Quarterly market update SUMMER 2026 Courtesy of Ray White Bensville & Empire Bay
The Australian housing market heads into 2026 with far more momentum than most expected a year ago, but also with an unusual degree of uncertainty. Double-digit annual growth has already returned ahead of schedule, driven by a persistent imbalance between supply and demand, renewed confidence in the larger capitals and strong performances in many regional markets. Whether this pace can be sustained into next year will depend heavily on the interest-rate path, now looking less likely, and the speed at which construction costs continue to moderate. Lifestyle markets show no signs of losing their appeal. Our local area was an early winner from Sydney’s affordability crisis. Between 2015 and 2019, regional NSW lifestyle destinations grew between 15 per cent and 28 per cent. The pandemic accelerated this trend across the board significantly. The Central Coast and Blue Mountains, which saw modest early growth are have picked up momentum and are showing stronger performance than other NSW lifestyle areas - 13.8 per cent and 14 per cent respectively - for the 2023-2025 period*. The affordable end of the market is set to remain one of the strongest performers through 2026, supported by the now-expanded five per cent deposit scheme. The removal of income caps and the lift in price thresholds have dramatically broadened eligibility and lowered upfront costs for first home buyers. If you’re considering your options, be it buy or sell, nest or invest; get in touch with us for a chat about what is happening in your neck of the woods. We look forward to helping you realise your property goals. Matthew Kidd Principal, Ray White Bensville/ Empire Bay *Source: Neoval WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR MARKET?
Are you curious to know the new value of your property in today’s market? At Ray White Bensville & Empire Bay we design marketing packages which are completely tailored to your specific needs and goals. Request a free market review and wte’ll provide you with an area profile, recent sales and listing activity and more. Simply scan the QR code, enter your details and we will contact you to arrange a detailed property appraisal. Matthew Kidd | 0417 230 732 HOW MUCH IS MY PROPERTY WORTH?
RECENT SALES IN YOUR AREA 30 Hastings Parade, Bensville 72 Kildare Street, Bensville 1 Huntly Road, Bensville 3 Sher Close, Empire Bay 37 Huntly Road, Bensville 3 Pomona Road, Empire Bay 40 Hastings Parade, Bensville 24 Hillcrest Road, Bensville SOLD $1,180,000 SOLD $1,320,000 SOLD $1,350,000 SOLD $1,330,000 SOLD $1,160,000 SOLD $2,600,000 SOLD $1,160,000 SOLD $1,100,000 3 1 2 4 2 2 5 2 3 4 2 2 4 1 5 7 4 12 3 3 1 3 1 1
FAST FACTS BENSVILLE 10 1. 3. 4. 5. Compared to five years ago, the median sales price for houses in Bensville has increased 32.8% which equates to a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. PROPERTIES SOLD LAST QUARTER HOUSES AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET SALES HOUSES MEDIAN $1,240,000 HIGHEST $1,575,000 LOWEST $650,000 Source: Cotality RP Data 1 October - 31 December 2025 2. 31 BENSVILLE LEASE MEDIAN HOUSE (4 BED) $835 RENT PER WEEK $1.0M 20 $1.2M 40 $1.4M 60 $800K 0 2021 2022 2023 2024 MEDIAN HOUSE SALE PRICE NUMBER SOLD 2025
FAST FACTS EMPIRE BAY 6 1. 3. 4. 5. Compared to five years ago, the median sales price for houses in Empire Bay has increased 60% which equates to a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. PROPERTIES SOLD LAST QUARTER HOUSES AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET SALES HOUSES MEDIAN $1,365,000 HIGHEST $2,100,000 LOWEST $1,100,000 Source: Cotality RP Data 1 October - 31 December 2025 2. 65 EMPIRE BAY LEASE MEDIAN HOUSE (2 BED) $700 RENT PER WEEK $900K 20 $1.0M 40 $1.1M 60 $800K 0 2021 2022 2023 2024 MEDIAN HOUSE SALE PRICE NUMBER SOLD 2025
THE POWER OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME First Impressions Begin at the Front Gate When buyers arrive, they decide how they feel about a property within moments. A neat, welcoming entrance sets the tone for the entire inspection. Freshly mown lawns, trimmed hedges, clean pathways and inviting lighting instantly signal that a home has been well cared for. These small touches create emotional comfort before buyers even step inside. Create a Sense of Space and Calm Once through the door, buyers want to feel flow and ease. Declutter each room so that surfaces are clear, furniture is well spaced and natural light can shine. A simple layout helps buyers imagine how they would live in the home. A fresh clean scent, open windows and crisp styling make rooms feel larger and more appealing. Aim to create spaces that feel calm, bright and effortless. Why First Impressions Matter Most Buyers rarely change their first judgement. If they begin the inspection feeling positive and comfortable, they are more likely to notice the strengths of the home and to picture themselves living there. Strong first impressions create a sense of value, which can translate into more interest and stronger offers. Ready to Present Your Home Beautifully My team and I will guide you through every step of preparing your home for market, from simple styling tips to strategic presentation advice. Reach out any time if you would like tailored guidance or an expert opinion on how to make your property shine from the moment buyers arrive. THE POWER OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME
YOUR RAY WHITE TEAM Ray White Bensville Shop 5, 32 - 34 Kallaroo Road, Bensville NSW 2251 02 4369 2268 Ray White Empire Bay 2B Kendall Road, Empire Bay NSW 2257 02 4369 6618 raywhitebensvilleempirebay.com.au We are a highly experienced team with a proven record of success Carley Eder RENTALS PRINCIPAL 0432 945 578 carley.eder @raywhite.com Amee Pigram PROPERTY MANAGER 0402 419 882 amee.pigram @raywhite.com Lucy Jaggard SALES ADMIN 0433 000 540 sales.bensville @raywhite.com Tiffany Mooney SALES 0406 398 432 tiffany.mooney @raywhite.com Ben Bedford SALES 0433 778 000 ben.bedford @raywhite.com Quinta Jamieson PROPERTY MANAGER 0411 624 887 quinta.jamieson @raywhite.com Matthew Kidd SELLING PRINCIPAL 0417 230 732 matthew.kidd @raywhite.com
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