The top 17 property areas to watch in 2026 and beyond revealed

In a detailed analysis of Australia’s property market, Hotspotting Founder and author of the new book “Why Property Values Rise,” Terry Ryder has unveiled the top 17 property areas to watch in 2026 and beyond. These areas, according to Ryder, exhibit the key characteristics of market outperformance, including rising cycles over recent years.

Ryder, who has spent the past two decades studying property markets, explains, “Locations that outperform the market averages have common qualities because I’ve made a particular study of them for the past 20 years – it’s been a crusade of sorts.”

Ryder emphasises that market performance often occurs in clusters rather than individual suburbs outperforming their neighbours. “The reality is that it’s rare for one suburb to star while its neighbours underperform. Market performance tends to happen in clusters, with a group of suburbs being influenced by the same factors, such as a major new piece of infrastructure,” he writes.

Ryder’s empirical formula for identifying areas set to outperform over a five-year period includes markets with diverse economies, populations above 15,000, good existing infrastructure, evidence of new major infrastructure, low vacancy rates, increasing employment opportunities, and strong sales activity. “In my formula, the local economy is the pivotal factor,” he notes. “It’s apparent that the notion of an ‘Australian property market’ driven by interest rate trends and consumer confidence is nonsense. There are always more complex forces in play.”

Among the top areas identified is Albury-Wodonga, a strategic regional centre functioning as one city across two states. Ryder highlights its logistical importance due to its proximity to Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, and its role on the $31 billion Inland Rail link. “The economy is strong and diverse, and it’s on the route of the $31 billion Inland Rail link connecting Melbourne to Brisbane,” he writes.

In New South Wales, Blacktown City defies stereotypes, with Ryder pointing out, “It’s stigmatised as a downmarket problem area a long way from the Sydney CBD, yet Blacktown and neighbouring suburbs have long-term growth rates above 10% per year.” He cites the strong Western Sydney economy and significant infrastructure as key drivers of growth.

Brisbane’s inner suburbs in Queensland are also highlighted, with Ryder noting the city’s strong economy and infrastructure spending. “Its prices have overtaken Melbourne and it’s likely to keep on rising, with the 2032 Summer Olympics poised to generate more momentum,” he writes, emphasising the potential impact of the Games on real estate.

Over in Western Australia, Bunbury is on a major growth path, with Ryder stating, “Bunbury offers a seaside lifestyle, investment in major infrastructure – including the $1.25 billion ring road, affordable homes and a price-to-yield ratio that attracted investors from 2022 to 2025.”

Tasmania’s Burnie is another area to watch, according to Ryder, who describes it as a small, little-known regional centre with diverse economies and investment in infrastructure. “This northern coastal centre has an important export port that also welcomes cruise ships, and it’s the centre of a renewable energy zone attracting state government investment,” he writes.

In the Northern Territory, Darwin’s market is showing signs of revival, with Ryder highlighting its strategic importance for resources and defence. “There were indications of improvement in the stuttering Northern Territory economy. The city’s lifestyle offering included a warm winter climate,” he says.

Victoria’s Frankston is leading a revival in the Melbourne market, with Ryder stating, “The suburb of Frankston and others in the LGA of the same name have much to offer – a bayside setting, motorway and rail links to Melbourne, lots of amenities, including extensive green space, and relative affordability.”

Geelong, once thought to have a bleak future, is now seen as an affordable lifestyle alternative to Melbourne. Ryder explains, “The local economy was transitioning successfully from the old industries to the new ones, with the health and education sectors now the biggest employers.”

Logan City in Queensland provides an urban bridge between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with Ryder noting its significant transport links and infrastructure. “The LGA includes a major medical precinct and university campus, lots of commercial and industrial precincts, big retail along the route of the M1 and a surprisingly large number of golf courses,” he says.

Melbourne’s inner city is gaining momentum, driven by an improving economy, high population growth, and big infrastructure investment. Ryder writes, “The rise and rise of apartments – suburbs in the City of Melbourne LGA, including Carlton, Kensington, North Melbourne and the CBD, were recording rising buyer demand in 2025.”

Mount Gambier in South Australia is attracting new residents and investors, with Ryder highlighting its affordability and strong yields. “Competition from growing numbers of buyers has put upward pressure on prices, which have been rising steadily since 2021,” he says.

Rockhampton in Queensland is described as destined to become a boom market, with Ryder noting its diverse economy and investment in new infrastructure. “The city’s economy is diverse, comprising manufacturing, tourism, military, agriculture, resources and renewable energy,” he writes.

Salisbury and Playford in South Australia present opportunities for buyers seeking affordable locations with good amenities and infrastructure investment. Ryder writes, “The capital growth rates in recent years have been extraordinary, vacancies have been ultra-low, and rents have grown strongly.”

The Sunshine Coast is rated among the strongest economic and real estate stories, with Ryder highlighting its transition from a tourist town to a major growth city. “It’s a case study of how investment in infrastructure can be the ultimate game-changer,” he says.

Toowoomba, with its multi-faceted economy and big infrastructure projects, is also on Ryder’s list. “Two transport infrastructure events have put Toowoomba on the map nationally and internationally,” he notes.

Finally, Townsville is expected to climb higher on future growth lists, with Ryder describing it as one of the nation’s strongest regional economies. “It entered its latest growth phase offering affordable homes, attracting new residents as well as investors,” he writes.

Wollongong, with its proximity to Sydney and modern economy, rounds out the list. Ryder comments, “As more Sydney residents seek options outside of Australia’s most expensive city – but not too far away – Wollongong and nearby towns will gain new residents, putting further upward pressure on prices.”

These areas, according to Ryder, are poised to outperform the market in the coming years, driven by a combination of economic strength, infrastructure investment, and lifestyle appeal.