Several important factors have lined up, delivering optimism that Australians will be building in strong numbers next year.  

Australia is in the midst of a five-year goal to build 1.2 million new homes, with the country fixated on how progress is tracking. 

Unfortunately, over a year into the task, building approval figures have shown no clear trajectory. At no point has the monthly figure for national approvals met the threshold for construction to be considered “on track”. 

Australia needs to be approving 20,000 homes each month to hit the target. In reality, approvals should be even higher to account for developments that don’t move forward.  

ABS figures showed that just 14,744 dwellings were given the green light in August 2025. 

But building advocates have long indicated that progress was expected to be slow to start, ramping up in capacity over the five-year period. 

For that reason, many eyes will be on the building data of 2026, which will see the building target firmly in year two. 

According to a number of industry experts in the house and land sector, there’s expectation that Australians will be choosing to build detached houses in strong – albeit not record-breaking – numbers in the year ahead. Here’s why. 

Lower interest rates 

In 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia has made three cash rate cuts, and each cut added a little extra borrowing capacity into prospective home-builders’ wallets. 

As Luke Kelly director at RPM explained: 

“The three 25 basis point interest rate cuts in February, May, and August helped households regain some of the borrowing capacity lost through 2022 and 2023. This has narrowed the affordability gap between what buyers can pay and the cost of their desired house and land package, allowing more purchasers to enter the new home market.”   

Adam Duster, CEO at Oliver Hume Home Solutions noted, “Every 0.25% cut adds roughly $15,000 in borrowing capacity on a $500,000 loan”. 

But he also commented that extra $45,000 in buyers’ pockets is not likely to have been the make-or-break price difference for a lot of buyers.  

And given that construction costs and land prices have risen sharply in the last few years, the impact of the rate cuts has been modest, according to Mr Duster. 

“Our research shows there’s still around a $170,000 gap between what the average Melbourne buyer can borrow and the cost to build a new home,” he explained. 

Ultimately, the three cuts of 0.25% each – bringing Australia’s official cash rate to 3.60% – haven’t had a huge impact on borrowers’ budgets. What these cuts did achieve, however, is foster a belief among buyers that interest rates are on a downward trajectory. 

Confidence is king 

Interest rate cuts have still had an impact on the market due to their impact on buyer sentiment. 

“The cuts have provided much-needed certainty – buyers who were sitting on the sidelines are starting to re-engage,” said Mr Duster. 

Ben Stewart, project marketing director at Core Projects, made a similar observation. 

“Whilst the actual lending capacity impact of each interest rate cut is only minor, the comfort of rates heading in a downward direction has helped to rebuild confidence of buyers bringing them back to the market and increasing willingness to make a purchase commitment,” he explained. 

With this uplift in sentiment, Australians who have been eyeing a new home build are expected to feel more ready to sign on the dotted line in the year ahead. Coupled with this positivity, new factors are also expected to add more buyers to the pool. 

Demand outlook promising 

According to Mr Duster, “The real momentum is coming from demand-side support like the federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme and the upcoming Help to Buy program, which are bridging that gap for qualified buyers”. 

He believes that the fundamentals in three key cities will remain particularly strong. 

“Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane have been the standout performers this year – they remain fundamentally undersupplied markets.” 

Mr Kelly noted that the nation’s strong migration figures would also support detached-home building. 

“Sales activity is expected to continue trending higher, supported by strong population growth and improved affordability, which should also release some of the pent-up demand in the new home market,” he said. 

Looking ahead 

While a dramatic increase in detached home-building approvals over 2026 would be welcome in light of the nation’s home-building target, it’s not likely. Nonetheless, according to these project marketers, the signs for the current trajectory of house building should be taken as a positive. 

“The overall picture is one of gradual recovery, with a more stable base for growth heading into 2026,” said Mr Duster. 

“We expect steady improvement rather than a sudden surge – especially in Melbourne, where population growth is again outpacing housing supply. For Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth – supply remains tight, so sales should continue much as they have this year: strong and consistent,” he added. 

Mr Stewart commented that the government’s new 5% deposit scheme, which came into effect on 1 October, 2025, would accelerate sales in 2026, with first-home buyers now “starting to explore their options”. 

Further interest rate cuts, he said, would keep keep first-home buyer activity high. 

Mr Kelly underscored the need for further rate cuts to establish growth momentum.  

“The strength of sales growth will depend on upcoming interest rate decisions. If rates hold steady, sales growth is likely to be more modest. More robust growth would follow if the RBA delivers further cuts in late 2025 and early 2026, contingent on inflation outcomes in the September and December quarters,” he said. 

