C21 Market Pulse | April 2026 | Australia

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M A R K E T

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P U L S E

C21

PUBLISHER Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd

CONTRIBUTORS Cotality Realestate.com.au

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600

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WELCOME TO THE

April 2026

ISSUE OF

C21 MARKET PULSE

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Cover image: Kailun Zhang on Unsplash

C O N T E N T S A pril

PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE

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IN THE NEWS

Sydney and Melbourne navigate the early stages

Erin Holland and Darren Palmer launch podcast

of a downturn while the mid-sized capitals

to help Aussies tackle property market

continue to break record highs

Realestate.com.au

Cotality

STYLING

TRENDS

05

Four new trends for putting personality back in your home

bedroom for an open home

Century 21 expands North Shore footprint as top-performing team returns 'Home'

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From chaos to calm: how to style a children’s

COMPANY NEWS

Realestate.com.au

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P R O P E R T Y M A R K E T U P DAT E

SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE NAVIGATE THE EARLY STAGES OF A DOWNTURN WHILE THE MID-SIZED CAPITALS CONTINUE TO BREAK RECORD HIGHS

BY C OTA L I T Y

Cotality’s national home value index rose 0.7% in March, taking dwelling values 2.1% higher over the first quarter of the year. At the national level, the pace of gains is easing, reducing from a 2.8% increase in Q4 last year, but housing outcomes are increasingly diverse from city to city and across the pricing spectrum.

The mid-sized capitals, as well as

capital were up 2.5% in the month

“Strength across the lower

Darwin, are all recording growth of

of March to be 7.3% higher over

quartile value tier is tied to

1.2% or more on a month-to-month

the quarter.

increased competition for lower

“In dollar terms, the 7.3% rise in Perth

priced housing,” Mr Lawless said.

home values over the quarter has

“Serviceability constraints are

added approximately $69,000 to the

deflecting buyer demand towards

basis, while Sydney and Melbourne navigate a subtle decline trend that has been evident since December last year.

median dwelling value,” Mr Lawless

the lower end of the market,

“Since the end of November 2025,

said. “Clearly this pace of growth

competing with a pickup in first

Melbourne values have retreated

is unsustainable, but continues to

home buyers taking advantage

by -0.9% and the Sydney market

be supported by low supply, with

of stimulus and elevated levels of

is down -0.4%,” said Tim Lawless,

advertised stock levels tracking about

Cotality’s research director.

40% below the five-year average for

investor activity.”

“The softer trend in values coincides

this time of the year.”

with falling auction clearance rates and a pickup in advertised supply, providing buyers with more choice and less urgency at the negotiation table.”

Conditions are also diverging across the broad value tiers, with lower quartile markets leading the pace.

This trend is evident across every

At the other end of the spectrum,

capital except Hobart and Canberra,

the trend in Perth home values

but most pronounced in Sydney

is showing the opposite trend,

where upper quartile dwelling

accelerating in the face of higher

values have fallen by 1.8% through

interest rates and lower sentiment.

the March quarter while lower

Housing values across the western

quartile values are 1.8% higher.

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Regional markets are showing some resilience to the slowdown, with values rising 1.1% over the month and 3.3% over the quarter, compared with 0.6% month on month and 1.8% quarter on quarter rises across the combined capital cities. Similar to the strength in Perth, Regional WA stands out with the strongest capital gains. Values are up 2.2% in March to be 6.2% higher over the quarter.

“WA’s Bunbury is leading the pace of gains, with values jumping 8.4% through the March quarter to be 22.2% higher over the past 12 months,” according to Mr Lawless.

There are some early signs of an easing in purchasing demand, with Cotality’s estimate of quarterly home sales tracking 1.9% lower than a year ago and 5.6% down on the five-year average. Given the likelihood of a further rise in cost-of-living pressures and interest rates, alongside a drop in confidence as conflict in the Middle East extends, it’s likely that purchasing demand will continue to reduce over the coming months, supporting a further slowdown in housing values.

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KNOW YOUR PROPERTY’S VALUE IN AN INSTANT Access an instant property report now.

Click here to begin.

TRENDS

FOUR NEW TRENDS FOR PUTTING PERSONALITY BACK IN YOUR HOME

BY R E A L E S TAT E . C O M . AU

New research shows how Australians are styling their homes around comfort, emotion and experience, with layout, colour and personal expression now leading design decisions.

Australian homes are increasingly

Rather than chasing perfection,

properly and zoning areas more

embracing confidence, emotion

Australians are focusing on how

clearly to support everyday living.

and individuality, according to new

their homes feel and the data shows

research by Temple & Webster.

exactly what’s driving that shift.

According to the online furniture

CREATING LUXURY THROUGH EXPERIENCE, NOT EXPENSE

FITTING FURNITURE TO LAYOUT

Rather than price or perfection,

When it comes to creating a home

Australians are gravitating towards

that feels good to live in, layout is

spaces that feel indulgent to live in.

and homewares retailer’s 2026 trend report, homeowners are moving towards spaces that feel expressive, layered and genuinely lived‑in.

