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  • 11 February 2026
  • 2 min read
Market holds firm following rate rise
Market Insights

Market holds firm following rate rise

Following last week’s interest rate rise, much of the conversation across the property landscape centred on what immediate impact this shift might have on buyer sentiment and overall engagement.

In real terms, the effect has been minimal. While the rate movement was certainly a topic of discussion at inspections and in negotiations, it has not deterred active, finance-ready buyers who are already positioned to purchase. For those with clear intent and capacity, the focus remains on securing the right home rather than attempting to time short-term rate movements.

Should we see further increases, the narrative may evolve, but at this stage, market conditions remain steady without being overly aggressive.

Transaction activity continues to track at healthy levels. Across our open homes this past week, we recorded an average of 13 buyer groups per inspection. This is marginally lighter than what we would typically expect for this time of year, however it’s important to note the breadth of stock currently on display, with properties ranging from $500k through to $20M+, giving us a comprehensive view of buyer depth across all price brackets.

Listing volumes are continuing to build. As we’re in the pre-Easter campaign window, we anticipate a noticeable lift in new campaigns coming to market. With greater choice available, buyer selectivity will naturally sharpen, placing increased emphasis on strategic pricing and campaign alignment from day one.

For sellers, this points to the importance of meeting the market with precision. In some instances, we may see price adjustments through campaigns as vendors work to locate the point where emotional buyer engagement and value perception intersect.

The next eight weeks will be a defining stretch for the 2026 market, shaping momentum, confidence, and pricing direction as we move deeper into the year.

As always, if you would like a tailored update on your property, suburb activity, or buyer demand in your price category, we welcome the conversation.

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