There’s a number we can’t get out of our head. It’s $154,216.

That isn’t a lottery jackpot or a supercar’s price tag. According to stunning new forecasts from Westpac, they are expecting 5.4% house price growth in 2026 and that’s the minimum amount the median house price in Sydney is expected to jump by the end of 2026. Looking ahead to the end of 2026, Sydney is poised to lead the market with a remarkable $154,000 surge in its median house price, bringing the new value to an impressive $1,675,827. Not far behind, Melbourne is set to hit a major milestone, with a projected growth of more than $100,000 lifting its median price to $1,059,810.

Let that sink in. In just over a year, a single property is projected to earn more in pure capital growth than the average Australian earns in salary.

Every day, we talk to investors. Some are seasoned veterans with sprawling portfolios; others are everyday Aussie teachers, tradies, and nurses who are tired of seeing their savings get eaten away by inflation. They all want to know the same thing: “Is it too late? Have I missed the boat?”

Looking at the data splashed across this report, sourced from industry giants like Westpac and CoreLogic, my answer is an emphatic, table-thumping NO. The boat is here, the engine is roaring, and it’s about to leave the dock. The question is, are you going to be on it?

Deconstructing the Numbers: This Isn’t Just a Forecast; It’s a Roadmap to Wealth

Let’s be clear. The table in this report isn’t just a collection of data points; it’s a stark illustration of the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. And right now, Australia is facing a perfect storm.

The Westpac housing market report highlights a key catalyst: an estimated 70,000 first-home buyers are set to enter the market. Think of them as 70,000 hungry bidders at an auction where the number of items for sale is shrinking. Government incentives, while well-intentioned, are pouring gasoline on this fire. They give more people the power to buy, but they don’t create more houses. The result? Fierce competition and one inevitable outcome: prices go up.

This isn’t a complex calculus equation. It’s simple, playground economics. When everyone wants the same thing, the person willing to pay the most gets it. For investors, this is the ‘why’. Now let’s look at the ‘where’.

A Tale of Six Cities: Your Guide to the 2026 Property Price Boom

This forecast doesn’t paint Australia with one brush. It tells a unique story for each capital city, a story of opportunity.

Sydney: (+$154,216)

Sydney has always been the glittering prize of Australian property. With a median price rocketing towards $1,675,827, the barrier to entry is high, but the rewards are astronomical. An increase of over $154,000 is not just a price rise; it’s a life-changing wealth creation event. For savvy investors, this isn’t about buying a whole house. It’s about securing a strategic apartment, a townhouse in a high-growth corridor, or a dual-occupancy property that can generate two streams of income while its value skyrockets.

Melbourne: (+$103,505)

Melbourne is a picture of consistency. It’s not about the frantic sprint; it’s about strong, steady, and relentless growth. A projected increase of over $103,000 will push its median price comfortably past the $1,059,810 mark. For an investor, Melbourne represents stability. It’s a blue-chip stock in the property world, underpinned by a diverse economy, world-class education, and a magnetic culture that constantly attracts new residents.

Brisbane: (+$93,415)

All eyes are on Brisbane, and for good reason. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the city is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. A projected $93,415 increase is merely the opening act. The real story is the decade of infrastructure, investment, and international attention that will follow. Today’s median price of $1,040,651 will look like a bargain in hindsight. Investing in Brisbane now is like buying shares in a tech start-up right before it becomes a household name.

Perth: (+$102,250)

Perth is officially awake. After years of quiet, its economy is firing on all cylinders, and the property market is feeling the heat. A massive $102,250 surge is on the cards, driven by a booming resources sector and an influx of skilled migrants seeking its incredible lifestyle. With a median price approaching $984,117, Perth offers a compelling blend of affordability (compared to the eastern giants) and explosive growth potential.

Adelaide & Hobart: (+70,190 & +$30,594)

Adelaide and Hobart prove that massive growth isn’t limited to the biggest cities. Their appeal lies in lifestyle, affordability, and a powerful sense of community. Adelaide’s projected $70,190 increase and Hobart’s steady $30,594 climb are testaments to their growing reputation as desirable places to live and work. For an investor, these cities offer fantastic entry points and the potential for high rental yields as more Australians seek a better work-life balance.

The Cost of Waiting: Why “Now” is the Only Time That Matters

Let’s go back to that 7th-grade teenager. Imagine they have a limited-edition sneaker. They know a celebrity is about to wear it, making it ten times more valuable. Do they sell it now, or do they wait until after everyone else realises its value?

Property investment works on the exact same principle. The numbers in this report are the “celebrity endorsement.” The market is about to pop, and waiting on the sidelines is the most expensive decision you can make.

Every month you delay could be another few thousand dollars added to the price of your target property. By the end of 2026, the person who hesitates could be paying over $100,000 more than the person who acts today. This isn’t just about missing out on gains; it’s about being priced out of the market entirely.

This is where the right guidance becomes your most valuable asset. Navigating this landscape requires more than just reading a report; it requires expertise, strategy, and on-the-ground knowledge.

This is where Liviti Property comes in.

We don’t just sell properties; we build investment strategies. We understand that behind every number in this forecast is a street, a suburb, and a community with a unique story. Our job is to match your financial goals with the right story. We help you cut through the noise, identify the areas poised for maximum growth, and secure your piece of the pie before the rest of the market catches on.

The path to financial freedom through property is clear, and the map is right in front of you. The data is undeniable, the momentum is building, and the opportunity is now. Don’t be the person in 2026 who looks back and says, “I wish I had.” Be the person who looks at their portfolio and says, “I’m glad I did.”

Contact Liviti Property today, and let’s start writing your success story.