“Design is no longer about precision; it's about connection, and the trends we have identified demonstrate that,” Temple & Webster director of insights and trends Lucy Sutherland said.

now the top priority.

In fact, 68% of furniture and

Temple & Webster research shows

homewares shoppers say true

46% of furniture and homewares

luxury lies in the experience of a

shoppers say space and layout is the

space, not how much it costs.

biggest factor in how a home feels.

That mindset is showing up in richer

Instead of minimising furniture in

palettes and tactile materials. Sales of

smaller rooms, homeowners are

caramel sofas and chairs have

choosing pieces that fit the space

increased by 40%, while chocolate sofas and chairs have surged 165%.

Dubbed the Cocoa & Chrome trend, Ms Sutherland said darker, moodier tones are helping create a sense of comfort and quiet glamour without excess.

“Cocoa & Chrome blends indulgence with modern polish: layers of chocolate, caramel and espresso softened with plush textures, then sharpened with

Image: Realestate.com.au

Continued over page

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Image: Realestate.com.au

Continued from previous molten metallics for a look that’s grounded, glamorous and endlessly adaptable,” she said.

EMBRACING WARMTH Cool greys and stark whites are steadily giving way to warmer, earth‑based tones.

Sales of furniture and homewares in caramel, clay, rust and terracotta have jumped 64%, highlighting a growing appetite for interiors that feel softer

“Homes bathed in sunbaked hues of

and artwork to vintage finds and

clay, blush, mustard and terracotta

sentimental pieces that tell a story.

that blur the boundary between indoors and out.”

vintage finds to shiny surprises,

MAKING SPACES MEANINGFUL Perhaps the clearest signal of

creating homes that are as joyful and expressive as the people who

change is the renewed focus on

live in them,” Ms Sutherland said.

personal expression.

Vivien Topalovic,

Research shows 67% of Australians

Property Journalist

believe it’s meaningful objects that

17 Apr 2026, 1:59pm

give a home its true soul.

Realestate.com.au

Branded as the Eclectic Era, this trend embraces collecting, from books

and more emotionally grounding.

According to Ms Sutherland, this is reflected in the Sundrenched trend, which draws inspiration from Australia’s natural light.

“Sundrenched is all about capturing that warm, sunlit feeling that lingers long after golden hour,” Ms Sutherland said in the report.

“Every piece tells a story, from

Image: Realestate.com.au C21 MARKET PULSE

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IN THE NEWS

ERIN HOLLAND AND DARREN PALMER LAUNCH PODCAST TO HELP AUSSIES TACKLE PROPERTY MARKET

BY R E A L E S TAT E . C O M . AU

Queensland model and presenter Erin Holland and interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer are launching a video podcast helping Aussies navigate the property market.

Century 21 Australia is launching

“What I’ve found though is that

Home of the Century on May 7,

there are often more ways into

a series designed around buying,

the market than people realise,

selling, investing and renovating.

sometimes it just takes looking

The eight-part series features

at things a little differently.

experts, homes, and stories from

“Home of the Century is about

first-home buyers finding creative

sharing real journeys, practical

ways into the property market to

ideas and helpful insights, so

families rethinking where and how

people can feel supported and

they live.

more confident in whatever their next step might be.”

Mr Palmer said the series offered real tips and insights from decades of experience.

“I bought my first home 20 years ago, with three mates before

Group Peter Matthews, also one of Australia’s most experienced auctioneer, with over 25,000 auctions under his belt.

“I’ve been in property for more than five decades,” Mr Tarbey said.

“Every rate movement impacts

co-ownership was considered a

confidence, but it doesn’t stop

genuine option,” Mr Palmer said.

people from acting.

“Thinking about property, or even

“It’s the home that started it all.

“What Australians are looking

knowing where to start, can feel

“Since then I’ve renovated over 100

really overwhelming,” said Ms

for right now is clarity.

properties for clients and personally,

“They want to understand what’s

with many lessons along the way.

possible in this market, not just

And we delve into them all.”

hear why it’s hard.”

The video podcast will also feature

Aleisha Dawson,

“Everyone’s situation is different,

insights from Century 21 Australia

Property Journalist

and not everyone can or wants to

experts including founder Charles

21 Apr 2026, 5:46am

buy right now.

Tarbey and Century 21 Middle East

Realestate.com.au

Holland, who recently got her Real Estate Agent’s license.

“I’ve experienced that myself.

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G CO M I N SOON

STYLING

Image: Caroline Badran on Unsplash

FROM CHAOS TO CALM: HOW TO STYLE A CHILDREN’S BEDROOM FOR AN OPEN HOME If you are preparing to sell your property, you already know that first impressions are everything. While staging the living room and kitchen often takes priority, the children’s bedroom is a space that can easily make or break a buyer’s connection to your home.

Kids’ rooms are naturally chaotic, filled with bright colours, mismatched toys, and deeply personal treasures.

However, when styling for an open home, the goal is to shift the narrative entirely. You want to present a serene, versatile space that appeals to everyone – whether the buyer is a growing family envisioning their own child in the room, or a couple looking for a spacious guest bedroom or home office.

