A Rising Rate Doesn't Stop the Market
Two rate rises in 2026. A third looking likely in May. It's enough to make anyone pause.
But here's what the data is actually telling us: the SEQ property market hasn't stopped, it's filtering. The buyers who are prepared are still moving. The ones who aren't are watching from the sideline.
What each rise actually means for you
Every 0.25% increase reduces borrowing capacity by around $25,000. That's meaningful, and it's worth knowing before you start looking, not after you've fallen in love with a property. If you were pre-approved six months ago, that number may no longer reflect what you can borrow today.
The rental story isn't going away
Rental vacancy across SEQ remains near historic lows, and income is holding up. For investors, the fundamentals are still there, but with capital gains changes being debated in Canberra, those who haven't reviewed their loan structure recently should. This is exactly the kind of thing worth getting ahead of rather than reacting to.
What sellers are experiencing
Despite the rate noise, sellers in our region are holding strong. Open home attendance is up year-on-year nationally. Motivated buyers are still out there, they're just doing more homework before they walk through the door, which makes your presentation and pricing more important than ever.
The practical takeaway
If you have a pre-approval from more than a few months ago, revisit it. Buyers who are clear on their current borrowing position are the ones negotiating with confidence. Everyone else is guessing.
The market hasn't closed. It's just got a sharper filter. Know where you stand, and you'll know exactly what's available to you.