05 February 2026
January opened with a steady return to routine on the Northern Beaches. Buyers were back from holidays, listings began to rebuild, and the market entered the new year with a more considered pace rather than urgency-driven momentum.
Across Sydney, the tone has shifted slightly following the Reserve Bank’s decision this week to lift the cash rate by 0.25 per cent, taking it from 3.6 per cent to 3.85 per cent. While it is still very early days, initial commentary suggests the impact is more about buyer mindset than market disruption.
What we’re seeing on the ground
Locally, early-year buyer engagement remains strong. Inspection numbers throughout January 2026 were consistently healthy and, in several weeks, higher than the same period last year. Buyers are active, attending opens and taking the time to assess value and suitability.
Active listings at Cunninghams began the year slightly below January 2025 levels before lifting steadily through the month, reaching the high 70s by early February. This has provided buyers with a little more choice, easing pressure without shifting the market into oversupply.
Days on market have edged up compared to January last year, which aligns with a more measured decision-making process. Homes are still selling, but buyers are more deliberate, particularly at higher price points.
Buyer engagement and Cunninghams activity
This level of buyer engagement is also reflected in our activity and performance across major property platforms.
Throughout January, Cunninghams recorded 12 sales, launching 51 new properties to market with a total sales value of $29.03 million and an average sale price of $2.42 million. This places us among the most active agencies on the Northern Beaches, achieved across just two local offices (soon to be three), highlighting both depth of demand and the effectiveness of our pricing and marketing strategies.
Buyer interaction with our listings remained strong, with more than 2,200 enquiries generated in January alone, alongside over 132,000 listing views and consistent engagement with floorplans, maps and inspections. This reinforces that buyers are not simply browsing, but actively engaging with homes that align with their expectations.
Sales outcomes remained solid, with properties selling at a median of 18 days on market, well ahead of broader market benchmarks, and at a median sale price of $2.24 million. In a market that is becoming more price sensitive, this again highlights the importance of accurate pricing, strong presentation and targeted buyer reach. Source: REA, Domain 2026.
Early indications from the rate rise
With the rate increase announced only this week, it is too soon to see any meaningful shift in buyer behaviour. Early indications suggest demand has not switched off, but urgency has softened slightly as buyers reassess budgets and borrowing capacity.
What we are seeing is a market becoming more considered rather than less active. Well-presented, well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest, while properties that fall outside buyer expectations are taking longer to transact.
Looking ahead
As 2026 unfolds, the Northern Beaches market is expected to move at a steadier, more balanced pace. Supply remains constrained, lifestyle demand continues to underpin values, and any impact from interest rate movements is likely to moderate price growth rather than reverse it.
For sellers, pricing and preparation will be key. For buyers, conditions are offering more breathing room than this time last year, without losing the competitive edge that defines the Northern Beaches market.
As always, understanding what is happening in your specific suburb and price bracket is essential. A current appraisal with a trusted local agent remains the best starting point, so simply click here and start the conversation.
