It’s not Opposite Day yet (that’s on January 25 for those who observe this whimsical celebration), but when it comes to the RBA’s next rate move, anything could happen.
While no change is expected at the upcoming RBA meeting on 3 February 2026, an upward movement in the cash rate to keep inflation under control is not entirely off the cards.
That having been said, this looming eventuality did not stop buyers from returning to the market in droves this year. Our first weekend of open homes for 2026 saw record numbers through our properties and the feedback has been similar across our local network. Stock remains tight and demand high, but we’ve noticed a clear shift in buyer behaviour – those who didn’t get their hands on a set of keys in 2025 are decisive and acting fast.
The buyer fatigue that tends to settle in at the end of every year had already been overridden by the frenzy unleashed on the sub $1-million market after the expansion of the First Home Guarantee in October, but the surge in activity and confidence throughout the past fortnight has taken even us by surprise!
In fact, we sealed our very first deal of 2026 early this week! 152/53 Vernon Terrace on the top floor of the Mactaggarts Woolstore achieved a fantastic result for the building. For more information about this sale, please reach out at any time.
If a one bedroom apartment is on your 2026 radar, then I’d like to point you in the direction of 212/88 Macquarie Street. On the river-facing side of the Dakota Woolstore, this unit has undergone a one-of-a-kind renovation. Recycled local timber perfectly complements the heritage features accent colours to create an eclectic and welcoming residence. We’ll be there first thing tomorrow morning at 9am if you’d like to take a look.
The top-floor residences in the same building are amongst my favourite Woolstore homes. Sprawling floor plans, soaring ceilings and panoramic views – what’s there not to love. Unit 420 has just launched online this week, so I highly recommend setting aside a few moments of your day at 11.30am to come through this exquisitely renovated apartment.
It’s not just buyer activity and campaign launches that are ramping up – Brisbane’s olympic facelift is also well and truly kicking into gear. The winning concept for the Victoria Park stadium has been announced, promising a “worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during The Games.”
As soon as the Olympic Torch makes its way into Brisbane, The Gabba Stadium will take its final breath. Once demolished, it will give way to a new precinct including housing, retail, dining and green spaces and transport connections, including the Cross River Rail, which is taking serious shape! Personally, I hope this means that the days of hosting international superstars at Bundall and making the wildly inconvenient trek out there are numbered.
On the note of sporting venues, I’ll leave you to it – I’ve got an arena and a few test matches to get to (this is what happens when you leave it to the boys to organise the AO trip…). Nevertheless, I’m sure we will have a great time – a few mates, a couple of beers and the world’s best tennis players warming up for their matches is all you need!
Talk soon,
Ben
