Population growth and migration effects

Is Melbourne really a better property investment opportunity than Perth heading into 2026?

In this episode of the Folio Property Podcast, Lachlan Delahunty and Reece Beddall break down six critical data points to explain exactly where the Australian property market is heading, and why Melbourne may now offer a once-in-a-generation buying opportunity, despite Perth’s recent boom.

We compare Perth vs Melbourne property markets, analysing price growth, rental yields, affordability, population growth, stock on market, and land tax. And more importantly, cutting through headlines, fear, and misinformation dominating social media.

You’ll hear why Perth may still deliver short-term double-digit growth, but why Melbourne’s long-term fundamentals, affordability, and supply squeeze could make it the best medium-to-long-term investment play in Australia right now.

If you’re wondering whether investors are buying Perth, or whether Melbourne is quietly bottoming and recovering, this episode breaks it all down with real data, not opinions.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Perth vs Melbourne - Where should you invest?04:24 Is Melbourne The Most Affordable City In Australia?09:11 Why Rental Yields In Melbourne Are Increasing 13:07 The Largest Drop In Property Listings in 25 Years14:58 The Migration Shift Impacting The Property Market In 202618:56 Why Perth & Melbourne Are Still The Most Affordable Cities 20:20 The Melbourne Land Tax Dilemma 23:38 Where Is The Best Property Investment In Australia for 2026?

Key Themes:

• Melbourne vs Perth: Which market actually offers better value in 2026
• Is Perth nearing the top of the property cycle?
• Why Melbourne has had its longest stagnation period in 30 years
• Historical growth rates: Melbourne’s consistency vs Perth’s volatility
• Why Adelaide is now one of the most unaffordable markets in Australia
• The Sydney vs Melbourne pricing gap, and why it matters
• Short-term vs long-term investing strategies

About the Folio Property Podcast

Each week, Reece Beddall & Lachlan Delahunty break down the biggest conversations shaping Australian property. From market cycles to debt, strategy, data, and real-world insights, we make property simple, honest, and practical.

📍Visit Our Website: https://follio.com.au/📩 Contact Us: info@follio.com.au

📲 Follow Us on Social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/folliopropertypod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@folliopropertypod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Akt4N53zsb4ldzFNlTwad?si=AFEgYOAiSh2QGbK8AfFLywLachlan Delahunty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlandelahunty/Reece Beddall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reece-beddall-294557b3/If you enjoy the episode, hit Like, Subscribe, and Comment to support the channel and join the conversation.Track: MoodMode - Upbeat Hip Hop Boom Bap Background MusicMusic provided by MoodMode#AustralianProperty#PropertyInvestment#MelbourneProperty#PerthProperty#PropertyMarket2026#InvestingAustralia#PropertyCycle#BuyersAgent#RealEstateAustralia LandTax#RentalYields#HousingCrisis