At the end of 2025, Australian property investors were hearing two very different stories.

On the one hand, we've seen strong price growth across most capital cities; rents were still painfully high for tenants, and auction clearance rates were holding up surprisingly well.

On the other hand, we were being warned about rising unemployment, sticky inflation, higher building costs, and plenty of noise about what could go wrong in 2026.

So what's really happening beneath the headlines? And more importantly, what does it mean for investors, home buyers and property markets next year?

Today, I'm joined by Dr Andrew Wilson to unpack his annual review of our housing markets for 2025 and his forecasts for 2026.

Andrew doesn't deal in hype. He deals in data, long-term trends, and the realities of how our housing markets actually work.

If you want clarity instead of clickbait, and perspective instead of panic, you'll want to stay with us.

Takeaways

· 2025 saw strong property price growth despite economic challenges.

· Interest rates and economic factors significantly influence housing markets.

· Building approvals for units increased, but house approvals faced challenges.

· Rental market showing signs of growth with low vacancies.

· Auction clearance rates are a positive indicator for future prices.

· House prices in major cities saw significant increases in 2025.

· Economic growth and job market stability support housing demand.

· Rising building costs may constrain new housing supply.

· 2026 is expected to continue the trend of property price growth.

· Affordability remains a concern, but lending practices ensure market stability.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us.

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Join Michael Yardney plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

1248: How Gratitude Increases Open Rates & Deal Sizes in B2B Sales w/ Jonathan Koo