Here is how you can transform your child’s bedroom from a chaotic playroom into a major selling point.

1. MASTER THE GREAT DECLUTTER The golden rule of staging any room is "less is more," and this applies tenfold to children's spaces.

Buyers need to see the actual floor space of the room, not your child’s impressive Lego collection or towering piles of soft toys.

• Pack it up: Box up at least 70% of the toys, books, and games.

• Depersonalise: Remove items

child’s absolute dream, it can be a

featuring your child's name, family

red flag for buyers who instantly

photos, school awards, and highly

calculate the time, effort, and cost

specific posters. You want buyers to

of repainting.

picture their own family living there.

• Clear the floor: The more visible floor space there is, the larger the room will feel. Ensure pathways from the door to the window are completely clear of obstacles.

To maximise your home's broad appeal, neutralise the room. A fresh coat of warm white or soft, neutral paint works wonders in instantly brightening and enlarging the space. When it comes to bedding,

Leave out only a few high-quality,

2. NEUTRALISE THE CANVAS

swap out heavy, character-themed

aesthetically pleasing items that

While a neon pink feature wall or

duvet covers for crisp, neutral linens

add charm without adding clutter.

superhero wallpaper might be your

in white, soft grey, or oatmeal.

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You can always reintroduce a subtle

bins to corral the remaining toys,

wooden toy, a beautiful vintage

pop of colour through a textured

shoes, and clothes. When storage

picture book, or a cute plush bear

throw rug at the end of the bed or a

looks organised and intentional,

neatly on a shelf or bedside table.

couple of stylish scatter cushions.

buyers feel reassured that the

3. SHOWCASE SMART STORAGE Ample storage is a massive selling point for any home, especially for buyers with growing families.

Potential buyers will open the built-in wardrobes, so quickly stuffing all the clutter behind closed doors just before the inspection will not work.

Aim to leave the wardrobe about a third empty. This psychological trick signals to buyers that the home has more than enough storage space to meet their needs. Invest in a few matching, stylish baskets or woven

home is easy to manage.

• Bring in nature: A small, easyto-care-for potted plant (real or

4. ADD ASPIRATIONAL TOUCHES Once the room is clean, neutral, and

high-quality faux) breathes life and a sense of freshness into the room.

organised, it is time to inject a little

THE BOTTOM LINE

bit of charm back into the space.

Styling a children’s room for an

You do not want the room to feel

open home takes a bit of effort,

sterile; you want it to feel inviting,

but the payoff is immense. By

warm, and aspirational.

decluttering, neutralising, and

• Lighting is key: Open the blinds

organising the space, you allow

or curtains wide to let in as much

potential buyers to stop seeing your

natural Australian sunshine as

family's mess and start imagining

possible. Add a warm lamp to

their own family's future in your

the bedside table to create a

home. With a clean, bright, and

cosy atmosphere.

inviting space, you will be one step

• Style a vignette: Place a classic C21 MARKET PULSE

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closer to that "Sold" sign.

COMPANY NEWS

CENTURY 21 EXPANDS NORTH SHORE FOOTPRINT AS TOP-PERFORMING TEAM RETURNS 'HOME' Century 21 is proud to announce the opening of their newest office, Century 21 North Group in Killara, NSW.

possess profound local market

makes them a formidable presence

knowledge and maintain deep

in the market. It is always a

connections with the community.

proud moment when top-tier

Our first-hand understanding of

professionals choose to return

the area, combined with strong

'home' to Century 21, and we look

relationships built over many years,

forward to supporting C21 North

allows us to provide insightful advice

Group as they deliver exceptional

and exceptional service to their

results for their clients in Killara,

clients," continued Claire Yan Liu.

Gordon, and Lindfield."

professionals at Century 21 North

Commenting on her decision to

"We encourage locals to come

Group will service clients in Killara,

transfer to the Century 21 network,

down to our new office at shop

Gordon, and Lindfield.

Claire Yan Liu said: "Rejoining the

8/651 Pacific Highway Killara for a

brand Century 21 to us feels like

hassle-free discussion about their

after a long trip we finally come

property needs," concluded Claire

back home. Within a relatively

Yan Liu.

Led by Principal Claire Yan Liu, who has over seven years’ real estate experience, the dedicated team of

"Through this new brand, we aspire to create a strong, collaborative real estate platform where experienced agents work together to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. Our goal is to build a respected brand that stands for integrity, expertise, and long-term success in the North Shore property market," said Principal of Century 21 North Group, Claire Yan Liu. In opening her own Century 21 office in Killara, Claire Yan Liu looks forward to working closely with prospective purchasers and sellers to help them develop strategies that will enable them to achieve their residential and/or commercial property goals, regardless of market conditions.

short period of three months, our team successfully completed the transition from the previous agency to establish our own start-up agency, and subsequently joined the Century 21 network. We are now well positioned under the Century 21 brand to further grow our presence and deliver exceptional service to our clients."

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Claire and her outstanding team back to the Century 21 family," said Charles Tarbey, Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia.

"Their deep-rooted connection to the North Shore community,

"Living within Sydney's North Shore

combined with their decades of

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