Are you interested in building? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.

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A 1900s house that has doubled as a gallery is for sale for the first time in decades, complete with stories of love and cricket royalty.

A visit to this historic home is one not soon forgotten.

For decades, it has been owned by one family, and over those many years they made lasting memories at No.5 Ashfield St.

Four weddings were held in the property’s backyard — not all were family, some just loved the idea of tying the knot in such a lovely setting.

On other occasions, family members walked from the home to their weddings at the nearby Holy Spirit Church.

One, held on an evening, saw the local police “stop traffic” — technically, just one car — so that the bride could cross the street.

At a time, the property was known for its Hibiscus Art Gallery, a place that showcased local talents.

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No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

The family said that once the property’s atrium glass ceiling was installed, paintings were able to be left hanging at all times and most of the ground floor was dedicated to art.

“The dining room became a store room packed to the rafters with paintings,” they said.

“The gallery was also the sales venue for collectors’ prints personally signed by Sir Don Bradman to raise funds for junior cricket in Tasmania.

“The prints were taken from a painting by JC Goodhart. These prints sold out in 30 minutes.”

Today, this Sandy Bay time capsule offers a glimpse of a bygone era, a look at the exquisite craftsmanship of how homes were built in the earlier part of the 1900s.

The home was the sales venue for collectors’ prints personally signed by Sir Don Bradman to raise funds for junior cricket in Tasmania. Picture: News Corp

You can see it in the fireplaces, the ceiling roses, timber floors, bay windows and the picture rails that are peppered throughout.

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No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

Ray White Hobart’s Harry Lambrakis said the largely-original residence offers a rare blend of historic character, exceptional scale, and a prestigious Sandy Bay address.

Mr Lambrakis said it had been carefully preserved by its owners for over 60 years.

“There is a lot to love,” he said.

“It is the type of property where the next owner could do a little to it or do a lot.”

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

As currently configured, the house has three living rooms downstairs; one could be a bedroom. Plus two bathrooms, the kitchen, laundry and the 7m x 7m atrium.

Upstairs there is a large living room, a kitchen, three more bedrooms, and a bathroom.

In the past, it has been used as two apartments as well as a family home.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay.

Mr Lambrakis said he expects the house to appeal to a range of buyers.

“From historic architecture lovers to people who want to live in this enviable neighbourhood to those that want to embark on a restoration project — it would be lovely to see someone make it their family home for the next 60 years. Time will tell.”

No.5 Ashfield St, Sandy Bay is for sale with Ray White Hobart. Contact the agent for price guidance. The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, October 18, at 10am.

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Ceramic artist Heather Fahnle and husband Manfred with Ray White The Bayside Group’s Aidan Oke after the $1.425m sale. Picture: Ray White Media

A Mordialloc townhouse designed by a ceramic artist and her husband just 100 metres from the beach has sold at auction, marking the end of a 27-year chapter for the owners.

Heather and Manfred Fahnle built the three-bedroom home at 1/10 Bay St in 1998 with help from an architect friend who was inspired by French industrial design.

It features high ceilings, timber finishes and walls of glass that flood the interior with natural light.

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Mrs Fahnle said the home was created to feel simple, calm and timeless.

“Those big industrial windows were our architect’s signature,” she said.

“They flood the space with sunlight and make the garden feel like part of the living room.

“It’s simple, elegant and very us.”

The light-filled dining zone opens to lush courtyards, with polished Sydney bluegum floors and maple accents adding warmth.

The upper terrace captures glimpses of the bay, a serene spot for morning coffee or sunset gatherings.

The property sold for $1.425m as three bidders contested Saturday’s auction.

Two couples went head-to-head from an opening bid of $1.3m before the hammer fell $75,000 above reserve.

“It’s bittersweet letting it go,” Mrs Fahnle said.

“Seeing a young couple with passion move in is uplifting. It feels like we’re passing the torch.”

The home’s living and dining zones open to landscaped courtyards featuring Mrs Fahnle’s own ceramic fish sculptures.

Designed in 1998 with a French-inspired industrial edge, the home combines glass, timber and light in timeless harmony.

A handcrafted ceramic sculpture by Heather Fahnle takes pride of place on the dining table, a nod to the artist’s creative touch throughout the home.

Polished Sydney bluegum floors and maple joinery complement a lime-green kitchen splashback and minimalist finishes throughout.

