Domain’s June Quarter 2026 Rent Report shows median house rents reaching all-time highs in every capital city, with Sydney’s jumping 6.3% to $850—a $50 quarterly rise and the strongest in four years.
Nationally, capital city rents climbed 2.9% to $700 quarterly, driven by vacancy rates around 0.7% and high net overseas migration outpacing new home builds.
Politicians like Greens Senators David Shoebridge and Barbara Pocock call for rent freezes and more public housing, while critics including economists warn that such steps could shrink supply further, urging zoning reforms and faster construction instead.