Head west for the best investment

Investors after higher yields and a more affordable entry market should look to Perth, a leading property analyst said.

Director of research at CoreLogic, Tim Lawless said Perth has the highest gross rental yields of all the capital cities, while also having a lower position of investment activity, making it one of the best opportunities in Australia right now.

“Additionally, the entry point to the market is more achievable, with Perth home values recording the lowest median dwelling value of the state capitals and prices are proving to be pretty resilient through the rate hiking cycle so far, in fact Perth is the only capital city where housing values have recovered to a new record high,” Mr Lawless said.

He said the lack of interest in investing in Perth was puzzling, although the variations in the mining industry could be a factor.

“It’s hard to explain why investors seem to be less attracted to the Perth market,” Mr Lawless said. “Perhaps there is a level of herd mentality playing out, where more investment is flowing into the Sydney or NSW market despite the unaffordability and low rental yields.

“Another reason why investor demand is weak may relate to the significant volatility in Western Australian housing values during and after the mining boom.”

Prices in the Perth market surged in the decade after 2004 and then fell 20 percent between 2014 and 2019.

While capital gains were greater historically in the eastern states, the entry point in Sydney and Melbourne was also much higher, requiring higher levels of borrowing for many would-be investors.

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.

Head west for the best investment

Stronger yields and a lower entry point make Perth an attractive option for property investors

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