If you have been keeping an eye on the property market, you have probably noticed things picking up again. In 2025, house prices rose strongly. Most forecasts point to more growth in 2026 as demand remains higher than supply.
A rising house price market is not something to stress about, but it does call for a bit of planning. The buyers who tend to do well are the ones who start early, keep their heads, and make sure everything is in place before they sign anything. But don’t worry, here is how you can get yourself ready for the year ahead.
What Buyers Need to Know About the 2026 House Price Rise
As mentioned, the outlook for house prices in 2026 is pointing to another year of growth right across Australia. After an 8.6% rise in 2025, house prices are expected to increase by at least 5% again this year. Places like Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin are expected to lead the growth. Meanwhile, Sydney has already moved past a median house price of $1.28 million.
When homes move fast, buyers are pushed to decide quickly. In situations like this, it’s easy to overlook small things that later become major expenses. That is why it is important to understand how quickly the market is moving. From there, having a solid plan helps you move fast without putting yourself at risk.
Know Your Budget First
When the market is rising, your budget can shrink quickly and what once felt comfortable can start to feel tight. For this reason, it is important that you understand your real price range before you start inspecting homes.
Speaking to your broker or bank early helps you understand your real borrowing power and what your repayments might look like long-term. When you understand your limits, you can act fast when the right place comes along without stretching yourself too far.
Build a Shortlist and Watch the Right Suburbs Weekly
When house prices are rising, good properties do not stay on the market for long. That is why it helps to really understand your local area before you are ready to buy. Focus on a few locations that fit your lifestyle and price range. Keep an eye on new listings each week and go to inspections even before you are ready to buy. After a while, patterns start to appear and you begin to recognise what fair pricing looks like.
Move Faster Without Skipping Due Diligence
In a strong house price market, moving fast matters, but being careless does not help. When you are prepared, you can act quickly and still protect yourself. When your legal advice and inspections are already sorted, you can move with confidence. You are not left scrambling when it is time to make an offer.
Many buyers say that their biggest regret is not the price they paid but the problems they discovered after settlement that could have been found earlier. In fact, the risk of building problems even increases as more properties are rushed to market and competition heats up.
Win the Property Without Overpaying
Usually, we think that offering more money is the best way to win a property. Sometimes it’s not. In a competitive market, sellers want certainty so they prefer buyers who are organised and ready to move forward without delays. Remember that what gives a seller confidence is not just the price, but how prepared and organised you are. When you are prepared and ready to move, your offer becomes much more appealing.
Check the Property Properly Before Committing
As house prices rise, mistakes also become more expensive. Fortunately, a pre-purchase building inspection gives you protection from hidden defects that can cost a lot to fix later. Many serious building issues are not obvious during a quick inspection. Things like structural movement, moisture under the house, roof damage, drainage faults, and poor renovations often only show up when a professional takes a closer look. Thus, knowing these things before you commit helps prevent problems down the track.
Book a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection with Fearless Building Inspections
As outlined in this guide, preparation is everything in a rising house price market. Before signing anything, make sure you know exactly what you are buying. At Fearless Building Inspections, we help Hobart buyers make informed property decisions with independent building inspections and clear reporting. Book your pre-purchase building inspection with us today so you can move forward knowing exactly what you are buying.