After a challenging 2025, the property market is showing the first solid signs of renewed confidence, and the shift is already noticeable. As we move into early 2026, buyer activity is lifting, listings are flowing again, and agents are reporting stronger engagement across the board.
In this week’s Hot Take, Ewan Morton breaks down why the year has kicked off with more momentum than many expected, and what this early optimism could mean for buyers and sellers across Sydney.
A Positive Start as Buyer Activity Picks Up
Despite concerns about limited stock at the beginning of January, the flow of new listings has accelerated. The team is now seeing more properties hitting the market ahead of the Australia Day long weekend, easing some of the pressure felt in late 2025.
More importantly, buyer turn‑out is increasing. Open home attendance has been stronger than anticipated, with more qualified buyers re‑entering the market after the holiday period. Agents are also reporting a rise in early negotiations, with offers coming in at healthier levels than we saw late last year.
For the first time in months, confidence appears to be returning, both from those looking to buy and those preparing to sell.
Market Sentiment: Why 2026 Already Feels Different
Ewan notes that the general sentiment on the ground feels noticeably more upbeat. While 2025 was marked by uncertainty, extended decision‑making, and patchy buyer demand, the early weeks of 2026 show a shift in energy.
Key indicators supporting this change include:
- More buyers inspecting homes across multiple price points
- Sellers ready to list earlier in the year rather than waiting for autumn
- Offers being submitted sooner in the campaign
- A stronger sense of urgency among active purchasers
Although it’s still early days, these are encouraging signs for anyone planning to transact in the first quarter of the year.
While one good week doesn’t make a strong year, all indicators suggest that 2026 is off to a promising start. With positive sentiment growing and activity levels rising, the early market signals are encouraging for both buyers and sellers.