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1 in 4 Aussies considering selling home in 2026
A recent survey has revealed that more than one in four Australians are considering selling their properties over the next year, with Queensland leading the way.
Canstar research revealed that one in three Queenslanders were planning to sell their homes by 2027, with Victoria following on 27 per cent, Western Australia on 26 per cent, and NSW at 25 per cent.
South Australians trailed behind, with just 12 per cent of respondents indicating that they were ready to list their houses.
Despite the research, the findings do not necessarily indicate an excess of distressed homes hitting the market over the year.
Downsizing was the main driver for potential sellers, with 39 per cent of homeowners considering moving to more manageable dwellings.
Meanwhile, 27 per cent of those considering selling reported that they were looking to upgrade their homes in 2026.
Just under one-fifth said they were considering selling due to economic conditions and higher loan repayments.
It comes following rising confidence in the property market.
“Borrowers are gradually adjusting to current interest rate settings, but renters have far less room to move,” said Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar.com.au. “Almost half have had to cut back on essential spending just to keep a roof over their heads, and a growing share are relocating purely for affordability reasons.”
The research indicated that two-thirds of owner-occupiers felt prepared for interest rates to remain steady over the next 12 months, reflecting cautious optimism among borrowers.
However, Tindall was clear to dispel misconceptions about mortgage affordability: “It’s also telling that just over one-quarter of property owners are considering selling in the next two years, with some motivated by the fact that their repayments have become too hard to manage. That’s a clear signal that mortgage stress hasn’t eased.”
Investor confidence remained similar, with 71 per cent saying they are ready for rates to hold.
Renters, however, are facing mounting pressure. Rising rents forced 42 per cent of respondents to cut back on daily expenses, while only 31 per cent said they could manage rent increases with very careful budgeting.
The Canstar research also highlights widespread scepticism about the government’s revised Home Guarantee Scheme. Only 15 per cent of respondents saw the scheme as genuinely helpful for first-home buyers.
“Australians are increasingly cautious about policies like the revised Home Guarantee Scheme. Many worry these initiatives could unintentionally push prices higher or saddle new buyers with loans they can’t comfortably repay,” Tindall explained.