ACT Property Confidence Improves but Remains Below Neutral
ACT property industry confidence has improved this quarter, but remains below neutral as economic uncertainty, elevated interest rate expectations and tighter finance conditions continue to weigh on the market.
The latest Procore/Property Council Industry Sentiment Survey shows ACT confidence rising to 85 index points, up from 80 last quarter, while still below the neutral benchmark of 100 and below the national result of 92.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the ACT result shows cautious improvement, but not a recovery.
“ACT confidence has improved modestly this quarter, which is welcome, but it remains below neutral and below the national index. That tells us the market is still under pressure,” Ms Berry said.
“This survey was conducted between 1 and 17 June, with the ACT Budget occurring while the survey was open, so it captures industry sentiment during a live Budget period and at a time when businesses were assessing the Territory’s policy and investment settings.”
The June 2026 survey for the ACT shows:
- Confidence increased from 80 to 85 index points but remains below neutral.
- Staffing expectations increased, with the ACT and Queensland the only markets to record an uplift.
- Forward work schedule expectations improved, with the ACT the only market to record an increase over the quarter.
- National and ACT economic growth expectations remain negative, reflecting continued caution about the broader outlook.
- Interest rate expectations remain elevated, with all markets expecting interest rates to rise over the next 12 months.
- Debt finance availability expectations remain negative, continuing to constrain delivery and investment decisions.
Capital growth expectations remain mixed but fragile. House price growth expectations declined across all markets, while the ACT was one of only two jurisdictions to record an increase in industrial capital growth expectations.
However, office capital growth expectations remain negative nationally outside Queensland, and hotel capital growth expectations are positive only in Queensland and Western Australia.
Ms Berry said the ACT numbers show a market looking for stability.
“There are some constructive signs in the ACT data, particularly around staffing and forward work, but confidence remains below neutral and businesses are still facing difficult delivery conditions,” she said.
“What the industry needs now is certainty, regular communication and a willingness to keep policy settings under review as circumstances change.”
Ms Berry said the Property Council valued its ongoing engagement with the ACT Government.
“We appreciate the regular and constructive engagement we have with the ACT Government, and that dialogue will be especially important during the period following the Budget,” she said.
“The most important thing now is to keep exploring every option to support viability, avoid closing doors too early, and make sure policy settings remain responsive to the conditions businesses are facing on the ground.
“If confidence is to keep improving, the ACT needs settings that support investment, reduce unnecessary cost pressures and help projects move from planning to delivery,” Ms Berry said.
