New data shows the share of profit-making house resales has edged lower, even as median gains rise
Australia's streak of rising property resale profitability is showing early signs of losing ground, according to Domain's latest Profit and Loss Report.
In the first half of 2026, 97.4% of house resales generated a profit, down marginally from 97.5% in the second half of 2025. While the decline is modest, it marks the first indication that the prolonged run of resale gains may be plateauing.
Median resale profits nonetheless reached record levels, rising to $458,000 for houses and $237,000 for units nationally. Across the capital cities, the median house profit climbed to $558,000.
Sydney recorded the largest absolute gains, with the median house seller netting $739,500. However, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide are emerging as the most consistently profitable markets for sellers. Perth led on volume, with 99.6% of house resales returning a profit, while Brisbane topped the unit market at 99.5%.
Melbourne remained the weakest capital city for unit resales. More than one in four or 27% of unit sellers sold below their purchase price. The city also recorded one of the highest rates of loss-making house sales, alongside Canberra.
Resale median profit and loss
Source: Domain Profit and Loss Report, H1 2026
"This is the first sign that Australia's long run of property profits is starting to ease, but it's far from a collapse in seller fortunes," said Nicola Powell (pictured right), chief residential economist at Domain.
"Most homeowners are still making substantial gains, even as softer market conditions begin to affect resale outcomes. The divide is most evident in the unit market. More than one in four Melbourne unit sellers are now selling at a loss, while almost every Brisbane unit seller is making a profit. Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide continue to deliver strong results for sellers, while Melbourne and Canberra are showing the clearest signs of weaker market conditions.
"Even so, it's important to keep these results in perspective. Most sellers are still making significant gains, with record median profits highlighting the strength of the wealth accumulated over recent years."
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
