Lifestyle Market Insights October 2026

Lifestyle property market in 60 seconds

Market finding its feet

Activity and pricing are steadying across most regions, with early signs of improving confidence among both buyers and vendors. Some residual caution remains, linked to the Middle East conflict, fuel pricing and cost of living, though this is expected to ease as clarity around the conflict improves.

Rural sector underpinning confidence

Healthy returns across a number of primary sectors are keeping confidence high in provincial property markets. This is adding some additional support to the lifestyle property sector.

Interest rate concerns starting to ease

Interest rates remain a key factor shaping the wider residential market, though rate anxiety appears to be settling. Rates have seen some recent rises as the Reserve Bank moves to control inflation, but remain well clear of previous highs, and buyers appear increasingly comfortable transacting at current levels.

Presentation and price still winning buyers over

Buyers are gravitating towards lifestyle properties that are well presented and sensibly priced. Ease of access, everyday practicality and presentation are key drawcards. The super prime coastal lifestyle market has seen some particularly strong outcomes recently, as buyers continue to chase top-tier properties.

International and lifestyle demand holding firm

Space, flexibility and connectivity continue to draw buyers toward lifestyle living, alongside changing life-stage needs. Updated Active Investor Plus (Golden Visa) settings are also lifting international interest in premium lifestyle and waterfront properties, especially at the top end. Sensitive land rules narrow the range of properties available to these buyers, such as channelling their activity into properties under 5 hectares.

Election at full noise but impact on market limited

Buyer caution around election time is a familiar story, though the evidence for it is mixed - it tends to show up mainly when the political debate has the housing market in its crosshairs. With this Election shaping up to focus on other priorities, the market looks likely to carry on without material impact.