Track the latest monthly house price growth in New South Wales and understand property market trends to make smarter buying decisions in 2026.
The NSW property market moves fast. Prices go up, forecasts change, and what looked steady last month can shift quickly. Checking the monthly numbers- not just the yearly wrap-ups- keeps you better informed. Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to a portfolio, here’s what’s happening right now.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the latest monthly house price growth in NSW, what’s driving it, and what to expect for the months ahead.
What the Latest Data Shows
Prices kept moving in February 2026. Both capital cities and regional areas recorded growth. Regional markets are actually outpacing the capitals on annual growth- and that gap is worth paying attention to.
Here’s the February 2026 breakdown from PropTrack.
Home price growth by GCCSA for all dwellings
February 2026
| Region | Monthly growth (%) | Annual growth (%) | Median value ($) |
| National | 0.50% | 9.10% | $897,000 |
| Capital Cities | 0.50% | 8.60% | $1,004,000 |
| Regional Areas | 0.60% | 10.50% | $707,000 |
| Sydney | 0.50% | 6.10% | $1,255,000 |
| Rest of NSW | 0.70% | 8.30% | $780,000 |
Regional NSW is leading on annual growth. Sydney is moving, but at a steadier pace.
Home price growth by GCCSA for houses
February 2026
| Region | Monthly growth (%) | Annual growth (%) | Median value ($) |
| National | 0.50% | 9.20% | $996,000 |
| Capital Cities | 0.50% | 8.80% | $1,173,000 |
| Regional Areas | 0.50% | 10.40% | $724,000 |
| Sydney | 0.50% | 6.30% | $1,639,000 |
| Rest of NSW | 0.70% | 8.80% | $829,000 |
Regional house markets are growing faster than Sydney. For first-home buyers, that’s worth a look- more affordable entry points with solid growth behind them.
Home price growth by GCCSA for units
February 2026
| Region | Monthly growth (%) | Annual growth (%) | Median value ($) |
| National | 0.70% | 8.90% | $730,000 |
| Capital Cities | 0.70% | 8.40% | $751,000 |
| Regional Areas | 0.70% | 10.90% | $646,000 |
| Sydney | 0.70% | 5.90% | $888,000 |
| Rest of NSW | 0.50% | 6.00% | $661,000 |
Units are moving fast- up 0.70% in a single month nationally. Regional units are up nearly 11% for the year. Buyers priced out of Sydney houses are heading to regional units, and that demand is showing up in the numbers.
The pattern is clear. Affordability is driving people further out. Regional NSW is picking up that demand, and growth is following.
Source: PropTrack. Data covers dwellings and houses. Regions defined by ABS GCCSA standards.
Apartment Price Growth in NSW
A few years ago, many buyers saw units as the backup option. Now they’re front of mind for a lot of buyers.
House prices have pushed many people out of that market. Apartments are filling the gap- especially near train lines and the new Metro.
- Sydney unit median: approximately $888,000 (February 2026)
- Domain forecasts Sydney unit prices to rise by through 2026
- Apartments in well-connected suburbs – particularly those near metro rail links – are outperforming the broader unit market
The First Home Guarantee Scheme is helping here too. Eligible buyers can get in with just a 5% deposit on homes up to $1.5 million. For many Aussies, a unit in a good spot is the realistic path in.
What’s Driving House Price Growth in NSW?
Prices don’t move for just one reason. Here’s what’s pushing the NSW market right now.
Interest Rates The RBA cut rates three times in 2025. That gave buyers more to borrow and more reason to act. But inflation ran hot late in the year. Now there’s talk of a rate rise in early 2026. That’s made some buyers cautious.
Not Enough Homes: Sydney has had a housing shortage for years. It hasn’t got better. Nationally, properties listed for sale have dropped 33% over the past decade. Builders haven’t kept up. That keeps prices up even when demand eases.
People Keep Moving Here: Sydney is expected to gain over 650,000 new residents by 2034. Overseas migration adds to that every year. More people means more demand for housing- simple as that.
Renting Is Tough: Sydney’s rental vacancy rate is around 1.3%. That’s very low. A lot of renters are deciding to buy instead. Investors are also back, chasing solid rental returns.
First Home Buyers Are Active: The Home Guarantee Scheme has opened the door for more first-timers. Rents are high, saving is hard, and many are choosing to buy sooner rather than wait.
Where Is Growth Happening in NSW?
Not every suburb is moving at the same pace. Here’s where the action is:
- Western Sydney– Parramatta, Blacktown, and St Marys are busy. Big infrastructure spending and the Metro expansion are driving interest
- Middle and outer-ring suburbs– Buyers priced out of the inner city are heading further out. Homes under $1,500,000 are selling fast
- NSW mid-north coast– Areas like Macksville are popular with city buyers looking for a lifestyle change
At the top end- above $2,000,000 – it’s a different story. Homes are taking longer to sell and buyers have more options.
What Are the Forecasts for 2026?
- PropTrack forecasts Sydney dwelling prices to rise 5–7% over 2026, following 7% growth in 2025
- Domain projects Sydney’s median house price reaching approximately $1.92 million by end of 2026- representing annual growth of around 7%
- Westpac predicts house price growth of around 5% for Sydney in 2026
- NAB forecasts a slightly lower growth rate, with affordability remaining a key constraint
Most forecasters expect a stronger start to the year. Growth is likely to ease in the second half as affordability bites and rate uncertainty lingers.
What Does This Mean If You’re Buying in 2026?
Here’s the practical takeaway:
- Your borrowing power could change. A rate rise would cut what you can borrow. If you’re ready now, don’t wait too long.
- Under $1.5 million is competitive. This is where most buyers are looking. Good properties in middle and outer suburbs go quickly.
- Units make sense. Growth is forecast, rents are strong, and prices are more accessible. Worth a proper look.
- Watch monthly data, not just yearly. A small monthly move tells you more about where the market is heading than a big annual number.
Know the Full Cost of Buying a House in NSW Before You Commit
Price growth is only part of the story. There’s a lot more to budget for when buying property in NSW.
Many first-home buyers get a shock at settlement. The purchase price is just the starting point. On top of that, you’re looking at stamp duty, conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, and mortgage registration. Then there are the costs that don’t always get mentioned- council and water rate adjustments, strata levies, connection fees. These first-time homebuyer charges add up quickly. Knowing what’s coming makes a big difference.
Find out more about the hidden costs while buying a home in NSW here: Top 5 Hidden Costs When Buying Property in NSW – CheckThisProperty
One fee that often gets missed is a proper property check. It’s easy to skip. But it’s one you don’t want to regret. Before you exchange contracts, you need to know what you’re actually buying. Zoning rules, easements, development overlays, flood risk, bushfire exposure- these can all affect how you use the property and what it’s worth. A Check This Property report gives you all of that in one place. A CheckThisProperty property report covers the key planning details for any NSW address. No guesswork. No nasty surprises after you’ve signed.
Running a Check This Property NSW zoning report before you buy is just good sense. It’s quick, it’s affordable, and it could save you from a very expensive lesson.
Get Your Check This Property Report for free today →
Data sourced from PropTrack Home Price Index. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Property market conditions change frequently – always consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.