Tassie Market Watch- March 2026

by Stephanie Williams

FOR LEASE: MYER LAUNCESTON

Is there a change afoot in Launceston’s CBD? The iconic Myer Building is currently on the leasing market through Colliers and Elders Commercial, with the national retailer being a tenant of the building since 1966.

INTEREST RATES: STEADY AS SHE GOESTasmanian property buyers got a mild shock in February when the RBA lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%, partially unwinding the three cuts delivered through 2025 that had helped the market. The good news is that most major banks are forecasting the rate to hold steady for the rest of 2026, suggesting the worst of the uncertainty is behind us. For buyers, the message is straightforward: budget carefully, borrow sensibly.

TOUGH TIMES FOR TENANTS

If you’re renting, or looking for a rental, in Hobart right now, you might already know the score – and it isn’t pretty. The city’s rental vacancy rate sits at around 0.4%, the lowest in the country, meaning that for every available property there are dozens of applicants. Rents have climbed over the past two years, with the average weekly rent for a house in greater Hobart now nudging $550, putting pressure on lower and middle income households. The causes are familiar: insufficient new housing supply, increasing interstate migration, the ongoing conversion of long-term rentals into short-stay accommodation, and a construction sector struggling with costs and labour shortages. The state government has flagged social housing investment as a priority, but with the IMF raising eyebrows about Tasmania’s budget position, the question of where the money comes is to be answered. The silver lining for some though is that for landlords, the numbers look compelling – yields are strong and demand shows no sign of easing.

PROPERTY LENS

7 Wrenswood Drive, Quoiba

Indicative price: Offers over $749,000

Agent: Anouka Barr, McGrath Devonport

25 Hammond Street, Falmouth

Indicative price: Expressions of interest

Agent: Tom Harrison, Harrison Agents Launceston

374 Nowhere Else Road, Nowhere Else

Indicative price: $1,299,000

Agent: Corinne Nicholson, Roberts Real Estate Nicholson

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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!