Once considered a quiet achiever, Adelaide has become one of Australia’s strongest-performing capital city markets in recent years. Its relatively low entry prices, strong rental demand, and tight housing supply have all helped attract growing interest from investors across the country.

In this guide, we’ll take a look back at how Adelaide’s property market performed in 2025, what the latest forecasts suggest for 2026, and where some of the most promising opportunities lie.

From long-term growth to rental returns, we’ve picked out ten Adelaide suburbs that stand out for investors this year.

What did the Adelaide property market look like in 2025?

The Adelaide property market experienced robust growth in 2025, with dwelling values increasing by 6.7 per cent as of October 2025, according to Cotality data. This performance placed Adelaide among the stronger markets in Australia, outpacing many larger capitals. The national average for the same period was 6.1 per cent, indicating Adelaide's relative strength.

In terms of housing types, houses in Adelaide saw an annual growth rate of 6.3 per cent, with a median value of approximately $818,000 as of October 2025. Units performed slightly better, with an annual growth rate of 7.1 per cent and a median value of around $652,000. The quarterly growth figures showed consistent momentum, with both houses and units maintaining steady increases throughout the year.

Sales volumes in Adelaide remained stable compared to the previous year, but the market was characterised by a significant shortage of listings. New listings were consistently below historical averages, with house listings down by approximately 11.5 per cent and unit listings by 26 per cent compared to the previous year. This scarcity of supply led to fierce competition among buyers, reflected in high auction clearance rates of around 70-75 per cent.

The rental market in Adelaide was extremely tight in 2025, with vacancy rates hovering below 1 per cent. Median house rents increased by 3.9 per cent to approximately $460 per week, while unit rents rose by 4.1 per cent. Despite the plateau in rental growth, investor yields remained attractive at about 3.6 per cent, making Adelaide appealing for property investors.

Overall, Adelaide's strong performance was driven by first-home buyer incentives, limited supply, and interest rate cuts, which collectively pushed annual price growth into the mid-single digits.

Adelaide property market forecast and price predictions 2026

The national property market in 2026 is expected to see moderate growth, with interest rate cuts playing a significant role in boosting buyer confidence. Most major banks anticipate a steady rise in property values, although growth rates will vary across different regions. Adelaide, in particular, is projected to experience a more subdued increase compared to other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

In Adelaide, the consensus among Australia's big four banks is that house price growth will moderate to low single digits in 2026. Westpac forecasts a +6% rise in dwelling values, while NAB predicts a +4% increase. CBA is slightly more optimistic, suggesting a +5% growth, whereas ANZ is more cautious, expecting only flat-to-mid single-digit price rises. This suggests that while Adelaide will continue to see price increases, it may not keep pace with the national average.

Several factors are driving these predictions for the Adelaide property market. Interest rates are a pivotal driver — any further cuts would continue to increase borrowing capacity and, as a result, buyer demand. Adelaide faces an acute listings shortage, with the number of homes for sale still significantly below the long-term average. This supply-demand imbalance, coupled with ongoing population growth, is expected to maintain upward pressure on prices.

Investor sentiment in Adelaide is also on the rise, driven by solid rental yields and capital growth prospects. The market is seeing a structural shift, with a significant portion of purchases being made without new mortgages, thanks to cash buyers like retirees and parents assisting their children. This trend, along with government incentives for first home buyers, is expected to keep demand robust, even as affordability constraints begin to bite.

Overall, the Adelaide property market predictions for 2026 indicate continued growth, albeit at a more moderate pace than in previous years. The city's strong local fundamentals and competitive market conditions suggest that while the era of rapid growth may be over, Adelaide will still offer opportunities for investors.

What are the best suburbs to invest in Adelaide in 2026?

We've put together a list of ten of Adelaide's top investment suburbs for 2026 according to OpenAgent analysis of short-term and long-term growth patterns, listing activity, selling speed and rental yields. 

