Inflation is still running hot. Construction can’t keep up. And the Olympics are coming.
Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what is really driving Australian property in early 2026 — sticky inflation, renewed rate risk, construction bottlenecks and Olympic-driven labour demand. With approvals rising but delivery lagging, they examine how supply constraints, first-home buyer momentum and rising build costs are influencing prices and opportunity across the country.
Together, they discuss:
- Inflation came in hot and what another potential rate hike means for buyer confidence
- Why first-home buyers continue entering despite higher rates and tighter borrowing capacity
- The impact of the revamped 5% deposit scheme on bottom-quartile prices
- Why approvals are lifting but dwelling completions remain stubbornly low
- Olympic-driven labour demand in Brisbane
- Infrastructure projects crowd out housing supply
- The rise in build costs and how higher replacement values are embedding price support
- Does regional outperformance reflect affordability, investor activity or structural shift?
- Listener Q&A: Downsizing strategies and how parents can structure support for children without compromising their own financial security
