As we close out the second quarter of 2026, we saw a noticeable shift in market activity. There was less stock available for sale, and buyer demand softened following three interest rate rises. In addition, changes affecting property investors announced in the Federal Budget in May influenced buyer sentiment.
The strong activity experienced in the first quarter was largely driven by metropolitan investors. With fewer of these buyers active in the market during Q2, competition eased and market conditions became more balanced.
By the Numbers – Q2 2026 Highlights
Over the past quarter, our team successfully completed 24 property sales, representing just over half the number of sales achieved in the first quarter.
- Highest sale: $1,310,000
- Lowest sale: $395,000
- Buyer inspections: 273
- Offers received: 135
No. 1 Church Street
In May, we successfully held the first open inspection for the No. 1 Church Street apartments, attracting more than 150 attendees. The response was extremely encouraging and highlighted the strong interest in this exciting development.
The next open inspection for Level 7 apartments will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday, 18 July. We invite all prospective buyers to come along and inspect.
Buyer Behaviour Is Changing
Two key trends emerged during the quarter:
- Buyers became more conservative in their purchasing decisions, placing greater emphasis on rental returns, ongoing maintenance costs, and the potential cost of repairs.
- With less competition in the market, buyers were generally taking more time to make decisions and conduct due diligence before committing to a purchase.
Most Popular Property on the Market
The most inspected property this quarter was 5 Rivergum Place, marketed by Ross Woodham, attracting 29 buyer inspections.
The property ultimately sold for $680,000 to a first home buyer reflecting continued demand from this section of the market.
Standout Sales
Several exceptional transactions helped define the quarter:
10 Dawson Street
A beautifully presented home in South Dubbo sold for $853,000 to a Sydney-based investor.
Marketed by Jen McGrath.
10/4 Diane Street
A three-bedroom home in Southgate sold for $810,000 to a local downsizer.
Marketed by Jane Donald.
173 Wingewarra Street
A renovated heritage home in Central Dubbo sold prior to auction for $760,000 to a first-home buyer.
Marketed by Elle Roberts.
The Big Day Out
We are excited to be hosting our third Big Day Out on Saturday, 8 August, celebrating all things real estate.
With prizes, giveaways, competitions, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the local property market, we’d love to see you there—especially if you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in the near future.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of 2026, buyer enquiry remains strong, and well-priced, well-marketed properties continue to achieve excellent results.
However, with reduced competition compared to the first quarter, we expect price growth to moderate for the remainder of the year rather than continue at the pace experienced earlier in 2026.
The median house price in Dubbo currently sits at $680,000, and we anticipate this will remain relatively stable through the remainder of the year.
While market conditions have changed, opportunities continue to exist for both buyers and sellers. Success will depend on understanding the current market and making informed decisions.
If you’re considering selling, investing, or would simply like insight into current opportunities—whether on or off market—our team would love to help.
Jane Donald