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.