Orange has long held an attraction for people wanting to invest outside cutthroat metropolitan markets.

In recent years we've seen a boom in the number of Sydney investors wanting to buy into this attractive market, with many viewing their investment not just in financial terms but also as a future retirement option.

Of course Orange's top-notch medical facilities, including the Orange Health Service, continues to be a drawcard for retirees-in-waiting.

The local, state and federal governments too have continued their investment in local infrastructure and this has only added to the city's appeal. 

Not only does Orange have attractive rental returns, but property prices have continued to grow, even when our employment sector has looked shaky.

Housing developments continue to flourish in line with demand, with more in the pipeline, including the adaptation of the old Orange Hospital site.

But that’s not good news for one and all.

While a bullish property market may be positive for many of us, there are many people who are being left behind.

While you may expect renting a property in Sydney to be pricey exercise the latest statistics on housing affordability shows regional cities aren't without their own problems.

It's staggering to learn regional householders who earn around $500 a week can spend as much as 85 percent of their income on rent alone.

Dedicating such a significant percentage of income to put a roof over your family's head places a heavy toll on those concerned.

In reality it also means renters have very little opportunity to eventually save up and buy a home of their own.

At the moment there's very little property inventory at the low-end of the market, with investors quickly snaping up these properties to add to their investment portfolio.

While we know it's nearly impossible for young Sydney-dwellers to buy into the property market, it won't be long before young Orange homemakers find themselves in the same boat.

Let's hope as Orange continues to expand we are able to offer a range of different housing options, including housing that's accessible to the lower end of the market.