Episode 37 - Housing in Focus – Data, Demand & 2026 Forecasts

Описание: In this episode, Richard sits down with Dr Nicola Powell, one of Australia’s leading property market experts, to unpack the current state of the housing market and what lies ahead in 2026.

Nicola shares her journey into property research and reflects on how her experience across academia, government and the private sector has shaped her perspective on housing cycles, policy and long-term trends. We dive into the latest findings from the Domain Housing Market Report, exploring key movements in median price growth, the performance of capital cities, and the emerging divergence between best and worst performing markets. The conversation examines the major forces shaping residential markets today, interest rate settings, investor activity, first home buyer demand and affordability pressures, and what these dynamics mean for buyers, sellers and developers alike.

Nicola also provides her outlook for Australian cities in 2026, identifying where resilience is strongest and where caution may be warranted.

Importantly, we discuss what governments need to understand if they are serious about addressing the housing crisis, from supply-side reform to the structural settings influencing demand. Nicola closes with practical insights for industry participants navigating a complex and evolving market environment.

Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research & Economics at Domain, is one of Australia’s most respected property market commentators. With more than two decades of research experience across academic, government and private sectors, she brings deep expertise in housing economics and demographic trends.

Nicola leads Domain’s flagship property data and research publications, providing timely analysis that informs industry, policymakers and the broader public. A regular media commentator across television, radio and print, she is widely regarded as a trusted voice on the state of Australia’s housing market.

If you want a clear, data-driven perspective on where Australia’s housing market stands and where it may be headed, this is a must-listen conversation.