Property Report: Q2 2026

G’day, folks. I’m here to give you the straight scoop on the rental market, and trust me, things have flipped. For years, all the talk was about Sydney and Melbourne, but out here in the lifestyle destinations – the regional hotspots – we’re now setting the pace.

Property Report: The coast is king—and it’s paying premiums

The national weekly house rent is sitting at $650, and units at $625, with annual growth moderating a touch across the country. But the real kicker is where the high rents are landing. The Gold Coast has officially clocked in as the most expensive market for houses in the country, with median weekly rents hitting $950. That’s well clear of Sydney at $810 and miles ahead of Melbourne at $575. Perth houses are even ahead of Brisbane and Adelaide, at $700 per week.

What’s happening? People are prioritising lifestyle, and we’re seeing a consolidation in the market, not a downturn. Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee says it’s a big, noticeable shift in where the money’s flowing; the lifestyle and smaller capital markets are now competing at the very top of the pricing game.

Take the Gold Coast—house rental growth is leading the capital cities at 8.6 per cent annually. Hobart and the Sunshine Coast are right behind. Even the regional data shows acceleration is focusing on specific areas: parts of regional Queensland are exceeding the national average, and outer-metro house markets in Perth are holding firm. The unit market is different, with Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane posting strong gains, but back home, inner-city markets in places like Brisbane and Sydney are firming up thanks to students and migration. It all boils down to recalibration, mate. Rents aren’t dropping; they’re just repositioning, and our regional hubs are winning big.

The ‘Rightsizing’ wave is hitting Southeast Queensland hard

This next trend is huge for our patch, especially down the coast. We’re seeing high-net-worth buyers—the “rightsizers”—moving out of their big family houses and into luxury apartments. This isn’t just a Sydney thing anymore.

The number of prestige apartments sold has tripled in the last decade, and our CEO John McGrath says it’s because people are choosing security, luxury, and lifestyle.

And where are they going? Queensland is the undeniable leader, snagging 43 per cent of East Coast prestige apartment sales in 2025, followed by NSW at 41 per cent. Southeast Queensland is the favoured spot—who can blame them? Pristine beaches and rivers make the perfect backdrop for these high-end buildings. The demand is strongest for prime locations with easy access to our major cities.

In terms of growth, new prestige apartments have absolutely smoked the older stock over the past five years: 88 per cent on the Gold Coast, 60 per cent in Brisbane, 34 per cent in Sydney, and 32 per cent in Melbourne. It’s a clear signal. Want to know a local tip for value? Car parking. In Brisbane, you’ll pay a 47 per cent premium for three-bedroom apartments with more than four car spaces versus just one, and on the Gold Coast, it’s a 46 per cent premium.

Broker’s Corner: Keeping first home buyers on the straight and narrow

Listen up, first home buyers. It’s an exciting time, but you’ve got to look past the shiny presentation and the final price tag. Don’t let the stress of getting the deposit blind you to the long-term reality.

• Don’t Forget the Extras: The real cost of ownership isn’t just the mortgage. Think about council rates, insurance, maintenance, and those strata levies if you’re buying a unit. Make sure your budget is comfortable after these are factored in.
• Location, Location, Location: Out here, location is everything for long-term value. Proximity to schools, employment hubs, local shops, and especially future infrastructure projects can influence your price growth. Research the area, not just the house.
• Plan for the Future: You might be buying for your current needs, but what about five years from now? Look for flexibility to avoid having to move sooner than you planned.
• Get Your Finance Ducks in a Row: Waiting until the last minute for finance is a rookie mistake. Get your pre-approval sorted early. Come chat with a mortgage broker first; we can help compare all your options.

Open Home Checklist from the Paddock

When you walk through that open home, keep your eyes peeled.

1. See Past the Styling: Those carefully arranged cushions and fresh paint jobs are there to make a strong impression. Look at the fundamentals: the layout, room sizes, storage, and whether it’ll actually function for your life.
2. Inspect the Condition: Give the walls, floors, and fixtures a good look. Cracks or water marks can mean future maintenance headaches.
3. Check the Neighbourhood Vibe: Walk the street before or after. What’s the traffic like? The noise? Parking availability? The surrounding environment is a huge part of your lifestyle.
4. Confirm Your Budget Alignment: If the place feels right, immediately check it against your pre-approval. Know what you can comfortably offer.

Finance Matters: Roadside and open road cover

Car Repairs: Don’t Let a Breakdown Break the Bank. Out here, the car is your lifeline, and big repair bills happen. Here’s how we handle the unexpected:

• The Emergency Buffer: If you have an emergency fund, this is what it’s for. Use your savings first to avoid interest.

• Personal Loan: For the hefty repairs, a personal loan spreads the cost over time with fixed, predictable repayments.

• Credit Card (Small Bills Only): Convenient for a small, unexpected cost you can clear quickly, especially if you get an interest-free period.

• Payment Plans: Ask your local mechanic about payment plans. You might be able to spread the cost over weeks or months.

Caravan Loans: Chasing the Dream without the Debt Headache

Caravans are the ultimate regional freedom, but financing them needs a clear head.

• Know the True Cost: Factor in insurance, registration, maintenance, fuel, and storage.
• Fixed vs. Variable Rates: A fixed rate gives you predictable repayments throughout the loan term.
• Secured vs. Unsecured: Secured loans (where the caravan is collateral) usually mean better rates or longer terms. Unsecured loans offer more flexibility but often come with higher interest rates.
• New vs. Used: New vans generally attract more favourable terms because of manufacturer warranties. Used vans are still a great option, but expect slightly higher rates or shorter terms due to the higher risk.
• Check the Fine Print: Look beyond the interest rate. Application fees, establishment fees, and early payout charges all add to the total cost of borrowing. Talk to a finance broker to compare options before you commit.