Inflation is still running hot. Construction can’t keep up. And the Olympics are coming.

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what is really driving Australian property in early 2026 — sticky inflation, renewed rate risk, construction bottlenecks and Olympic-driven labour demand. With approvals rising but delivery lagging, they examine how supply constraints, first-home buyer momentum and rising build costs are influencing prices and opportunity across the country.

Together, they discuss:

- Inflation came in hot and what another potential rate hike means for buyer confidence

- Why first-home buyers continue entering despite higher rates and tighter borrowing capacity

- The impact of the revamped 5% deposit scheme on bottom-quartile prices

- Why approvals are lifting but dwelling completions remain stubbornly low

- Olympic-driven labour demand in Brisbane 

- Infrastructure projects crowd out housing supply

- The rise in build costs and how higher replacement values are embedding price support

- Does regional outperformance reflect affordability, investor activity or structural shift?

- Listener Q&A: Downsizing strategies and how parents can structure support for children without compromising their own financial security

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