- First Home Buyers Push Ahead Despite Rate Hike (Source: Smart Property Investment)
First home buyer activity surged following the extension of the government’s 5 per cent deposit scheme, with mortgage lodgements jumping well above recent averages and recording the strongest quarterly rise on record. While activity eased slightly after the initial spike, demand remains elevated compared to pre-expansion levels. Queensland led the nation in first home buyer growth, followed by NSW, with Victoria maintaining the highest overall volume despite slower growth. Although the RBA has introduced a rate hike, industry experts suggest a single increase is unlikely to significantly dampen first home buyer momentum. Investor activity, which peaked ahead of the scheme expansion, has since stabilised and may soften under higher borrowing costs. - Australia’s Rental Crisis Laid Bare (Source: API Magazine)
The RBA’s first rate rise in over two years has lifted the cash rate to 3.85 per cent, tightening borrowing capacity and increasing repayment pressures for property investors. With borrowing power shrinking and mortgage costs rising, strategies that performed well in recent years may now require reassessment. Higher rates could prompt an increase in listings as some owners feel financial strain, while investor confidence and serviceability calculations are expected to shift. The current environment signals a move toward more cautious, well-structured portfolio management as investors adapt to a higher-rate landscape. - Listings Rebound as 2026 Market Reopens (Source: Property Update / SQM Research)
National property listings rose modestly in January as sellers returned from the holiday slowdown, although overall stock levels remain significantly lower than a year ago, underscoring ongoing supply constraints. Asking prices showed mixed monthly movements across capital cities, with continued strength in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, while Sydney and Melbourne recorded steadier conditions. Unit prices generally outperformed houses nationally, reflecting affordability pressures and shifting buyer demand. Distressed listings remain historically low, suggesting financial stress across the market is contained despite higher interest rates. The broader picture points to tight supply, uneven price growth and a market that remains structurally supported. - Seven Timeless Lessons for Long-Term Property Wealth (Source: Property Update)
Property markets will always face new economic shocks and uncertainty, but well-located Australian real estate has historically demonstrated long-term resilience through cycles of volatility. Inflation continues to erode cash savings, reinforcing the value of owning quality, scarce assets that can outperform rising costs over time. Sustainable wealth creation relies on disciplined strategy, patience and ownership of investment-grade property in supply-constrained areas rather than chasing short-term trends. While interest rate rises and market dips are inevitable, long-term compounding remains the most powerful driver of wealth, rewarding those who maintain focus over decades rather than reacting to short-term noise. Housing Momentum Builds as Growth Diverges (Source: Domain)
Australia’s housing market closed the year with renewed momentum, as both house and unit prices reached fresh records across most capital cities. However, growth patterns are increasingly uneven, with smaller capitals such as Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide leading the upswing while affordability pressures shape demand across major markets. Units are outperforming houses in several cities where price gaps have widened, reflecting buyers’ search for relative value. Supply shortages, population growth and improved borrowing capacity continue to underpin demand, although higher interest rates are expected to moderate growth and create more varied outcomes across cities and property types in 2026.Lifestyle Drives Rental Decisions in 2026 (Source: Domain)
Australia’s rental market is evolving as lifestyle considerations become central to tenant decision-making. Features such as pet-friendly policies, gyms, pools and access to green space are no longer secondary perks but key drivers of demand, particularly within amenity-rich apartment precincts. Suburbs offering a blend of lifestyle appeal, connectivity and convenience are outperforming, reflecting a shift toward homes that enhance day-to-day living. As tenant expectations rise, properties designed around community, wellbeing and flexibility are increasingly shaping rental trends nationwide.Time, Not Timing, Builds Real Property Wealth (Source: API Magazine)
The true power of property investing lies in time and compounding growth rather than short-term market timing. While many investors focus on quick gains or emerging hotspots, long-term ownership of quality assets allows capital growth and rental income to compound significantly over decades. Modelling even conservative growth rates over extended periods highlights how wealth accelerates in later years of ownership. Transaction costs, taxes and speculation can erode short-term profits, whereas disciplined buy-and-hold strategies supported by sustainable cash flow continue to demonstrate the strongest long-term outcomes.Five Key Trends Shaping Property Investment in 2026 (Source: API Magazine)
The 2026 property market is expected to reward disciplined, data-driven investors who prioritise fundamentals over speculation. Regional resilience, advanced analytics, hybrid yield-and-growth strategies, energy efficiency and increasingly sophisticated financing structures are emerging as defining themes. Investors are leveraging predictive data tools, diversifying asset types and focusing on cash flow protection amid a stabilising but more selective lending environment. As speculative momentum fades, success in 2026 will hinge on strategic execution, strong advisory teams and a long-term focus on resilient, income-producing assets.
Brisbane Defies Seasonal Slowdown with Strong Start to 2026 (Source: API Magazine)
Brisbane has begun 2026 with notable strength, recording solid monthly, quarterly and annual price growth despite the traditional January lull. Tight supply, population growth and strong demand, particularly in the affordable and unit segments—continue to underpin performance. Units have outpaced houses in growth, reflecting affordability pressures and robust rental demand, while vacancy rates remain low and rental growth steady. Although higher interest rates and tighter lending conditions pose potential headwinds, structural supply shortages and economic fundamentals position Brisbane to sustain price growth, albeit at a more measured pace.- CoreLogic Auction Results (Week ending 01 February 2026)
(Total Auction / Clearance Rate)– Sydney: 459/ 62.3%
– Melbourne: 626/ 63.7%
– Brisbane: 220 / 71.8%
– Perth: 8 / 50%
– Canberra: 134 / 64.9%
– Adelaide: 155 / 83.9%
– Tasmania: 1 / NA
– Combined Capitals: 1603 / 66.4%
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