The Property Planner’s Monthly Market Update: January 2026

Welcome to the Property Planner’s Monthly Market Update, your comprehensive resource for the latest insights and trends in the real estate and economic landscape!

Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our expert analysis, helping you make well-informed decisions in the ever-evolving property market.

Capital Cities Making Big Moves in 2026!

2026 is off to a solid start, with combined capital city values rising 0.7%, pushing the median dwelling value past $1 million for the first time ever.

Source: Cotality

Adelaide Advances in Capital City Standings

Adelaide’s median value for ‘all dwellings’ has now surpassed Canberra, making big waves in the capital city rankings.

Source: Cotality

Perth Maintains Growth Momentum

Perth recorded the strongest January result at 2.0% growth, followed by Brisbane at 1.6% and Darwin at 1.5%.

Perth has now joined Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra in the $1M plus club, with median house values reaching $1,003,804 in January.

Source: Cotality

Will the RBA Rate Hike Cool the Market?

The RBA’s recent interest rate rise is aimed at controlling inflation, but it remains to be seen whether this will have a lasting effect on the property market.

The initial auction clearance rates suggest that the market is still very strong!

Source: ABS

Supply Shortages and Listings Data

There is a noticeable shortage of listings in the property market.

January 2026 saw 18% fewer properties available than the previous year and 25% below the 5-year average.

This shortage is contributing to price growth, as demand continues to outpace supply.

Source: Cotality

Refinancing Trends

Refinancing activity reached record levels in Q3 2025, with many homeowners looking to secure better terms or tap into their home equity.

The surge in refinancing is largely driven by the desire to manage rising living costs and to take advantage of competitive offers available in the market.

Have you reviewed your mortgage recently? If not, reach out to us here.

With changing interest rates and cost pressures, refinancing could help you secure a better deal.

Source: ABS

Rising Rents

Rents have been steadily rising, with national house rents up 0.6% over January and 5.4% over the last 12 months.

Over the last five years, rents have surged by 42.4%, compared to just 8.2% in the previous five years.

This ongoing rent rise is contributing to higher inflation and creating pressure on tenants.

For investors, it signals growing rental yields, particularly in regional areas.

Source: Cotality

Investor Focus Shifts – The Orange Bars 😉

Investors are increasingly focusing on lower-priced properties as high interest rates put pressure on budgets.

This has led to intense competition in the lower quartile of the market.

With first-time buyers also eyeing these affordable properties, the market is becoming more competitive, particularly in more affordable areas recording 2.0% overall growth, driven by a 1.9% rise in house values and a 2.3% lift in unit values.

Source: Cotality

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Reach Out to Us

If you would like to discuss your next steps, property plans, and mortgage strategy, get in touch with us today. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the complexities of the market and help you achieve your property goals.