Housing confidence remains high
Heading into the rest of 2026, housing market confidence remains high across most of the country. According to Cotality, 87% of real estate and finance professionals expect dwelling values to rise in the year ahead, with nearly half predicting gains above 5%. That optimism follows an 8.6% increase in national values in 2025, adding over $70,000 to median prices. But the strength isn’t spread evenly.
Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia have emerged as the most confident markets, driven by internal migration, tight rental conditions, and low supply. In Queensland, 89% of respondents expect price growth, while Western Australia’s demand is broad-based across price points.
New South Wales remains positive but is more vulnerable to affordability pressures and rate movements. Victoria, on the other hand, lags behind, with confidence hurt by higher taxes, weaker population growth, and fewer investors.
More than 75% of agents reported an increased interest from first-home buyers, supported by expanded government schemes.
