The latest Property Market Update has shown a trend across New South Wales away from apartments with unit sales down 13 per cent from October to December 2025. Data released by prop-tech firm InfoTrack shows buyers preferring houses and the demand for vacant land continuing to grow. The trend has helped push Dubbo into the top location in New South Wales for first home buyers.
InfoTrack’s Chief Operating Officer, Lee Bailie said the drop in unit sales shows buyers are reassessing apartment living.
“Many buyers are prioritising space and longer-term value, which is influencing both the type of property they buy and where they choose to live,” Mr Bailie said.
Dubbo reflects the broader trend with buyers seeking extra space and more affordable housing options.
“Topping the first home buyer list shows just how attractive Dubbo has become for buyers entering the market,” Mr Bailie said. “Locations like Dubbo offer a combination of affordable houses, units, and available land. That mix is becoming increasingly attractive as buyers seek alternatives to higher-priced units in inner-city areas.”
Over the same period, houses strengthened their position as the most popular property type in overall sales, rising from 54.29 per cent to 64.48 per cent.
“Dubbo presents extremely affordable housing options, with median prices of $630,000 for houses and $455,000 for units,” said Mr Bailie. “This affordability might not last long, with prices rising by an average of 2.3 per cent from October to December as more buyers flock to the area.
Despite units still dominating first home buyer purchases, houses are steadily gaining momentum, now accounting for 22.58 per cent of activity, suggesting buyers are considering space and long-term value when choosing where to buy.
“The combination of affordability, available land and employment opportunities is drawing first home buyers to regional cities like Dubbo,” Mr Bailie said. “The latest data shows a market adjusting to price pressures,” he added. “Buyers are broadening both where they buy and what they buy, with houses and land firmly back in focus across New South Wales and regional hotspots like Dubbo leading the way.”
