Tassie Market Watch - October 2026 - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

Tassie Market Watch – October 2026

by Stephanie Williams

NEW SOCIAL HOUSING FOR BERRIEDALE

Fifteen new two-bedroom social housing homes have been completed in Berriedale, replacing two ageing blocks of units and transforming the site into a modern medium-density community. Delivering medium-density developments is part of a push to ease housing pressures in areas of high demand, without the need to expand Tasmania’s urban footprint.

The 15 homes were built to the Silver level of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, while the bathrooms meet the Gold standard, ensuring the homes provide greater flexibility and adaptability for residents as their needs change.

The development was supported by $7.2 million from the Australian Government through the Social Housing Accelerator Payment program (SHAP), alongside a $2.3 million contribution plus land from the Tasmanian Government. The project is one of seven Tasmanian developments receiving a combined $50 million through SHAP, supporting the delivery of 128 social and affordable homes across the State. The project was delivered by Fairbrother Construction, with the design developed by Preston Lane Architects.

GRAND DESIGNS X OPEN HOUSE HOBART

Get the good china out, friends. Grand Design’s Kevin McCloud is popping in for Open House Hobart this year, being interviewed by Tim Ross, no less. It’s on 6 November at the Hobart College Theatre. There’s a whole program to explore so head to www.openhousehobart.org to explore the full program and plot out your weekend of exploring secret places.

TASSIE HOUSE PRICE CHANGES MODEST

According to Mortgage Choice, who track the changes in home values across Tasmania, Hobart home prices dipped 0.2% in August, matching the modest monthly falls seen in Melbourne and Perth. Over the year, values increased 6.7%, with prices sitting just 0.5% below their peak. The median value in Hobart is now $729,000. Tight supply conditions continue to offset the impact of reduced buyer borrowing capacities across the city. In regional Tasmania, prices rose 0.1% over the month. Over the year, values increased 12.1%, bringing the regional median to a new peak of $594,000.

PROPERTY LENS

258 Westbury Road, Prospect

Indicative price: Offers over $779,000

Agent: Carla Egger, The Agency

15 Matelle Court, West Ulverstone

Indicative price: Offers over $695,000

Agent: Jodi Tunn, Harcourts Ulverstone

115 Best Street, Devonport

Indicative price: Offers over $739,000

Agent: Annouka Barr, McGrath Devonport

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Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits And Pieces – July 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!