Weathering Market Volatility and Business Wins In Q2 at Witheriff Group.
As we enter the second half of the year, it’s time to reflect on quarter two and the conclusion of what has been a period of volatility in the market at large, paired with some big wins at the Witheriff Group. Never a dull moment in real estate, Q2 proved that best laid plans and predictions are a fools errand with the war in the Middle East, rising oil prices, budget tax changes and inflation-led interest rate hikes all having considerable knock-on effects which soften the market. A snapshot at an unpredictable market. There were several factors that had a considerable impact on the real estate market across Q2. Chiefly among them was the 2026-2027 Federal Budget which was announce on May 12 bringing with it a sweeping host of changes to tax cuts. Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing were both altered which had a significant effect on investors resulting in a decline in buyer interest. Witheriff Group Sales and Marketing Associate, Rocco Rachiele says this resulted in some trends across the local market. “Across Q2 we’ve seen a more properties with an uptick on slightly longer days on market,” says Rachiele. “We’re also seeing lower auction clearance rates and lower general inspection numbers across most property price points.” However, despite this softening there were still some encouraging flows in the market with Rachiele observing keen interest from motivated buyers. “The biggest drivers of activity across the last quarter has been buyers who are either cashed up and want to park their capital in bricks and mortar, or people who are ready and in the position to upsize/downsize or move into the area for medium to long term lifestyle change,” says Rachiele. “At the same time, we’ve been called to create some very creative deals which include subject to sales and deposit releases.” Locally we have also been following a continued trend of beachfront properties coming to market as homeowners take advantage of several new build luxury apartments nearing completion opening up opportunities for downsizers. “We’ve had some great beachfront results this quarter with multiple sales which speaks to an upward trend continuing on from the beginning of 2026,” says Rachiele. “This trend has been punctuated by two massive beachfront results at 25 Cylinders Drive and 55 Cylinders Drive off-market, solidifying the notion that premium homes offering scarcity, such as on the beachfront location, are still highly sought after and valuable.” Cylinders Drive in Kingscliff remains one of our strongest performers with over $100 million in sales secured in the exclusive enclave over the past 12 months. Despite the larger market volatilities we will continue to stay keenly tuned into these opportunities to deliver the best results for our vendors. Big business wins amid the volatility. At the Witheriff Group, 2026 has undoubtedly been earmarked as a year of growth for our organisation with our team expanding and operations branching out into the opening of a new office in Pottsville. We are also proud to announce that we have received a number of nominations and awards to solidify our positioning as market and community leaders. We were finalists in the REA Excellence Awards for Contribution to Local Community, we won Agency of the Year for Kingscliff and Casuarina (RateMyAgent), we took home the award for Outstanding New Business at the Tweed Business Awards and Jordan Brown was announced as the top agent for Kingscliff and Casuarina (RateMyAgent and RealEstate.com). We also saw some big wins in the area with a landmark sale for Nick Witheriff securing a commercial deal in Cabarita for a record $11.35 million. “It has been an exciting time for our team, with some incredible milestones along the way,” says Witheriff Group Director, Nick Witheriff. Witheriff says that while it is an honour to be recognised with awards and nominations, the real driving force behind the Witheriff Group’s success is the pride the team takes in helping the members of this community. “More importantly though we’ve had the privilege of helping 192 families buy and sell across the Tweed Coast,” he says. “As we look ahead to the new financial year we’re excited for what’s to come and remain committed to delivering exceptional results.” Looking ahead – a fresh perspective, bold strategy. As we enter Q3 and a new financial year, the Witheriff Group team is feeling bolstered by fresh energy and renewed strategy to push through any unpredictable market shifts with our commitment to a high-level service. We’re always shifting and tailoring our offering to where the market sits but Sales and Marketing Associate Rocco Rachiele predicts Q3 will bring some great opportunities when enlisting the right strategy. “Strike while competition is low, astute buyers see this as a great buying opportunity to get quality properties at great value prices,” says Rachiele. “This window won’t last long, as we’ve previously seen, it takes a few positive reports around interest rates and the general economy and that window could be closed.” Here’s to a successful Q3 and new financial year.
Richmond-Tweed Listed As Top Real Estate Profit Region.
