Australia’s property market is entering a new phase, and early indicators are already highlighting which locations are best positioned to outperform in the years ahead.
A newly released list of Australia’s hottest 100 property markets for 2026 offers valuable insight into where buyer demand, infrastructure investment, and growth fundamentals are aligning. Compiled by property experts at realestate.com.au, the annual list shows a strong concentration of high-performing suburbs within capital cities. Around two-thirds of the top 100 markets are located in metropolitan areas, reflecting the ongoing pull of employment hubs, transport infrastructure, and established amenities.
New South Wales leads the rankings with 25 locations included. Western Sydney features prominently, particularly suburbs positioned along the new airport corridor. Major infrastructure projects are reshaping this part of the city, including new metro lines, rail connections, and road upgrades. These improvements are not only enhancing liveability but also supporting long-term economic growth.
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh says infrastructure-led growth is a key theme across many of the selected markets. Areas benefiting from improved connectivity tend to attract both owner-occupiers and investors, creating a strong base of demand that supports price growth over time.
Victoria follows closely with 22 entries on the list. Notably, nine of these are in regional areas, highlighting the continued appeal of lifestyle locations within commuting distance of Melbourne. After several years of slower conditions, Melbourne home prices returned to record highs in September, signalling renewed confidence across the state.
Queensland secured 17 places in the top 100, with a strong focus on affordability and future growth potential. Many of the highlighted suburbs sit on the outer fringe of Brisbane, where buyers can still find relative value compared to inner-city locations. These areas are expected to benefit from population growth, transport upgrades, and the long lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Western Australia and South Australia each recorded nine entries, reflecting the continued recovery of their housing markets after extended periods of underperformance. Tasmania followed with eight locations, while both the Northern Territory and the ACT recorded five each. Taken together, the list highlights a consistent theme. Markets tipped to outperform are those supported by infrastructure, employment access, and affordability relative to nearby alternatives. For buyers and investors alike, understanding these fundamentals is far more important than chasing short-term hype.
