Unit rents fall while house rents keep rising
SQM Research's September 2026 numbers, released on 13 October, show the rental market moving two ways at once: unit rents fell while house rents rose.
One month, two directions
Source: SQM Research via Property Investment Professionals.
| Houses | 1.6% |
| All homes | 0.3% |
| Units | -1.6% |
Over the year
Combined asking rent: $704.76 a week.
| Houses | 8.4% |
| All homes | 7.6% |
| Units | 6.3% |
Why units and houses can move differently
Units are usually cheaper to rent, so they feel affordability limits first. When renters' budgets are stretched, demand for higher-priced units softens. House rents also tend to get a seasonal lift in spring, which SQM says explains part of September's rise.
SQM's figures are asking rents, meaning what's advertised, so they react quickly to changes in the market.
Tips if you rent in a unit
- Compare similar rooms or units nearby before renewing.
- Ask about included bills and parking, which change the true cost.
- If you're happy where you are, a longer lease can lock in your rent.
Why it matters
SQM's Louis Christopher says part of the house rise is the usual spring lift, so units are the clearer signal. Unit rents fell in most major markets, which suggests pressure on tenants may be starting to ease.
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Figures are from the sources above at the time of writing. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.