Australia’s living sector tops investor preferences, Cushman & Wakefield says
CWK•More than half of diversified investors preferred Australian living assets over other property sectors in Cushman & Wakefield’s 2026 survey. Most investors expected rental growth of 3%–4% over the next year.
1. Investor preferences
Australia and New Zealand ranked as the preferred Asia-Pacific destination for living-sector investment, and 76% of investors targeted multiple subsectors. Development feasibility was the main investment barrier for 40% of respondents, while 28% cited planning approvals and complexity.
2. Opportunities and rents
Distressed opportunities and recapitalizations attracted interest from 88% of investors, while 80% sought development joint ventures. Most respondents expected rental growth of 3%–4% over the next year, with housing shortages posing upside risks to forecasts.
