In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Brad East and Aaron Downie break down Australia's 2026 Property Market Forecast using the latest SQM Research Boom & Bust Report. We analyse population growth, supply shortages, dwelling completions, and city-by-city price predictions to explain what buyers and investors should expect in 2026.

Australia is heading into another major year for real estate, with 390,000 new migrants, tight vacancy rates, and a national housing shortage continuing to shape prices. In this episode, we unpack why Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast are forecast to lead the country — and why Sydney and Melbourne may lag behind. Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or simply watching the market, this breakdown gives you clear, data-driven explanations behind the expected 4%–14% price growth for 2026.

🔍 Key Topics Covered

✔️ Australia Property Market Forecast 2026

✔️ Population growth impact on housing prices

✔️ Housing supply shortage & dwelling completions

✔️ City-by-city predictions: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney

✔️ Vacancy rates, rental demand & investor activity

✔️ Supply vs demand imbalance explained

✔️ Why units may outperform houses in major cities

✔️ Inflation, interest rates & possible RBA cuts

✔️ Worst-case, base-case & best-case growth scenarios

✔️ What buyers and investors should watch in 2026

🏙️ City Forecast Highlights

🏆 Perth: 12–16% growth expected — strongest market in Australia

🔥 Brisbane: 10–15% growth, record-low listings

📈 Adelaide: Strong demand with limited supply

Darwin: Major rebound driven by infrastructure projects

🏖️ Gold Coast & Sunny Coast: 7–15% growth

🏚️ Sydney & Melbourne: Slower growth due to affordability pressures