FY 25/26.

30 June

End of Financial Year Market Wrap | Billy Jaz McGrath Palm Beach

Market Wrap · End of Financial Year 2026

The last six months have been some of the most interesting and volatile we’ve seen in recent times. Here’s what actually happened and what comes next.

As we close out the financial year, it’s worth stepping back and looking honestly at what the market delivered, what shifted, and what it all means for buyers, sellers and investors heading into the next twelve months.

How the year unfolded.

Jan – Feb 2026

Peak of the market. Buyer confidence was high, competition was strong, premium prices were being achieved.

Mar – Apr 2026

The landscape changed. Global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, restrictive interest rates and Federal Budget speculation slowed momentum.

May – Jun 2026

Mixed messaging around CGT and negative gearing added further uncertainty. Days on market lengthened. Inspection numbers fell. Price adjustments became the norm.

Uncertainty slows markets. And there has been no shortage of uncertainty this year.

What the data is showing.

20%

Of properties still achieving exceptional outcomes

↑ up

Days on market across most price points

↓ down

Open home inspection numbers vs Jan peak

The evidence is clear. Days on market have lengthened. Inspection numbers have fallen. Most properties now require a price adjustment before achieving a result. That doesn’t mean the market has stopped.

Buyer sentiment hasn’t disappeared.

Buyers are still active. Demand still exists. What has changed is buyer expectation. Today’s buyers are more selective, more analytical and less prepared to stretch beyond what they perceive as fair value.

What hasn’t changed

Buyer demand is real. The properties that represent the strongest value proposition in their category are still attracting inspections, generating competition and achieving premium results.

What has changed

Buyer expectation. Patience. Willingness to stretch. Today’s buyers do their research, take their time and act only when confidence outweighs uncertainty.

In this market, the property that demonstrates the strongest value proposition wins.

Where we are in the cycle.

My view is that March through June represented the thick of this correction cycle. I believe we’re now moving through the worst of it.

I expect the next six months to be more stable. However, I also believe this is the new normal for the time being. Personally, I don’t see a significant upward market movement for at least another nine to twelve months.

Some owners still believe the Gold Coast is insulated from global economic events, or that their property sits outside the broader market cycle. In reality, that is very rarely the case.

What this means for you.

If you’re selling

Understand today’s market, not yesterday’s. Price correctly from day one. Present well. Execute with discipline. The 20% achieving exceptional results aren’t lucky. They’re positioned correctly.

If you’re buying

This is one of the better entry points in recent memory. Less competition, more time, and prices that have reset from their peak. The window won’t stay open indefinitely.

Markets move in cycles. Buyers adapt. Expectations reset. And right now, success belongs to the sellers who understand today’s market rather than yesterday’s.

Let’s talk honestly