Tassie Market Watch- January 2026

by James Marten

Momentum Uptick in Hobart Real Estate

The selling season momentum continued in the last months of 2025. National Australia Bank (NAB) reported that Hobart’s housing market maintained steady growth in November, with both houses and units recording price increases. House values rose 0.9% over the month, lifting quarterly growth to 1.9% and annual growth to 4.6%, bringing the median price to $749,079. Units outperformed houses, growing 2.6% in November and 4.7% over the quarter, with annual growth at 5.0% and a median value of $567,828. This continued upswing highlights the resilience of Hobart’s market despite broader economic headwinds, with unit performance suggesting strong demand from downsizers and investors seeking more affordable entry points.

Extra funds on offer

The expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme from 1 October 2025 has provided extra support for eligible buyers by reducing the deposit requirements and helping more people enter the market. Since the end of September, Hobart has seen value growth across all price points, with the lower quartile leading the way, up 3.5%. The middle quartile rose 2.4%, while the upper quartile recorded a more modest 1.7% increase. This trend reflects the stronger demand for affordable properties, driven by government incentives and ongoing affordability pressures.

How about the rentals?

According to NAB, Hobart’s rental market remains one of the strongest in the country, with house rents up 6.2% over the past year and unit rents surging 8.8%. This growth ranks as the second highest among all capital cities, highlighting persistent demand and limited supply. Investors are also benefiting from attractive returns, with gross rental yields sitting at 4.3%, well above the national average of 3.6% and the combined capitals average of 3.4%. These conditions reinforce Hobart’s appeal as a high-yield market, particularly for those seeking strong rental performance alongside steady capital growth.

PROPERTY LENS

4 Swift Avenue, Latrobe

Indicative price: Offers over $1,350,000

Agent: Tim Bonnefin, 4front Real Estate Ulverstone

27 Hiller Street, Devonport

Indicative price: Expressions of interest

Agent: Piper Sanders, Harrison Agents Launceston

172 Port Road, Boat Harbour

Indicative price: Offers over $1,600,000

Agent: Sonya Baker, Sonya Baker Property Wynyard

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!