Southern Highlands Real Estate Update - RBA Impact.

Welcome back to the weekly recap - your bite-sized catch up on what’s been happening on the property market.

This week marked another important moment for the market, with the RBA announcing a further 0.25% increase to the cash rate. While this decision was anticipated by many, we do not believe it will be the final rate rise of 2026.

The key question remains: what impact is this having on buyer and seller behaviour?

What we are seeing on the ground is a buyer pool that has contracted by approximately 20%. However, the buyers who remain active are decisive and well-positioned. These are not aspirational participants — they are motivated purchasers, often driven by a recent sale or by lifestyle factors such as upsizing, downsizing, family change, or estate-related decisions. As a result, we are seeing capable buyers prepared to act quickly when value aligns with opportunity.

On the seller side, there has been a noticeable reduction in discretionary or aspirational listings. Vendors coming to market now are generally motivated, realistic, and engaged — which is creating a more balanced and transactional environment.

It was a strong week for Harpers, highlighted by the successful sale of another standout equine property. 5980 Illawarra Highway, Avoca attracted significant interest thanks to its exceptional equine infrastructure, reinforcing the ongoing depth of demand for high-quality lifestyle and rural assets when they are well-presented and correctly positioned.

We are also seeing a number of impressive properties come to market, maintaining positive momentum across key segments despite broader economic headwinds.

The team at Harpers continues to execute at a high level, steadily working toward our 2026 goal of $200 million in sales. As always, if you would like tailored advice or support navigating the current market, we’re here to help.

Thanks for catching up with us for another weekly recap. Catch you next week.