By Emily Bruce – Marketing Manager, MOVABLE

As we move into the final weeks of 2025, confidence is rebuilding across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie property markets. Interest rates remain stable, buyer sentiment is strengthening, and well-presented homes are achieving standout results across both residential and commercial sectors.

A Steady Hand from the RBA

The official cash rate set by Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) remains at 3.60%, after the RBA decided in its November meeting to leave rates unchanged. That pause comes amid renewed inflation pressures — a key reason the board opted not to cut further this year.

This rate stability is offering welcome certainty just as buyers and sellers plan their next moves. Many are adapting, investors are recalibrating, and motivated vendors are seeing the benefits of launching well-timed campaigns into a strengthening market.

In short: people are no longer sitting on their hands — they’re moving forward with purpose.

Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Outperforming National Trends

At a national level, latest data confirm housing markets are continuing to surge. According to recent home-price tracking, all-dwelling values across Australia rose by 0.51 per cent in November 2025, lifting annual growth to 8.7 per cent.

But what’s especially interesting is that regional markets — including Newcastle — are showing strong momentum, often outpacing big-city performance. For Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, the trend over 2025 has consistently been one of steady growth.

This resilience can be traced to a mix of factors: continued demand from sea-changers relocating from Sydney, locals looking to upgrade, and investors returning to a more certain interest-rate environment. Limited stock — especially in lifestyle-focused suburbs — has added upward pressure.

It’s this tight supply and strong demand dynamic that has underpinned a growing number of standout local results.

One such example: the record-breaking sale of a one-bedroom penthouse apartment at Waters Edge, Warners Bay by Jesse & Jason Maxwell — achieving the highest recorded sale price for a one-bedroom apartment in Lake Macquarie. Perched high above the lake with sweeping water views, premium finishes, and top-tier amenities, the apartment showcased everything buyers are prioritising right now: lifestyle, convenience, and long-term appeal.

A Festive-Season Surge in Confidence

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re seeing increased activity in the lead-up to Christmas — and the signs suggest this could be one of the stronger year-end selling windows we’ve had in some time. Listings are tightening again, and buyer interest appears genuine and purposeful.

Why? Because confidence is returning. Rates have steadied, inflation remains front of mind but manageable, and the national economic picture feels less volatile than earlier in the year. Many buyers and investors recognise the long-term value of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

For vendors, listing now taps into the classic “get it done before Christmas” urgency — which often triggers competitive buyer behaviour. For buyers, it may represent a final opportunity to secure a lifestyle or investment property before anticipated momentum ramps up again in early 2026.

Commercial & Industrial: Quiet, Consistent Strength

Behind the scenes, Newcastle’s commercial and industrial markets remain resilient. Owner-occupiers, trades, and logistics operators continue to move quickly on quality assets, particularly across Thornton, Beresfield, and the wider Maitland corridor.

Supply remains tight. Demand remains strong. Confidence among business owners and investors remains firmly intact. While high-volume headlines centre on residential growth, we’re quietly seeing stable leasing activity, renewed interest in warehouse and industrial assets, and long-term commitment from tenants and occupiers.

That underlying strength supports a diversified and sustainable property market — not just a residential bubble.

What It All Means for You

As 2025 draws to a close, our region continues to prove its strength:

• Steady, fundamentals-driven price growth

• A lifestyle that continues to attract long-term migration

• Strong commercial sectors supported by ongoing infrastructure investment

• Tight rental markets delivering attractive yields

• Standout sales results — including record-breaking achievements like our Warners Bay penthouse sale

Whether you’re planning to sell, buy, lease, or expand your investment portfolio, the weeks leading into the new year offer a powerful opportunity — before the 2026 market momentum begins to build.

At MOVABLE, we see it every day: people taking smart, confident steps forward. And we’re here to guide every move.

Because in property and in life, it’s always a good move.