More homes hitting the market, as seller confidence grows

A low supply of homes for sale was a key factor pushing prices higher last year, in defiance of well-established historical trends in which home values always fall when interest rates rise. But the tide may be turning in buyers’ favour, with PropTrack data showing a 22 percent increase in new listings coming onto the market across the combined capital cities last month compared to February 2023.

Senior REA economist Angus Moore said the 22 percent lift was the highest increase in new listings across the capitals for the month of February since 2012. “Property markets in capital cities, Sydney and Melbourne especially, saw a strong start to 2024, with the busiest January and February since 2012 across the combined capital cities,” Mr Moore said.

“Supporting this busier start to the year … was strong demand, unemployment that remained low by historical standards, strong population growth, tight rental market conditions, and a more stable outlook for interest rates.”

The Reserve Bank announced on Tuesday that interest rates would remain on hold for a third consecutive month at 4.35 percent.

“Markets are no longer expecting a further increase in interest rates, with an expectation of cuts as soon as the second half of this year,” Mr Moore said.

The biggest increases in new listings were seen in Melbourne with 35.4 percent more homes for sale, along with Sydney at 33.6 percent and Canberra at 32.2 percent. There was an 8.5 percent increase in listings in Brisbane, and only a 2.1 percent increase in Perth and a 1.1 percent increase in Adelaide. Listing numbers dipped slightly in Hobart and Darwin.

There was a 7.8 percent increase in new listings across the combined regional areas, with last month’s volume broadly in line with the pace of activity that has been typical for the month of February over the past decade. The biggest increases in new listings were in regional Victoria at 12.8 percent, regional NSW at 12.2 percent and regional Tasmania at 9.8 percent. Mr Moore said that while new listings increased only 1.6 percent in regional Queensland, this was the first year-on-year increase in new listings recorded since August 2022.

Senior REA data analyst Karen Dellow said recent data from realestate.com.au’s Residential Audience Pulse Survey showed homeowners were feeling more confident to sell. The survey revealed that one in ten owners were contemplating selling their property when the survey was taken in January. Seller confidence has shot up, with 43 percent of respondents considering it a favourable time to sell, up from 34 percent last year.

“Western Australia has the highest seller sentiment, with 63 percent of respondents expressing optimism about the current market, marking a substantial 70.3 percent increase from last year,” Ms Dellow said. “NSW, Queensland, and South Australia have also witnessed substantial growth in seller sentiment over the past year, with NSW up 53.8 percent.”

Ms Dellow said the primary drivers behind increasing seller confidence were rising prices and growing buyer demand. More than a third of sellers anticipated further price rises in the next six months, the survey showed.

“Lifestyle changes, such as relocating to a different area or seeking a property with specific amenities like a pool or more space, were the primary motivations for selling. Downsizing ranked second, reflecting the preferences of Australia’s ageing population seeking properties better suited to their evolving needs.”

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.

More homes hitting the market, as seller confidence grows

It’s potentially good news for buyers, as low supply was a major element pushing prices higher last year

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