The latest NAB Housing Monitor (Mar 2026) shows Australian home prices still climbing strongly – up about 9.6% over the past year in capital cities (nearly 10% by one measure). The national median dwelling value is around $900,000. Growth is not even: the strongest gains are in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin, while Sydney and Melbourne have flattened out recently. These shifts suggest buyers should look beyond the usual hot spots. In fact, regional and smaller-capital markets are doing well – they’ve even outperformed the combined capitals slightly.
Key stats from NAB (Mar 2026):
- Combined capitals prices +9.6% year-on-year, +0.6% in Feb.
- Fastest price growth in Perth, Brisbane, Darwin; Sydney/Melb flat or declining.
- National median home value ~$900K.
- Rental vacancy ~1.6% (near record low) and advertised rents up ~6% annualised.
- Housing approvals rising but building is constrained (big pipeline; labour shortages).
What This Means for Buyers in 2026
Agents who work with buyers view these trends as signs of possibility. With low vacancy rates (1.6% approx.), high rental growth (6% per annum), and additional factors indicating plenty of demand for rental accommodation. We believe that this is proving to be good news for property investors. So, for example, rental values in tight markets will likely yield good returns. NAB has identified that the cities of Melbourne & Perth are seeing the strongest increases in rents being advertised, meaning that investors will continue to receive high returns in those markets despite the recent price increases.
At the same time, supply is tight. New home construction hasn’t caught up: approvals have lifted recently, but builders face high costs and labour shortages. The result is a large pipeline of homes that will take time to finish. In lay terms, fewer new homes are reaching the market quickly. Steady demand and diminishing supply will continue to support firm pricing. In our role as advisers to buyers, we see this situation as an opportunity and challenge: on one side. An increase in competition due to a decrease in available new-build units; on the other side, due to the limitation on your ability to find an alternative unit, you will need to act in a strategic manner regarding any available units you may wish to purchase.
So, Where Should You Focus Now?
Look for areas with strong local fundamentals. Perth, Brisbane and even Adelaide have both rapid price growth and above-average population gains, so they may continue to deliver solid returns. Suburbs with new infrastructure or job growth are also promising. In big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, it pays to be picky: prices there are already high, so consider value-growth corridors (outer suburbs with rising demand) rather than the most expensive areas. Keep in mind NAB’s finding that homes outside the big cities are modestly outperforming the combined capitals, regional and interstate markets might hold hidden gems.
Ready to make your move? For tailored advice or to discuss your buying strategy, contact Investmate Buyers Agency. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your options. Call us at +61 421 942 049 or book a free chat today. Follow Investmate on Instagramand LinkedInfor market insights and updates.
