Rates Rise Again, Defence Land Sells & Markets Split | Axon Morning Brief: February 2026

Brisbane and Melbourne are moving in different directions — and the gap between them is growing. In the February 2026 Axon Morning Brief, Robbie and Ryan break down what’s really happening across the Australian property market, interest rates, and Defence borrowing — and why strategy matters more than headlines right now. With the Reserve Bank shifting direction, Defence land being released, and confidence being tested across key markets, this episode cuts through the noise to explain what these changes actually mean for ADF members, veterans, and Defence families looking to build wealth through property. In this episode, we cover: The latest RBA interest rate movements and what they mean for borrowing power Why Brisbane property continues to show strength while Melbourne shifts What the market split means for investors and home buyers in 2026 How Defence land sales could impact supply and future development The difference between borrowing capacity on paper vs real-world cash flow Why long-term strategy matters more than short-term market sentiment Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning out of Defence, or supporting a Defence partner, this Morning Brief will help you understand where the market is heading and how to think clearly about your next move. 👉 Access your free ADF Property Training: https://axonproperty.com.au/adf-members/ Learn how ADF members use DHOAS, HPAS, RA, and the 7 Ingredients of a Healthy Property Market to make smarter property decisions. 🔔 Subscribe for monthly Axon Morning Briefs, Defence-focused property insights, and real stories from ADF families building long-term wealth. 00:00 - Cold Open "Seeing Double" 00:28 - Welcome Back to 2026: New Year Recap 01:15 - The Purpose of the Morning Brief 02:40 - New Video Styles & "6 Things to do in 2026" 04:08 - Construction Update: Weather Events & Site Safety 04:50 - Reality Check: Crime Rates vs. Capital Growth 07:00 - Consumer Confidence: The "8th Ingredient" 08:16 - Axon HQ Team Updates & New Faces 12:20 - Performance Metrics: Current Build Timeframes 13:10 - Rental Market: How long to find a tenant? 14:50 - Builder Stability & Industry Viability 16:01 - Interest Rate Trends & The End of the Easing Cycle 18:50 - How Rate Changes Impact Your Borrowing Power 21:10 - Rent-vesting vs. Buying: The True Cost of Your Own Home 25:14 - Defence Land Sales & The Land Activation Program 28:00 - KPMG Forecasts: Brisbane vs. Melbourne Growth 34:50 - 2026 Client Meet-ups: Sydney, Canberra, & Melbourne 36:30 - Success Story: A 2018 Client's Journey to a Dream Home 39:10 - Final Thoughts & 2026 Outlook