Australia’s five most powerful property people in 2026

by · Australian Financial Review

Nick LenaghanProperty editor
Sep 22, 2026 – 5.00am

Among the forces shaping the property sector over the past year, the most dramatic has been the housing downturn that has sent capital city prices tumbling. Some analysts expect a peak-to-trough correction of 10 per cent nationally, making it one of the most severe in the past 40 years. ANZ estimates that Sydney prices might fall by 14.5 per cent before the slump is done; Melbourne prices could fall by 12.8 per cent.

A cocktail of rising interest rates, mixed with Labor’s winding back of investor tax breaks, and cost-of-living concerns, has killed buyer demand. At the same time, the slowdown is stifling investment into new dwellings, worsening the national housing shortage. The most recent analysis by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council shows the federal government will miss its target of 1.2 million new homes set for mid-2029 by 18 months. This year’s list of the most powerful people in the property sector recognises those whose efforts are making a difference to addressing Australia’s almost intractable housing crisis.

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Nick LenaghanProperty editorNick Lenaghan edits the property section, which covers all aspects, from residential real estate and housing and construction to commercial property – office, retail, industrial – and major ASX-listed developers and real estate investment trusts. Connect with Nick on Twitter. Email Nick at nlenaghan@afr.com

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