“Art is all about light,” she said.
“Inside there’s deliberate simplicity, no carpet, clean lines, so the architecture becomes a backdrop for creativity.”

Ray White Bayside Group agent Aidan Oke said the result showed the strength of the Mordialloc market, where demand for beachside homes continues to outstrip supply.

The contemporary bathroom continues the minimalist theme, with soft neutral tones and clean architectural lines.

Private courtyards and landscaped gardens create a peaceful retreat just moments from Mordialloc Beach.

“There are only a few hundred homes on the beach side of Nepean Highway, so scarcity drives fierce competition,” Mr Oke said.
“To see a 26-year-old townhouse push into the mid-$1.4ms when new builds nearby are $1.6m to $1.7m shows how tight the market is.”

Mr Oke said downsizers and empty-nesters dominated the campaign, drawn to Mordialloc’s cafe culture and walkability.

The spacious main bedroom opens to a balcony framed by sea breezes and leafy outlooks.

A vibrant lime-green splashback and stone benchtops bring playful colour to the open-plan kitchen.

“People can stroll to the beach, restaurants and the station. That lifestyle is priceless,” he said.

The Fahnles are relocating permanently to Phillip Island, where their holiday home, designed by the same architect, will become their new base.

“It’s about slowing down and embracing a more peaceful rhythm,” Mrs Fahnle said.
“I’ve already started teaching ceramics down there. It feels like the right next step.”

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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Jamie Bennett believes that homelessness is everybody’s problem, and that the real estate industry has a duty “not to look away”. 

As general manager at Stone Real Estate, he understands that real estate is about homes, and if people don’t have safe, secure housing, everything else falls apart, including family, health, education and work. 

“In our industry, we can’t look away – we have a responsibility to be part of the solution,” he said. 

“At Stone, we talk a lot about, ‘we grow together, we hurt together’.  

“Tackling homelessness is exactly that, it’s not someone else’s problem, it’s ours as a community.” 

Mr Bennett said he had seen the impact of homelessness up close – locally, through community work, and while travelling overseas, where it’s often even more confronting. 

“You can’t unsee it,” he said. 

“And when it’s in your own community, it lands heavier.  

“It’s easy to say, ‘that won’t happen to me’, but the reality is, for many Australians, it’s one bad break away.” 

The stats were alarming. On any given night, 122,000 Australians have no safe, secure place to call home, and one in 10 Australians are now at risk of experiencing homelessness. 

While many often associate sleeping rough with homelessness, that only accounts for 6% of those affected. 

Most homelessness remains hidden – taking the form of couch surfing, living in cars, or moving through temporary accommodation with no guarantee of security. 

The situation has led to the formation of a new national initiative, A Home for All Foundation, which is uniting the property industry to help end homelessness. 

Supported by leading industry figures across the country, the foundation aims to drive awareness, raise funds and build long-term change for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. 

“Those stats stop you in your tracks,” Mr Bennett said. 

“One in 10 means this isn’t a fringe issue. It’s our neighbours, our colleagues, our kids’ school friends.”  

To raise awareness and funds to help end homelessness, members of the property industry will be spending ‘A Night Without Home’ throughout October. 

There are different ways to get involved and take the challenge, whether it’s couch surfing, doing an office overnighter, sleeping in the car, sleeping outdoors, going without home comforts or fundraising your own way. 

Participants can enter as a team or an individual and are encouraged to fundraise, with funds going towards the foundation. 

The support will help the efforts of reputable charities in tackling homelessness. 

Mr Bennett and the Stone Real Estate corporate team will be sleeping outdoors overnight and going without the usual comforts of a warm bed and climate control, as a reminder of what many Australians live with every night. 

Members of the extended Stone Real Estate network are also being encouraged to do office-level challenges. 

“We’re entering as a team, because that’s how we approach everything at Stone, no one stands alone,” said Mr Bennett. 

“It’s our first time, but it won’t be our last.” 

Stone Real Estate also gives back to their local communities in other ways. 

The company has 70 offices across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and New Zealand, and each office partners with local schools, sporting clubs, and charities, Mr Bennett said. 

At a network level, the company backs initiatives that align with their values, from supporting mental health programs to community development.  

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Comedian Roseanne Barr has added another chapter to her impressive real estate portfolio, selling her 46-acre ranch on Hawaii’s Big Island for $4m (US$2.6m) – $996313 (US$650,000) above its $3m (US$1.95m) asking price.

The sale, which sparked a bidding frenzy and closed within days, underscores the enduring allure of unique island properties.

