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Wagga Wagga: Australia's Hottest Property Market Right Now

Feb 19, 2026

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Australia’s regional property markets are officially outperforming the capitals.

According to new data from Cotality, regional property values jumped 3.2% over the three months to January, which is faster than the 2.1% growth seen across the combined capital cities.

Our local community of Wagga Wagga recorded an incredible 8.1% increase in dwelling values in just one quarter, making it Australia’s strongest individual market.

This isn’t a one-off spike, it’s part of a bigger trend boosted by both national shifts and Wagga’s own local strengths.

Why people are choosing regional living

Cotality’s February 2026 Regional Market Update highlights many reasons buyers are moving away from the cities:

  • high prices in capital cities make housing less affordable

  • more people are relocating for work or lifestyle reasons

  • popular regional towns have limited properties for sale

  • lifestyle benefits like more space, affordability, and community

With city homes still expensive and stock limited, regional areas like Wagga are becoming a smart choice for many buyers.

So why is Wagga Wagga doing so well?

Here’s a breakdown of why Wagga is outperforming other markets:

Reason 1: Low supply, high demand

*data from Cotality's Regional Market Update, February 2026

  • only 248 properties currently listed for sale

  • listings are 35.8% lower than a year ago

  • 25.6% below the five-year average

When fewer homes are available and buyers are keen, prices naturally rise, which explains Wagga’s 8.1% quarterly growth.

Reason 2: Homes are selling fast

*data from Cotality's Regional Market Update, February 2026

  • median time on market: 41 days

  • vendor discounting: 2.6-2.8%

Properties aren’t sitting around, and sellers don’t have to reduce prices to sell. Compare that to weaker NSW markets like Bowral-Mittagong, where homes can take around 70 days to sell.

Reason 3: A strong rental market

*data from Cotality's Regional Market Update, February 2026

  • median home value: $665,026

  • median rent: $541 per week

  • annual rental growth: 4.4%

  • five-year value growth: 74.4%

  • five-year rental growth: 40.1%

With steady tenants, solid rental yields, and strong long-term growth, Wagga is attracting many investors as well as homeowners.

Reason 4: Lifestyle and location benefits

Wagga is the Riverina’s main hub for work, education, health, and services. Add affordability, space, good schools, Charles Sturt University, and strong local infrastructure and it’s easy to see why people are moving into our community.

Reason 5: A high number of sales, across all price points

*data from Cotality's Regional Market Update, February 2026

  • 33.2% of sales: $600k-$800k
  • 29.9% of sales: $400k-$600k

  • sales above $1 million are also strong

This shows the market isn’t just about entry-level homes. Buyers at all levels are active. Wagga had 1,376 dwelling sales in November 2025, which was 21.8% higher than just one year ago, and 5.8% above the five-year average for the region.

The Bigger Picture

*data from Cotality's Regional Market Update, February 2026

  • WA led overall growth at 6.1%, but Wagga Wagga topped all individual regional markets

  • regional rents are rising faster than capital city rents

  • vacancy rates remain low

  • rental listings in Wagga are slightly up from last year but still below the five-year average

This tells us demand is strong and ongoing, not just a short-term increase.

What does this mean for you?

For sellers: with low stock and strong demand, now is a fantastic time to sell. Our local sales team know the Wagga market inside out and can help you achieve the best possible result for your property.

For buyers: prices are on the rise, but Wagga still offers excellent value compared with Sydney or Melbourne. On top of that, you get lifestyle benefits and solid long-term growth. If you’re looking to buy, let us know what you’re after and we can keep you in the loop about properties that match your needs.

For investors: tight rental supply, healthy yields, and strong five-year growth make Wagga one of the region’s most resilient markets. It’s a great time to invest, and our award-winning Property Investment Consultant, Gemma Aiken, together with our experienced property management team, can help you make the most of your investment.

Final Thoughts

At Fitzpatricks, we see it every day. The confidence is back, competition is heating up, and Wagga is really leading the way.
The regional property market is buzzing, and it’s an exciting time to be part of it.

Whether you’re curious about your home’s value, thinking about buying, selling, or leasing, just want some friendly advice or local knowledge with a personal touch, we’re always there.

Click here for a free property appraisal | Click here for a free rental appraisal

Source: Cotality Regional Market Update, February 2026.