On Wednesday 23 September 2026, TOOP+TOOP hosted the second Adelaide Hills Property Night at The Stirling Hotel, bringing together Hills homeowners, buyers, investors and members of the local community for an evening of insight, discussion and connection.

Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s conversation explored the forces shaping the Adelaide Hills property market, from buyer demand and changing tax settings to housing supply, infrastructure and the future needs of the region.

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate TOOP+TOOP’s new Adelaide Hills office at 50 Mount Barker Road, Stirling, and welcome Phil Crowder alongside our established Hills team.

A Market With Its Own Rhythm

Bronte Manuel, Director of TOOP+TOOP, opened the evening with a broader perspective on the Adelaide market and the factors continuing to support the Hills.

While the wider Adelaide market is entering a more measured stage of its cycle, the Hills continues to benefit from a combination of lifestyle, space, community, schools and proximity to the city. The rise of flexible working has also changed how buyers view distance, making the Hills a more practical choice for those who may previously have considered it too far from Adelaide.

The conversation acknowledged that the market is no longer moving at the same pace as it was in recent years. Buyers are taking more time, finance approvals can be slower and competition is more selective. However, demand remains genuine, particularly for well-positioned homes offering the qualities buyers cannot easily replicate elsewhere.

What The Data is Telling Us

Alysha Brunoli, Key Account Manager at Domain, shared an overview of buyer behaviour across the Hills and how it has changed over the past year.

The headline was clear: buyer searches across the Hills have increased by 45%, while the number of homes listed for sale has increased by only 4%. Views of rental listings have also risen by more than 28% compared with the previous year. While much of that interest comes from within South Australia, Victoria represented close to 9% of enquiries, while New South Wales contributed around 6.5%, confirming that the Adelaide Hills is also attracting meaningful interstate attention.

Alysha explored the features buyers are prioritising, including space, views, pools, additional accommodation, sheds, studios and character. These preferences reflect the broader appeal of the region and the way people want to live in the Hills, with room for family, work, hobbies and a stronger connection to the outdoors.

The discussion also highlighted the continued importance of local schools and the different types of buyer being drawn to the region. Some are long-term Hills residents looking for their next home, while others are making the move from metropolitan Adelaide or interstate.

Navigating a Changing Financial Landscape

Tax and finance were central to the evening, with Ross Sicuro, Director at Moore Australia SA/NT, explaining the recent changes affecting property owners and investors.

Ross discussed the implications of the updated capital gains tax and negative gearing settings, as well as the importance of understanding how the rules may apply differently depending on when a property was purchased and how it is used.

The conversation also touched on subdivision, the family home exemption, acreage properties and the changing role of self-managed super funds in residential property investment.

Rather than focusing solely on the tax benefit of owning property, the discussion encouraged homeowners and investors to consider the broader fundamentals of an asset, including location, scarcity, quality and long-term demand.

Finance was considered in a similar context. With lending conditions changing, the structure of a loan can be just as important as the interest rate itself. Reviewing existing arrangements, understanding offset accounts and comparing options across lenders may all form part of a more considered approach to property ownership.

Planning for the Future of the Hills

Josh Teague MP, Member for Heysen, spoke about planning, housing and infrastructure across the Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker council areas.

A key focus was the challenge of providing more housing while preserving the character and landscape that make the Hills so desirable.

The discussion considered the shortage of smaller, low-maintenance homes for long-term residents who want to remain in the area as their circumstances change. It also explored the growing opportunities for second homes, granny flats and multigenerational living on existing properties.

For some families, these options may provide a way to keep parents close, support adult children or remain on a much-loved property without taking on the maintenance of a large family home.

Subdivision and infill development were also discussed, along with the importance of ensuring future housing responds to the needs of the people who already live in the region, as well as those hoping to move there.

The message was clear: the future of the Hills will require thoughtful growth, with housing that accommodates different stages of life while remaining sympathetic to the area’s character.

Infrastructure, Connection and Community

Roads, transport and infrastructure remain an important part of the Hills property conversation.

Josh spoke about the daily realities of freeway congestion, freight movements and the need to improve connections between the Hills and Adelaide. The discussion also considered the role of public transport, future road improvements and the potential impact of continued growth in Mount Barker and surrounding communities.

Closer to home, there was a sense of optimism about Stirling’s next chapter, with the rebuild of the Woolworths site well under way following the 2023 fire.

These conversations are about more than convenience. Infrastructure influences where people choose to live, how communities grow and the long-term confidence people have in an area.

A Local Perspective on the Market

James Lindsay, Sales Partner at TOOP+TOOP, hosted the panel and shared his perspective on what is happening across the Hills market.

The current environment was described as calmer and more considered, rather than weak. Buyers may be taking longer to make decisions, but those attending inspections are generally serious and engaged.

For sellers, the discussion reinforced the importance of preparation, presentation and timing. In a more selective market, buyers are paying close attention to the condition of a home, its setting and the lifestyle it offers.

Simple improvements to gardens, outdoor areas and overall presentation can often have more impact than expensive upgrades that buyers may not value. Seeking advice before committing to substantial work can help homeowners understand where effort is most likely to translate into appeal.

A Night of Insight, Conversation and Community

More than anything, Adelaide Hills Property Night was a reminder that property in the Hills is about much more than prices and market cycles. It is about how people want to live, how communities evolve and how the region can grow without losing the qualities that make it so special.

Across the conversations, several themes emerged:

• The Hills continues to attract strong interest from local and interstate buyers.

• The market has become more considered, making preparation, presentation and sound advice increasingly important.

• Changing tax and lending settings will require homeowners and investors to understand their individual position.

• Future housing will need to cater for down-sizers, young families and multigenerational households.

• Thoughtful planning and infrastructure will play an important role in the region’s next chapter.

• The enduring appeal of the Hills lies in its lifestyle, landscape, community and sense of place.

Our sincere thanks to Alysha Brunoli, Josh Teague MP and Ross Sicuro for sharing their expertise.

To everyone who attended, asked questions and contributed to the conversation, thank you. The engagement throughout the night reflected the depth of interest in the future of the Adelaide Hills and the many decisions facing those who live, invest and plan to stay here.

With our Stirling office now open at 50 Mount Barker Road, TOOP+TOOP is proud to have a more permanent presence in the Hills. It brings together local knowledge, established relationships and the strength of our wider network, all under one roof.

We hope to see you for our next annual Adelaide Hills Property Night in 2027!