Northern Beaches Property Market Update 2nd Half of 2026
Northern Beaches offers stunning coastal views, a relaxed lifestyle, and easy access to pristine beaches, making it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. With a strong sense of community and excellent local amenities, it continues to be a highly desirable location to call home.
Property Trends
In Q3 2026 Northern Beaches recorded a median house price of $710,000 and a median unit price of $450,000. This represents an annual (Q3 2025 – Q3 2026) price growth of 7.3% for houses and 8.4% for units. Sales declined by -36.4% for houses (to 342 sales in Q3 2026) and by -45.4% for units (to 89 sales in Q3 2026). There is a clear undersupply for both property types, which has created a buffer against multiple cash rate hikes in 2026 and supported price growth on an annual basis. Although there is a slight price correction in the past 6 or 3 months, the overall annual net price growth still remain positive. This is a unique opportunity for buyers, with higher short-term affordability; whilst owners can still benefit from a long-term capital growth perspective.
Property Development
Northern Beaches will see approximately $156.2M of new development to commence construction in 2026. These projects will deliver units, townhouses and residential vacant land lots, without any new ready-to-sell stand-alone houses planned. This will tighten the already undersupplied market. The ongoing supply shortage is expected to support median house prices and help cushion the impact of potential future cash rate hikes in the short-term and provide a stable base for capital growth in the long-term.
Rental Market & Growth
House rental yield in Mackay (4740) was 4.9% as of September 2026, higher than QLD North Coast (4.6%) and Brisbane Metro (3.3%). This was paired with a 1.4% growth in median house rental price in the past 12 months to Q3 2026, to $700 per week; along with a -19.2% decline in the number of houses rented (to 312 rentals). This confirms an undersupplied house rental market, which benefits investors; especially with more affordable entry price compared to Brisbane.
Vacancy Rates & Property Investment
Mackay (4740) recorded a vacancy rate of 1.2% in September 2026, which is on par with Queensland North Coast (1.3%) but higher than Brisbane Metro (0.9%). Vacancy rates have increased in the past 12 months, due to more investors entering the market. That said, a 1.2% vacancy rate is still well below the 3.0% benchmark. Thus, rental properties are rented quicker in Mackay. This confirms a conductive investment environment in Mackay, even with a higher median house and unit sales price (thus, entry price) in the past 12 months to Q3 2026.
> View latest properties to buy
Popular
Connect with us
