Get Sold this Summer: Why the Adelaide Property Market isn’t Slowing Down and What to Expect in 2026
As we head into the final stretch of 2025, the Adelaide property market is sitting on solid ground and the outlook for 2026 is encouraging. Sellers have come out on top this spring, benefiting from continued value growth, lean housing supply and consistently strong buyer demand across Greater Adelaide. Homes are selling quickly, competition is high and Adelaide remains one of Australia’s most resilient markets as we approach the end of the year.
The good news? This energy isn’t slowing down as we head into summer!
Below, we take a look at how the market is performing, what the new 5% Deposit Scheme means for Adelaide buyers, why summer still presents a prime selling window and what we can expect in 2026.
A strong Spring market sets the tone
Spring remains Adelaide’s peak selling season and 2025 has been no exception. Low stock levels through winter created pent-up demand and we’ve continued to see motivated buyers attending open homes in large numbers.
Key trends this spring included:
Shorter days on market
Strong competition across popular suburbs, especially for family homes
Steady price growth supported by interstate and local demand
More first-home buyers re-entering the market, especially in the under-$850k segment
This strong seasonal performance sets a solid foundation as we move into summer — a season that many sellers underestimate.
The new 5% Deposit Scheme is opening doors for more buyers
One of the biggest market shifts this spring has been the impact of the expanded Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, which came into effect on 1 October.
The scheme has triggered a surge in first-home-buyer activity and added demand to the lower and middle price points. We’ve also seen increased competition at auctions, particularly for updated townhouses, units and low-maintenance courtyard homes.
The ability for buyers to enter the market with a 5% deposit (without paying LMI) has clearly unlocked participation from buyers who were previously sitting out — which is now contributing to the tight conditions we’re seeing across Adelaide. For sellers, this means the buyer pool remains active and diverse, helping maintain competition across Adelaide’s affordable and mid-range price brackets — even as the year comes to a close.
Why Summer is a great time to sell
If you’re considering selling soon and are worried you’ve missed the Spring market, rest assured that the strong momentum from Spring will carry through into Summer. In fact, Summer remains one of the most underrated yet effective times to sell.
Buyer activity stays high, particularly from those looking to settle early in the new year. Families on holidays often have more time to explore properties at their leisure, while buyers targeting popular school zones are looking early for addresses in time for the new school year. Gardens are flowering and the days are warm and sunny — making homes look inviting and encouraging buyers to attend open inspections. Coastal homes shine during Summer holidays and properties with pools or well-placed outdoor entertaining areas allow buyers to easily imagine themselves enjoying the season.
By booking a property appraisal now, preparing your home over December and launching your listing fresh in early January, you can take advantage of this active market period — an approach that consistently delivers excellent outcomes for Adelaide homeowners.
Market conditions heading into 2026
As we look toward 2026, our outlook for the Adelaide property market remains positive:
Tight supply, strong demand: Listing numbers remain constrained, putting upward pressure on prices. New listings across Adelaide are down ~8.2% compared to this time last year, while total listings are 12.2% lower year-on-year. With fewer properties to choose from, buyer competition remains intense.
Fast sales: Adelaide continues to be one of the fastest-moving markets in Australia: the median days on market is around 21 days, demonstrating how quickly well-priced properties are being snapped up.
Price momentum: Home values are still climbing. As of October 2025, Adelaide saw a +1.4% monthly gain, a +3.2% rise over the quarter, and +6.7% annual growth. Rental growth is also strong, with an annual growth rate of +5.8%.
Sustainable trajectory: With supply tight and demand remaining healthy, the conditions are set for continued price appreciation into early 2026 — unless listing activity picks up significantly.
Thinking of selling?
If you’re thinking about selling, now is the perfect time to discuss your options. At Key and Stone Property, we specialise in helping Adelaide homeowners achieve the best possible result, whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or investing. From understanding your property’s value to planning the perfect launch and showcasing your home at its best, we’re with you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team to book a complimentary property appraisal or market update.
Readers should seek independent legal advice tailored to their specific circumstances. Key and Stone Property Pty Ltd do not accept any liability for the accuracy or applicability of the information provided herein. This article is intended as a general guide only.