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estpac, NAB and CBA have all signalled that interest rates will rise in the first half of 2026, with CBA already predicting a move in February.

    LJ Hooker’s latest research identifies the suburbs that will deliver the best value and equity growth in 2026. The common thread is that these areas are priced below neighbouring districts, have a lower supply of listings than demand, and attract a mix of investors, first‑home buyers and upgraders. The report’s author, Mathew Tiller, cautions that they are not “boom” suburbs but simply attractive places that are likely to outperform the broader market.

    Smaller capital cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are expected to see faster price gains than Sydney and Melbourne, with pockets of strong growth in every state. Buyer confidence has risen with recent rate cuts, but the lack of further cuts is expected to stabilise spending in 2026.

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    ### New South Wales

    - **St Marys** – Western Sydney Airport and new Metro corridor make it a gateway for first‑home buyers and investors; infrastructure boosts demand.

    - **Leppington** – New rail, schools and shopping cater to young families seeking new‑build homes with job access.

    - **Penrith** – Has become a self‑contained centre with hospitals, education and retail; prices below the Sydney median keep it attractive.

    - **Dulwich Hill** – Inner‑west lifestyle, cafés and dual train/light‑rail access; limited supply keeps values steady.

    - **Calderwood** – Near Shellharbour and Wollongong, offers family housing and parks; growing local services support demand.

    - **Boambee East** – Part of the Coffs Harbour catchment; lifestyle buyers chase coastal living without Byron Bay prices; strong regional migration keeps prices and rents firm.

    ### Victoria

    - **Werribee** – Affordable houses with rail access; health, education and retail anchors support first‑home buyers and families.

    - **Corio** – Geelong access at a lower price; renovated homes sell quickly; rental yields beat inner‑metro Melbourne.

    - **Sunshine West** – Benefits from inner‑west uplift; renovated family homes appeal to buyers and investors; amenities improving.

    - **Tarneit** – Population magnet with rail, schools and shopping; price point remains within reach for first‑home buyers.

    - **Winter Valley** – Ballarat fringe offering space, schools and parks at a price below Melbourne; low vacancy supports values.

    ### Queensland

    - **Ripley** – Ipswich growth corridor with schools and town centres; first‑home buyers find freestanding homes affordable.

    - **Griffin** – Moreton Bay; balances rental demand with liveability; tight vacancy keeps yields strong.

    - **Baringa** – New Aura community on Sunshine Coast; planned schools, parks and jobs; tight stock and migration pressure prices.

    - **Petrie** – New university campus boosts employment and rentals; established rail and services attract owner‑occupiers and investors.

    - **Upper Coomera** – Gold Coast lifestyle without beachfront prices; schools, shopping and M1 access keep demand high.

    ### South Australia

    - **Munno Para West** – Adelaide’s northern growth corridor; affordable entry, growing services and steady sales.

    - **Mount Barker** – Adelaide Hills; tree‑change feel with modern homes, schools and health care; commute to Adelaide remains viable.

    - **Port Adelaide** – Waterfront precinct with bars, cafés and heritage; retail and hospitality upgrades enhance liveability; tight rental market attracts investors.

    ### Western Australia

    - **Alkimos** – Perth’s northern coastal corridor; new rail and beachside living; prices below inner‑coastal suburbs.

    - **Ellenbrook** – Connected by new rail; schools, shopping and community services; price points still below inner‑metro Perth.

    - **Baldivis** – South‑west suburb with established schools, shopping and green space; value story of more house and land for less.

    ### Tasmania

    - **Devonport** – Working port city; waterfront, health and logistics jobs; affordable pricing keeps first‑home buyers and investors engaged.

    - **Sorell** – Gateway to Hobart’s east; road upgrades improve access; families and downsizers attracted by new housing and amenities.

    - **Brighton** – Northern growth corridor; first‑home buyers seek freestanding houses at achievable prices; industrial investment boosts local jobs.

    ### Northern Territory

    - **Zuccoli** – Palmerston; newer homes, schools and parks; strong rental demand from defence, health and services.

    - **Rosebery** – Upgraders seek family homes near schools and services; solid owner‑occupier base supports values.

    - **Parap** – Lifestyle suburb with cafés, markets and waterfront access; units appeal to investors and downsizers; rental demand remains tight.

    ### Australian Capital Territory

    - **Bonython** – Adjacent to Tuggeranong town centre; mix of freestanding homes and townhouses; low vacancy and steady amenities support values.

    - **Giralang** – Belconnen; established streets, schools and parks; tight stock keeps prices firm even in softer cycles.

    - **Denman Prospect** – Molonglo Valley expansion; modern homes, views and green space; growing community and amenities make it a benchmark address.

    These suburbs, identified by LJ Hooker, combine affordability, infrastructure growth and diverse buyer appeal, positioning them to outperform the broader Australian housing market in 2026.