Fulham Gardens, SA 5024

Fulham Gardens stands out with a median house price of $1,275,000, experiencing a robust annual growth of +27.5 per cent. The five-year growth trend is even more impressive at +93.2 per cent, showing sustained demand and appreciation. With its close proximity to the beach and Adelaide CBD, Fulham Gardens offers a blend of lifestyle and convenience. It has a rental yield of 2.9 per cent, appealing more to investors focused on capital growth potential over immediate rental returns.

Glenelg North, SA 5045

Glenelg North, known for its vibrant community and beachside living, features a median unit price of $555,999.50 and an impressive 12-month growth of +28.8 per cent. Over the past five years, unit prices have surged by +73.7 per cent. The area is popular with both investors and families, offering a rental yield of 3.5 per cent. Its location next to the picturesque Glenelg Beach and easy tram access to Adelaide City centre make it a desirable investment choice.

Blair Athol, SA 5084

Blair Athol is a thriving suburb with a median house price of $918,000 and an annual growth rate of +24.5 per cent. The area has seen a five-year growth of +84.1 per cent, making it an attractive option for investors seeking long-term gains. Conveniently located close to public transport and major shopping hubs, it offers a rental yield of 4.7 per cent, attracting a mix of tenants including families and young professionals.

Hope Valley, SA 5090

Featuring a median house price of $825,000, Hope Valley has recorded a significant 12-month growth of +17.9 per cent. Its five-year growth is equally impressive at +96.4 per cent. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and greenery, this suburb also provides a respectable rental yield of 3.7 per cent. Proximity to the Modbury shopping precinct and good schooling options make Hope Valley a preferred choice among young families.

Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

With a median house price of $850,000, Mawson Lakes shows strong growth with a 12-month rate of +17.2 per cent. This suburb has a promising five-year growth of +95.0 per cent. It's a tech-savvy community, home to many educational institutions, and well-regarded for its transport links and sustainable living initiatives. Offering a rental yield of 4.3 per cent, it’s a compelling pick for investors focusing on both capital growth and rental income.

Burton, SA 5110

Burton is an affordable entry point into Adelaide’s booming housing market, with a median price of $675,000. The area saw an annual growth of +16.2 per cent, with an impressive five-year growth of +97.7 per cent. Featuring new estates and family-friendly amenities, Burton offers a decent rental yield of 4.4 per cent, attracting both homeowners and investors seeking gains from ongoing development and suburban appeal.

Warradale, SA 5046

Warradale’s median house price now stands at $1,085,500 with a remarkable annual growth of +22.5 per cent. Its five-year growth rate of +79.4 per cent underscores long-term demand. Close to both the beach and shopping centres, this suburb is highly sought after by families and professionals alike. With a rental yield of 3.7 per cent, Warradale remains a strong contender for investors seeking solid growth.

Gulfview Heights, SA 5096

With a median house price of $960,000, Gulfview Heights has experienced a 19.1 per cent growth over the past year. The five-year growth sits at +91.3 per cent, making it an attractive investment location. Offering a blend of suburban comfort with city access, and a rental yield of 3.5 per cent, it appeals to families looking for serene living with the perks of nearby urban conveniences.

Belair, SA 5052

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Belair boasts a median house price of $1,231,000. The suburb saw a strong annual growth of +21.9 per cent and five-year growth of +82.4 per cent, fueled by its natural beauty and community feel. Known for its lush greenery and national park, Belair is an ideal choice for those seeking tranquillity. Yet, its rental yield is more modest at 2.5 per cent.

Glengowrie, SA 5044

Glengowrie offers a compelling option with a median house price of $1,280,000 and annual growth of +19.6 per cent. It has achieved a five-year growth of +84.8 per cent and offers a rental yield of 2.7 per cent. Its prime location near beachside attractions and urban benefits enhances both its residential appeal and investment potential.

Disclaimer: Rankings use OpenAgent’s internal weighted scoring of price growth, days on market, listings and indicative yield. General information only—not financial advice; figures are estimates; past performance is not reliable. Always seek independent advice.