The holiday season plays a fundamental role in shaping real estate market dynamics. People usually enter this period with clear goals, such as buying or selling, but they also take advantage of the time to meet family and friends. During these gatherings, conversations with an influential relative or a trusted friend can delay or accelerate property-related decisions.
Haesley Cush, the CEO and co-partner of Ray White Collective, said these thoughts crossed his mind last Saturday as he began the journey back from his annual visit to Stradbroke Island. As the ferry slowly departed the Dunwich terminal, he decided to shift his focus back to work, opened his phone, and checked early updates on market developments and the outlook for 2026.
What caught his attention most was a message from Dimitri Cassidy, one of the leading agents in areas such as Teneriffe and Newstead on Brisbane’s fringe. These suburbs have been central to the apartment market over the past decade, despite previously suffering from an oversupply 10 to 12 years ago. Today, apartments there are in extremely high demand—like hot sand at midday on the main beach.
Dimitri updated him on a standout property: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with one car space that was first launched for sale in January. The timing was carefully chosen to coincide with fewer online listings and more free time for potential buyers. This particular apartment had originally sold in 2024 for $800,000 after a strong campaign that attracted 1,700 listing views, 40 enquiries, and 26 inspections, taking just three weeks to sell.
Now, after being relaunched only a week ago, the figures have already exceeded expectations dramatically: 2,900 views, 18 inspections, and three offers, all above $980,000. It now seems likely the apartment will sell for more than $1 million this time. This rapid shift in value highlights how significantly the market has changed over the past 18 months and demonstrates the strength of current demand.
As the ferry approached Cleveland and my journey came to an end, the outlook for 2026 began to appear increasingly positive. With only a week having passed since the start of the new year, I can say with confidence that the signs are very encouraging and point to an outstanding season for the property market.