Barr, who achieved stardom with the popular television comedy Roseanne in the ‘80s and ‘90s, originally purchased the Honokaa ranch in 2007 for $2.7m (US$1.78m), transforming it into a macadamia nut farm and the backdrop for her 2011 reality series, Roseanne’s Nuts.

While the show lasted only one season, the property remained a cherished retreat for Barr, even after her controversial exit from Hollywood in 2018.

Perched along the picturesque Hamakua Coast, the ranch boasts panoramic ocean views, a 2,716-square-metre residence, and over 4,000 macadamia trees.

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Roseanne (Roseanne Barr), Becky (Lecy Goranson), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), D.J. (Michael Fishman) and Dan (John Goodman) during season one of the hit sitcom. Picture: Getty

Roseanne Barr has sold her longtime Hawaii ranch for $4m – just days after listing the property. Hawaii Realty Solutions

Listing agent Paul Stukin of Deep Blue HI said the property drew “buyers from five states, the Neighbor Islands and three European countries,” reflecting the strong demand for distinctive Hawaiian properties. Hawaii Realty Solutions

The main home features four bedrooms, an open-plan living area with French doors, and a kitchen outfitted with wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances.

Outdoor amenities include a pool with a waterslide, a guesthouse, an art studio, a greenhouse, and a bamboo-enclosed outdoor shower and soaking tub.

Listing agent Paul Stukin of Deep Blue HI said that interest in the property was immediate and global.

“There was interest where buyers flew in from five different states, the neighbour Island and three European countries,” he told The Post.

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Barr often showed aspects of her farm life on social media.

Barr, now 72, has relocated to Texas Hill Country to be closer to family, citing the challenges of maintaining such a vast estate.

“Hawaii will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’m getting too old to do as much as I used to. The land deserves someone with the spirit and energy to care for it the way it should be,” she previously told Robb Report.

A real estate legacy

The Hawaiian ranch sale is the latest in a long line of high-profile property transactions that have defined Barr’s real estate journey.

Over the years, she has owned an eclectic mix of homes across the United States, each reflecting a different phase of her life and career.

In Southern California, Barr’s former properties include a Beverly Hills mansion, according to realtor.com, which she sold in 2000 for $12.8m (US$8.35m) to actor Samuel L. Jackson.

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The kitchen. Hawaii Realty Solutions

Roseanne Barr rides a tractor on the farm seen in an Instagram photo posted on June 5, 2025. officialroseannebarr/Instagram

The 11,000-square-foot estate, with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, was her home during the height of her television fame in the 1990s.

She also owned a 10,000-square-foot Rolling Hills estate, purchased for $10m (US$6.5m) in 2000 and sold three years later for $12.5m (US$8.2m).

Barr’s real estate ventures extended beyond California

In the 1990s, she and her then-husband Tom Arnold embarked on an ambitious project to build the largest house in Iowa.

The couple acquired a 1,338-acre property in Des Moines and began constructing a 28,000-square-foot mansion, complete with a basement swimming pool and a heated backyard pond. However, their divorce in 1994 brought the project to an abrupt halt, and the land – according to realtor.com – was donated to the Indian Hills Community College Foundation.

In addition to these headline-grabbing properties, Barr is rumoured to have maintained two family hideaways in Playa del Rey, California.

She also owned two homes in El Segundo, acquired in the early 2000s, and a Lake Arrowhead ranch that she sold in 2005 for $2.8 million.

Roseanne hit by cancel culture

Barr was one of Hollywood’s leading ladies in the eighties and naughties but a controversial tweet she posted that was widely criticised as racist saw her effectively “cancelled” in 2018.

The actress initially defended the tweet, claiming it was a joke – but later stated that she had been under the influence of medication at the time.

However, the damage was done, and the consequences were swift.

ABC, the network airing Barr’s popular sitcom Roseanne, cancelled the show the same day the tweet gained attention.

US actress Roseanne Barr attends the Disney ABC Television TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California.

Following the cancellation of Roseanne, the show was rebranded as The Conners, with the character of Roseanne Conner written out of the series.

The show continued without her, focusing on the remaining family members.

In the years that followed, Barr maintained a presence on social media and in interviews, where she often defended herself and criticised what she described as “cancel culture.”

In 2023, she made a more formal return to the public eye with a stand-up comedy special titled Roseanne Barr: Cancel This!, which was released on the streaming platform Fox Nation. The special marked her first major project since the 2018 scandal and was met with mixed reactions.

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