. And with no real relief on the cost-of-living front, we’re likely to see this trend grow.

“But, it’s worth keeping in mind that caravans still come with costs like site fees, utilities, maintenance, registration and insurance, but for many they can still work out far cheaper than traditional rent or a mortgage.”

Why brand momentum now tracks liveability

What is fuelling the reshuffle at the top of the RV market is not just price, but perceived value in layouts and accreditation as caravans step into a housing role.

Buyers focused on part‑time or full‑time living are scrutinising insulation, ventilation, off‑grid capability, energy storage, water capacity and after‑sales support with greater intensity than a holiday‑only customer. The RVMAP category results, where Snowy River has made its breakthrough and Crusader jumped into the top three, suggest standards and backing are climbing the priority list alongside spec sheets and glossy interiors.

Crusader Caravans are also proving popular with buyers.

There is also a clear momentum effect at play. In an information landscape shaped by search behaviour, small brands that get the product‑marketing mix right can break through quickly, as Titanium’s 42.9 per cent relative leap demonstrates.

Conversely, a pause in new product cadence or a misread on pricing against inclusions can show up as a rapid shift in consideration, as MDC’s quarter illustrates.

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