Facing the Back Half of 2026 With Optimism in a Fluctuating Market.
If you were to look back at our market predictions in early 2026 not even the most studied minds could have foretold the ways in which the Australian real estate market would swing, dip and loop back around again. However, amid an international geopolitical conflict, budget tax changes, buyer and seller nerves, a housing shortage crisis, interest rate rises and inflation – there is still a positive story to tell as we look towards the back half of 2026. Sitting down with Witheriff Group Director, Nick Witheriff proffered his predictions for the rest of the year, and they come with optimism and clear thought-leadership in how to weather the demands of the local Tweed Coast real estate market. One of his big takeaways when assessing how the rest of the year could play out, Witheriff says there is a compelling narrative when it comes to owner-occupier demand having a positive flow on effect to the local market. “I think overall the higher demand for owner-occupier ownership demographic is allowing for more consistency with achieving the sales and the pricing that the owners and buyers are looking to meet at,” he said. “There’s certainly been some caution from buyers moving but what’s helpful is there are opportunities around.” The demand is there and things are moving. While we are hearing of some cooling factors gripping major cities like Sydney and Melbourne – here in our Tweed Coast pocket the extent of tax reform effects are not being felt as keenly. Witheriff expects those conditions to continue through the back end of the year. “We’re not finding that (lack of engagement from buyers) here because of the demand to live in this lifestyle,” he said. “We’re also noticing that there’s still some interest from holiday investors who are purchasing second and third properties as they look to forecast ahead with their retirement plans. For many of these buyers it will be a principal place of residence in the future and therefore some of the changes handed down from the government around negative gearing and capital gains tax have been ignored by them because they are going to use it as a home eventually.” While there are positive predictions to be warmed by, Witheriff is also realistic about the challenges the market faces. In particular he cautions that a cooling of some sections of the market will require industry experts to assist with dynamic strategies for those campaigns. “We’ve probably seen a softening of pricing between $2 and $4 million mark and that’s somewhere around at 5 to 8 per cent,” he said. “We’d all have our heads in the sand if we didn’t agree that we’ve had to adjust expectations to get results in that space because there is more competition. There are more properties in that range and buyers have choices. So naturally they’re negotiating on multiple properties with a view that they’ll probably be looking at achieving a fair result. “Sellers in that range are finding they’ll sit longer on market before they accept a 5 to 8 per cent decline on what they have expected. Whereas if they’re pricing them well, they’re moving quickly and they are sitting on the market for fewer days.” As we prepare to enter the notoriously busy spring selling season, Witheriff says he feels buoyed by the residential market on the Tweed Coast. “I think the resilience of bias to keep purchasing through uncertain times has showed that we’ll probably just start to get more confidence back through the rest of 2026,” he said. And with that we look forward to a big push to end the year with confidence, clear direction and a depth of experience to tackle 2027.
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.
How Cabarita Beach Plans To Achieve Preservation In An Era Of Growth.
The Cabarita Beach region is developing at a rapid pace. Real estate in the area is experiencing considerable growth in a volatile market with median house prices going up 19.2% in the past 12 months sitting at an average sale price of $1.7 million and it’s a similar story for units which have boomed by 10.1% to $1.1 million. On the development side we’re seeing projects like CALIBRE taking shape on Tweed Coast Road which upon completion will see seven north-facing luxury residences offer prospective buyers a spot in one of the most coveted postcodes in the area. Back in April, Witheriff Group Director Nick Witheriff secured a landmark commercial deal after selling a block on the main stripe of Cabarita for a record $11.35 million. With such progress happening in the Cabarita region, it’s only natural for locals to question how these developments might affect the area in the future. Afterall, Cabarita is experiencing a boom for a reason – there’s a coastal, laid-back energy that offers boundless charm for homemakers, tourists and investors alike. So, how do you go about protecting the natural habitat and idyllic small-town feel all while promoting development to boost the local economy? The Tweed Shire Council have released a Cabarita Beach locality plan that outlays several development objectives that must be adhered to, to ensure the region retains what makes it so special to many. The locality plan at large is a commitment to protecting the Cabarita Beach region by putting in place measures to protect the natural habitat and livelihood of the community. To ensure the Cabarita Beach region isn’t compromised the Tweed Shire Council have implemented the State Government’s 1997 Coastal Policy which places a development cap on the area. This kind of cap means that progress can still be made in encouraging “higher density residential development in close proximity to town centres, in order to provide easy access to services and employment and to create a stimulating town centre environment.” The council’s long-term vision for Cabarita Beach is “to retain and enhance the unique natural environmental character and coastal lifestyle offered by Bogangar/Cabarita Beach, whilst embracing high quality development promoting the area as a popular location for residential living, tourism and business”. Moving forward presents exciting opportunities for Cabarita Beach and the future of this area. Striking the right balance between mixed-use development and preserving the local character of this special coastal town is a delicate dance but one we’re confident will take place. Here’s to exciting developments and the protection of the Cabarita Beach community.