Hot 100 suburbs for 2026: Experts predict the next property hotspots

The annual realestate.com.au Hot 100 has revealed the suburbs across Australia expected to outperform in 2026 and beyond.

They’re suburbs undergoing change through gentrification, rezoning or a demographic shift; already-hot markets with a serious supply-demand imbalance; or a former hotspot that’s since cooled and is now on the cusp of a turnaround.

Compiled by a panel of industry experts, the 100 suburbs in this year’s list were selected based on several growth drivers that should not only support home values in the year ahead but see prices outperform against the broader market.

Suburbs in the Hot 100 were nominated based on the following growth drivers:

- Affordability, either low prices suiting buyers on a budget or relative affordability compared to nearby suburbs

- Amenity, being the level of lifestyle pluses, from bars and restaurants to boutiques and parklands

- Family appeal, such as dwelling type, perceived safety and proximity to good schools

- Location, including proximity to the CBD or major hubs, or closeness to natural amenity like beaches

- Investment prospects, from rental market conditions to expected imminent upside

- Gentrification, being the changing face of a suburb

- Population growth, representing a projected increase in the number of locals

- Demographic change, indicating a shift from the current make-up of residents, for example young families replacing downsizing elderly locals

- Infrastructure, looking at major investments in projects that will benefit the suburb or surrounds.

Western Australia

The nine nominations across WA are expected to continue on an upward trajectory in 2026, having already seen very strong price growth over the past 12 months. Every single pick has recorded double digit annual price growth for either houses or units - some across both.

There are just two regional locations with the rest spread across the capital city.

Baldivis

Nominated by: Nerida Conisbee and Mathew Tiller

Nominated for: Affordability, family appeal, demographic change, investment prospects

Baldivis in Perth’s south‑west corridor has evolved from a semi‑rural town into one of the city’s fastest‑growing family neighbourhoods.

“Younger families have increasingly replaced older residents, shifting the suburb’s demographic profile,” Ray White's Nerida Conisbee said.

“Affordable new housing estates, local schooling options, and easy access to the freeway network continue to drive demand and reshape the community’s character.”

LJ Hooker’s Mathew Tiller added that owner-occupier depth creates stability when investors are quiet.

“That stability has made Baldivis a consistent performer in Perth’s south‑west corridor,” he said. “The value story is simple: more house and more land for less money than the inner city.”

Part of the City of Rockingham, Baldivis also benefits from expanding retail centres, nearby industrial employment hubs and planned community infrastructure.

Rockingham

Nominated by: Belinda Conner

Nominated for: Affordability, amenity, infrastructure, population growth, investment prospects

Rockingham offers coastal living at prices lower than many Perth‑adjacent beach suburbs, according to Belinda Conner.

Ms Conner said it combines coastal affordability with a growing reputation as a lifestyle and investment hub.

“Its beaches, cafes and family-friendly amenities attract steady population growth and new buyers,” Ms Conner said.

“With major AUKUS-related defence investment boosting local jobs and infrastructure, the suburb’s future value and appeal are set to strengthen.”

The suburb also benefits from strong tourism trade, sailing and marine recreation, plus good commuting links to the Kwinana industrial area and Perth via the freeway and rail.