Happy New Year and welcome to our first article for 2026. We are sure that there will be many golden opportunities for property buyers throughout the year. This is a comprehensive roadmap for property buyers navigating the Sydney market in 2026. As specialist buyers’ agents based in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney, we will guide you through optimal timing, economic influences, and essential deadlines from now until the end of the year.
Quarter 1: January to March
Property activity commences slowly in January following the Christmas and New Year holidays, with limited listings and auctions as vendors and buyers recover from festive disruptions. Australia Day on Monday 26 January marks the end of the quiet period coinciding with the end of the school holidays. The first major auction day this year is Saturday 31 January, 2026. If you are interested in any properties scheduled for auction on this day, you should be finalising your financial arrangements and property due diligence now.
The Easter long weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April will dampen momentum, creating opportunities for discerning buyers to negotiate amid reduced competition.
The first Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting on Monday 2 – Tuesday 3 February may signal interest rate adjustments, potentially influencing early sentiment. Inflation slowed to around 3.4% in November, down from 3.8% in October but the RBA’s preferred measure is 3.2% which is still above their target range of 2 – 3%. Some banks and economists are predicting an interest rate rise in early 2026. We advise buyers to monitor this closely, as March typically sees listings increase towards autumn.
Aim to secure pre-approvals by late January to capitalise on any post-holiday stock. Land tax assessments for 2026 issue from 19 January, a key consideration for property investors.
Quarter 2: April to June
April to June marks a transitional phase with listing volumes rising again post-Easter and Anzac Day on Saturday, 25 April though auction clearance rates generally remain moderate compared to the peak months in spring and early autumn. This should offer buyers a balanced choice in suburbs throughout the Inner West.
RBA decisions on Monday 4 – Tuesday 5 May and Monday 15 – Tuesday 16 June will shape borrowing costs; with possibilities of rate stability or hikes, affordability challenges may temper price growth. The Domain Forecast Report predicts that the strongest part of the year will be the first half rising by 10% from January to financial year end. With this in mind, the most successful buyers in 2026 are likely to be those who secure deals early.
The onset of winter typically marks a slow down in activity with the King’s Birthday on Monday 8 June and school holidays being a factor.
Quarter 3: July to September
This is the contrast between the quiet winter period and the onset of spring which is historically the peak selling period in Sydney as listings are expected to surge by at least 10-15 per cent whilst auction clearance rates often exceed 70 per cent.
Geopolitical stability and domestic factors like unemployment increases and higher interest rates could moderate demand in the second half of the year, yet low housing supply will sustain upward pressure on prices. RBA meetings on Monday 3 – Tuesday 4 August and Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 September are likely to provide pivotal updates, especially if inflation prompts interest rate hikes.
Quarter 4: October to December
Spring activity typically peaks in October – November, with abundant listings but fierce bidding; Labour Day on Monday 5 October (NSW) and the wind down towards Christmas will slow activity.
Final RBA decisions on Monday 2 – Tuesday 3 November and Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 December will cap the year; potential rate rises from the current 3.60 per cent could curb any late frenzy as anticipated in the Domain Forecast Report. This report has the Sydney median house price reaching $1,924,430 by year’s end, boosted by lack of supply and ironically by Government schemes like the expanded First Home Guarantee which were supposed to improve affordability.
Secure purchases by mid-November to avoid holiday dips and settle by Christmas; December suits off-market deals as on market listing volumes fall.
2026 Sydney Property Market: Key Dates & Decision Timeframes
| Timeframe / Date | Event or Milestone | Why It Matters for Buyers | Recommended Buyer Action |
| Early–Mid January | Post-holiday slow market | Limited listings and reduced competition | Begin suburb research and finance discussions |
| 19 January | NSW Land Tax assessments issued | Impacts investors | Review assessments; prepare objections if needed within 60 days of issue date |
| 26 January | Australia Day | Marks end of summer slowdown | Prepare for rising listings |
| 31 January | First major auction day of 2026 | Signals return of auction activity | Complete due diligence and finance checks by this date |
| 2–3 February | RBA meeting | Potential interest rate movement | Lock finance buffers; reassess borrowing capacity |
| 3–6 April | Easter long weekend | Reduced buyer and seller activity | Negotiate where competition is thin |
| 25 April | Anzac Day | Brief market pause | Plan inspections around short week |
| 4–5 May | RBA meeting | Shapes borrowing costs into winter | Stress-test affordability |
| 8 June | King’s Birthday | Winter slowdown begins | Buyers may gain leverage depending on supply volumes |
| 15–16 June | RBA meeting | Mid-year rate direction | Decide whether to buy before spring |
| July–August | Winter lull | Fewer buyers, motivated sellers | Target value opportunities |
| 3–4 August | RBA meeting | Possible second-half rate signal | Finalise finance before spring |
| Early September | Spring market ramps up | Listings surge by at least 10–15% | Attend auctions; expect stronger competition |
| 14–15 September | RBA meeting | Influences spring borrowing power | Lock rates if concerned |
| 5 October | Labour Day (NSW) | Short-term slowdown | Plan inspections around a short week |
| October–November | Peak spring market | High competition and prices | Buy only with strong strategy |
| Mid-November | Ideal purchase cutoff to settle by Christmas | Avoid Christmas slowdown | Secure property and plan settlement |
| 2–3 November | RBA meeting | Late-year sentiment driver | Monitor impact on buyer demand |
| 7–8 December | Final RBA meeting | Sets 2027 outlook | Position for off-market deals in December |
| December | Holiday slowdown | Low listings, flexible sellers | Focus on off-market opportunities |
This roadmap positions you for success in 2026. Contact us for tailored Inner West buying expertise.
