Upper Hunter Property Market Update 1st Half 2026
Upper Hunter, New South Wales, is a picturesque and vibrant area known for its rich landscapes and renowned wineries. The area is surrounded by rolling hills, charming small towns and national parks. With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Upper Hunter is an ideal location for those looking for a rural escape.
Property Trends
In Q4 2025, Upper Hunter recorded a median house price of $627,500, and a median unit price of $499,750. This represents an annual (Q4 2024 – Q4 2025) median price growth of 9.1% for houses and 40.8% for unit. House sales increased between Q4 2024 – Q4 2025, by 25.8% (to 200 sales in Q4 2025); and for units, by 118.2% (to 48 sales in Q4 2025). Houses and units are highly demanded in Upper Hunter, and previously lower interest rates have helped stimulate price growth. Thus, now is an ideal opportunity for owners to capitalise on their investment. With limited ready-to-go residential stock planned in 2026 prices are expected to continue growing, and buyers must act fast.
Project Development
In Q4 2025, Upper Hunter recorded a median house price of $627,500, and a median unit price of $499,750. This represents an annual (Q4 2024 – Q4 2025) median price growth of 9.1% for houses and 40.8% for unit. House sales increased between Q4 2024 – Q4 2025, by 25.8% (to 200 sales in Q4 2025); and for units, by 118.2% (to 48 sales in Q4 2025). Houses and units are highly demanded in Upper Hunter, and previously lower interest rates have helped stimulate price growth. Thus, now is an ideal opportunity for owners to capitalise on their investment. With limited ready-to-go residential stock planned in 2026 prices are expected to continue growing, and buyers must act fast.
Rental Market & Growth
House rental yields in Upper Hunter were 4.0% in December 2025, higher than Hunter Region (3.5%) and Sydney Metro (2.7%). This was paired with a 4.5% increase in median house rental price in the past 12 months to Q4 2025, at $580 per week. At the same time, the number of houses rented increased, by 10.4% in the past 12 months, to 138 rentals in Q4 2025. Combined, this suggests a highly demanded and competitive house rental market in Upper Hunter. This is beneficial for investors, especially those seeking a more affordable alternative to Sydney Metro.
Vacancy Rates & Property Investment
Upper Hunter recorded a vacancy rate of 1.9% in December 2025, slightly higher than the Hunter Region (1.5%) and Sydney Metro (1.8%). That said, vacancy rates in Upper Hunter have decreased slightly in the past 12 months, which indicates a tighter rental market. Further, a 1.9% vacancy rate is still well below the Real Estate Institution of Australia’s healthy benchmark of 3.0%, which suggests quicker occupancy of rental homes. This creates a conducive environment for investors, even if the median house and unit sales price (thus, entry price) have increased in the past 12 months to Q4 2025.
