Storms, rates and the luxury market

“Inflation persistence” isn’t the phrase mortgage holders want to hear heading into Christmas, as it signals a potential upswing in rates. UBS economists believe inflation is likely to remain above 3% through 2026, prompting an RBA rate-hike response late next year, with a follow-up expected in 2027.

Yet the luxury market remains not only resilient but almost immune to rate movements, with tight stock levels and competitive cash buyers driving a record volume of sales above $4 million across Brisbane. Our final auction event for the year, at The Calile Hotel on December 13, will see over 25 properties go under the hammer, including six lxuury homes. Given our 90% auction clearance rate over the past two years, I expect all six properties to sell. We’d love to see you there, with the first auction starting at 9am.

Before I sign off this week, I want to acknowledge something close to home. I’m a big believer in honest conversations, which is why this week’s Movember men’s mental health lunch within our Ray White Collective group is one of my favourite annual events. Hosted by RWC team member John Flahey and held at the Queensland Cricketers’ Club, this lunch is all about checking in on our mates, swapping stories, and sharing a few laughs.

There are plenty of impressive moustaches around the office, but Movember is far more than a mo. Its mission is to support men’s mental health, prevent suicide, and drive breakthroughs in prostate and testicular cancer treatments. For all the dads, brothers, sons, and mates in our lives, this is our moment to make a difference. If you’d like to donate a few dollars to a worthy initiative, please click here.

I hope you enjoy the read.

Matt Lancashire