Elders forecasts moderating Australian house price growth

Agribusiness and property giant Elders (ASX:ELD) has signaled that while the Australian residential property market remains on an upward trajectory, the rapid price surges of recent years are expected to cool.

Speaking at the company's investor day, Tom Russo, CEO of Elders Real Estate, stated that the firm’s base case for 2026 assumes "moderating but positive" price growth.

Russo highlighted that while housing affordability strains and ongoing interest rate uncertainty act as headwinds, the market continues to be underpinned by a persistent housing shortage and aggressive first-home buyer incentives provided under various government schemes.

The forecast comes as Elders, which commands a 1.7% share of national property sales, navigates a significant period of corporate expansion.

The group recently finalised the $475 million acquisition of Delta Agribusiness, solidifying its position as the nation's second-largest supplier of farm and crop protection products.

Although the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission mandated the divestment of six outlets to clear the deal, Elders is proceeding with a strategy to run Delta as a standalone unit.