First Home Loan :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Anticipated 5% Rise in Australian House Prices: What Buyers Need to Know

Exploring the Factors Behind the Projected Housing Market Growth

Anticipated 5% Rise in Australian House Prices: What Buyers Need to Know?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Australia's housing market is poised for continued growth in 2026, with economists forecasting a 5% increase in house prices over the next 12 months.
This projection follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, marking the strongest annual growth since 2021.
The anticipated growth is primarily driven by demand outstripping supply, a trend observed across all states and territories.

Several factors contribute to this outlook:

  • Supply Constraints: The housing market continues to face limited supply, with listings approximately 25% below average. This shortage is helping to underpin prices and limiting the risk of a sharp downturn, even as demand is expected to soften through 2026.
  • Population Growth: Net overseas migration added 548,000 people in a 12-month period to Q3 2023, the fastest pace in nearly 50 years. This surge in population growth has intensified demand for housing, further contributing to price increases.
  • Interest Rate Movements: The Reserve Bank of Australia's recent rate hike to 3.85% may temper some demand; however, the overall impact on housing prices is expected to be moderate, given the persistent supply-demand imbalance.

For first-time homebuyers, this projected price increase underscores the importance of strategic financial planning. Prospective buyers should consider:

  • Accelerating Savings Plans: With prices expected to rise, expediting savings for a deposit can enhance purchasing power.
  • Exploring Government Assistance: Investigate available grants and schemes designed to support first-home buyers, such as the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.
  • Consulting with Mortgage Brokers: Professional advice can help navigate the complexities of the market and identify suitable loan options.

Staying informed about market trends and proactively managing financial health will be crucial for those aiming to enter the housing market amidst these projected changes.

Published:Thursday, 19th Feb 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Understanding APRA's New Lending Restrictions for Homebuyers
Understanding APRA's New Lending Restrictions for Homebuyers
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced new measures to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from 1 February 2026. Under these regulations, banks and other authorised deposit-taking institutions are restricted to allocating no more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with a DTI ratio of six times or more. - read more
RBA's Interest Rate Hike: What It Means for Homebuyers
RBA's Interest Rate Hike: What It Means for Homebuyers
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% in its February meeting, responding to a resurgence in inflation during the latter half of 2025. This decision marks the first rate hike in over two years and aims to curb inflationary pressures that have re-emerged despite previous rate cuts. - read more
Anticipated 5% Rise in Australian House Prices: What Buyers Need to Know
Anticipated 5% Rise in Australian House Prices: What Buyers Need to Know
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's housing market is poised for continued growth in 2026, with economists forecasting a 5% increase in house prices over the next 12 months. This projection follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, marking the strongest annual growth since 2021. The anticipated growth is primarily driven by demand outstripping supply, a trend observed across all states and territories. - read more
Australian Home Prices Hit Record Highs Following Rate Reduction
Australian Home Prices Hit Record Highs Following Rate Reduction
11 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In March 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a significant milestone, with national home prices reaching a new peak. This surge was largely influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to cut interest rates in February, which reignited buyer demand across the country. - read more


Home Loan Articles

How to Increase Your Chances of Loan Pre-Approval as a First-Time Homebuyer
How to Increase Your Chances of Loan Pre-Approval as a First-Time Homebuyer
Welcome! Embarking on the journey to homeownership is both exciting and daunting, especially for first-time buyers in Australia. One vital step in this process is understanding loan pre-approval and how it can shape your path to securing your dream home. - read more
Essential Tips to Boost Your Loan Eligibility as a First-Time Homebuyer
Essential Tips to Boost Your Loan Eligibility as a First-Time Homebuyer
Welcome to our deep dive into the world of loan eligibility for first-time homebuyers in Australia. Buying your first home is both an exciting and daunting experience. Fortunately, you're not alone on this journey. This article aims to arm you with the essential tips and insights needed to boost your loan eligibility as a first-time buyer. - read more
First Home Loan Options: Navigating the Different Loan Types Available
First Home Loan Options: Navigating the Different Loan Types Available
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, marked by significant decisions that can impact your financial future. One of the most crucial decisions you'll face is selecting the right home loan. Understanding the different types of loans available is not just beneficial; it's essential for every first-time home buyer. - read more
Navigating Government Grants: A First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
Navigating Government Grants: A First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
For many Australians, purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial commitments they will undertake. As a first-time home buyer, navigating the financial landscape can be daunting. This is where government grants come into play, offering much-needed support and financial relief to those entering the property market for the first time. - read more

Knowledgebase
Personal Loan:
A Personal Loan is a means of obtaining finance from a financial institution or financial product provider and the lending criteria usually depends on criteria such as personal income and expenses, assets and liabilities, employment status and previo