2026 has proven that a volatile market will take the real estate industry in swings and roundabouts. Understandably this can shake the confidence of buyers and sellers alike, however encouraging new data has revealed that the Richmond-Tweed area is one of the top profit regions in the country. While many markets have softened due to budget tax changes, oil prices, the cost-of-living crisis and interest rate hikes due to inflation, it seems the Richmond-Tweed region has sustained a healthy profit margin for sellers over the past 12 months. New stats from PropTrack data tells an interesting story which shows that properties in the Richmond-Tweed region gained a whopping 95.7% growth profit on resales over the past 12 months. This works out to be a median profit of $453,000 on the properties sold marking it as the eight most profitable region in New South Wales. Coming in at the top of the list was Sydney’s Northern Beaches which saw a growth of 96.3% and a median profit of $810,000 on properties sold over the same period. Given that Sydney is home to the country’s most expensive suburbs, it’s clear that the Richmond-Tweed region is fast becoming one of the most sought-after areas as it undergoes a major era of growth. Driving these huge growth profits are areas in the Richmond-Tweed like Byron Bay, Casuarina and Kingscliff. We first saw an upward trend in these regions in the COVID-19 boom around 2021 which saw many of these markets outpace value growth compared to many of Australia’s capital cities. In some coveted suburbs in the Tweed Coast we are seeing considerable profit margins especially Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff where the Witheriff Group has secured over $100 million in sales over the past 12 months. One off-market sale at 55 Cylinders Drive shows how far this region has come. The luxury beachfront property was last sold in 2019 for $3.5 million and recently went unconditional for $9 million marking it as a street record. These pockets in the Richmond-Tweed region are continuing to show their value with year-on-year growth while other regions soften. Property price growth is now expected to remain flat across the major capital cities over 2026, down from its previous forecast of 5% growth. The Richmond-Tweed region is now experiencing a sustained period of growth proving now is the perfect time for sellers to make their next move. To learn more about how we can assist with your property get in touch with the Witheriff Group team today – 6674 3650.
Nick Witheriff’s 2026 Market Forecast.
A cash rate hike, an incredibly competitive market, a cracking Summer Auction Event and a slew of sales under the Witheriff Group banner and it’s only February. 2026 is shaping up to be yet another interesting year for the local Tweed Coast market and we’re strapped in and ready for the ride. Witheriff Group Director, Nick Witheriff has given us his insights on how an ongoing tightening of supply will dictate growth and results across Casuarina, Kingscliff, Cabarita and Pottsville; a forecast on how rapid infrastructure growth will shape the area over the coming 12 months and the big plans for the business and beyond. Supply to remain tight throughout the year. Competitive conditions show no signs of slowing down and in fact these trends will only tighten over the next 12 months says Witheriff. For prospective buyers looking in the 2487 postcode and surrounds this means they’ll be able to purchase a near new home for what it would cost to replace it when considering land availability and rising construction costs. “There’s a big opportunity for people to buy in existing homes now where the value of those below replacement should increase to at least match what it would cost to replace,” says Witheriff. “There are a lot of homes in this Tweed Coast area that aren’t that old and they still have builders warranty attached to them. And therefore, in my opinion, will undergo significant value growth because the land and construction are both expensive. He says this growth will come as demand grows from owner occupiers and this trend will continue well into the next few years. “What I believe will occur is that over the next 12 months to two years, we’re going to see more competition around existing homes for those reasons. When that starts to come through, we’re going to have multiple offers on properties again.” Tweed Coast booms with significant infrastructure growth. Another big forecast that will no doubt have a flow on effect to the local real estate area is the significant infrastructure boom being felt keenly throughout the Tweed Coast region. Witheriff says the introduction of the state-of-the-art $720 million Tweed Valley Hospital, which opened in 2024, has underscored the beginning of a huge era of development in the area. “There will be more staff moving to the area with growing job opportunities available and they’re all going to need to live somewhere locally. Naturally, this creates demand in the local market,” he says. With the development of a new suburb, Kings Forest, well underway, an opportunity to service the growing demand for property is ripe for the picking. “We’ve got Kings Forest, which will provide an additional 4.500 house lots to the area,” he says. “That development will come with an influx of amenities including shopping centres’, schooling facilities, libraries and bulky goods retail operators. That is also going to create a positive ripple effect for this area in terms of what it might do for the Tweed Coast, particularly beachside suburbs from Fingal down to Pottsville.” Kings Forest will undoubtedly be a key area of focus for the Witheriff Group with positive conversations already being had with key stakeholders. With suburbs like Casuarina, Kingscliff, Cabarita, Kings Forest and Pottsville offering the perfect location for those wanting to be close to the amenities of the Gold Coast – including the international airport just 20 minutes north – and all the benefits of a coastal lifestyle, you can see why the Tweed Coast region is set to grow even further in 2026. Witheriff Group expansion and beyond. There’s no doubt that since opening the doors to the first Witheriff Group office in 2024 the company has gained rapid momentum in establishing a best-in-class presence in the Tweed Coast region. The growth has happened quickly – but with clear intention and consideration. Witheriff is keen to capitalise on that energy to take the Witheriff Group brand through 2026 and beyond by focusing on building a team anchored in experience with a high-level of skillset. “We have undertaken a huge amount of change in growth in the last 12 months,” says Witheriff. “I’m really proud of that. I think what’s really pleasing is that we’re attracting good people. Our doors are always open for developing and working with experienced people in their field. And what we’re fortunate to have is a team of individuals who are best in class and are looking to learn and develop their skills.” After the opening of Witheriff Group’s latest office in Pottsville, Witheriff’s 2026 business goals are clear: seek opportunities and execute them. “Opening the second office in Pottsville creates opportunities for us to service a new section of our market – a community that is rich in history – that is widely regarded as one area that is likely to undertake a larger percentage of growth than any other township in the Tweed.” Reach out to the team at Witheriff Group today to find out more. =