Could 2026 Be the Year to Sell? Here’s What the Data Says

Andrew Bell Market Update | Issue 24

Could 2026 Be the Year to Sell? Here’s What the Data Says

Hi, Andrew Bell here.

It’s hard to believe how quickly we’re sliding towards Christmas, and with the festive season fast approaching, there’s been increasing discussion about whether Australia could be heading for a recession and what that might mean for our real estate market.

Before diving into that, I want to share some exciting news. We’ve just opened bookings for The Event 2026, our flagship marketing campaign that has become synonymous with the Gold Coast property market.

Over 30 years ago, we were the first to identify January as the prime time of year to market and sell real estate on the Coast. The results have spoken for themselves, more than $1.5 billion worth of property sold through this program and growing stronger every year.

The Event’s success lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence and the depth of our experience. Most real estate leaders hold their roles for around ten years, yet myself and my brother, Greg Bell have refined and led this program for over three decades, continuously evolving its reach while staying true to the proven foundations that made it a national benchmark.

It’s no surprise that the Australian Financial Review now describes The Event as “the litmus test of the Australian real estate market each year.” The campaign is so well recognised that it has been officially trademarked, and its reach spans from southern Brisbane to northern New South Wales, attracting buyers locally, interstate, and internationally.

Each summer, more than one million visitors arrive on the Gold Coast between late December and early February. Many of them actively look to purchase property while here, others simply fall in love with the lifestyle and end up becoming buyers. With 32 Events under our belt, we know exactly how to connect with both active and passive buyers, a distinction that sets this program apart.

We’ve also mastered the auction process like no other. After 36 consecutive years running auctions every month, and with over 20,000 auctions conducted personally, I can confidently say no one understands how to drive competition and achieve premium results quite like our team.

If you’re considering selling in early 2026, I encourage you to reach out now. Each year, only a select number of properties are accepted to maintain the right balance — large enough to command attention but never so large that listings compete with one another. And a quick reminder: there’s only one “The Event”,  the original, trademarked campaign. Don’t be misled by imitators.

Now, turning back to those broader economic discussions.

There’s been renewed debate about the possibility of a recession. It’s been many years since Australia last experienced one, and for some, the term may seem unfamiliar. In simple terms, a recession is a temporary economic decline, typically when GDP falls for two consecutive quarters, leading to slower growth, higher unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and lower business investment.

Recently, Australia’s per capita GDP has turned negative, meaning our economy isn’t growing fast enough to match our population growth. Consumer sentiment is low, people are spending less, and essentials like food and healthcare are becoming harder for many households to afford.

Inflation has crept back up to 3.2%, prompting the Reserve Bank to pause further interest rate cuts until at least April next year. Unemployment has risen to 4.5%, and while national forecasts remain optimistic, some economists believe states such as Victoria are already in recession due to policy and investment conditions.

This shifting environment has led many Australians to take a more defensive financial stance, paying down debt, boosting savings, and focusing on long-term planning. In real estate, we’re also seeing an increase in downsizing, as owners look to lock in capital gains from the past five years and reduce their exposure to potential market softening.

While demand remains solid for now, some are already making strategic moves for 2026. As the saying goes, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Those who act early next year, particularly through The Event, may well secure stronger results before any potential slowdown takes hold.

As always, I’ll continue to keep you updated as more economic data and property trends emerge over the coming weeks.

Wishing you a wonderful lead-up to the festive season and I look forward to being back with you in a fortnight’s time.

Andrew Bell, OAM
Chairman & CEO | Ray White Bell Group