Rent or buy? Not all Australians get to choose

Demand for rental properties in Australian capital cities continues to outstrip supply, with no relief in sight for householders who are still locked out of buying a home, a new report has shown.

PropTrack’s December 2022 Rental Report, released today, reveals rents went up by 6.7 percent last year, a further increase from the 4.7 percent rise in 2021. The national median advertised rent for 2022 was $480 a week.

Despite the increases, the report authored by PropTrack’s director of economic research Cameron Kusher, says this has not led to more renters moving across to home ownership, nor has it caused more investors to enter the market.

This is predicted to create further pressure for renters this year.

“There remains an immense need for more rental accommodation, particularly in the major capital cities where demand is well in excess of supply,” the report says.

“It’s critical that we find ways to create more supply – either through increased investment or more build- to-rent projects – or we reduce demand, which seems unlikely.”

The report notes that it is still generally much cheaper to rent than to pay off a mortgage.

“This indicates that transitioning to home ownership from renting is likely to remain a challenge for many,” the report says.

There were seven consecutive interest rate increases during 2022, with the cash rate increasing from 0.10 percent to 3.10 percent.

For investors, the report notes that both property prices and yields increased over the pandemic, although yields decreased slightly towards the end of last year. Gross rental yields in capital cities fell from 3.8 percent in December 2021 to 3.7 percent in December 2022. In regional areas, yields went from 5 percent to 4.5 percent over the same period.

Data also revealed that units may represent a better investment right now, with house yields falling from 3.8 percent in December 2021 to 3.5 percent in December 2022. For units, yields increased from 4.1 percent to 4.3 percent over the same period, the highest levels since April 2021.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Rent or buy? Not all Australians get to choose

A new report reveals a tight rental market putting further pressure on available housing

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.