Cotality’s national home value index rose 0.3% in April, the slowest pace of growth since January 2025, just ahead of last year’s rate-cutting cycle. The national result was dragged lower by Sydney and Melbourne, where values fell 0.6% over the month. Sydney home values are now 1.0% below their November peak, while Melbourne values are…
Capital city home prices have continued to rise over April despite higher interest rates and the continued uncertainty over the outlook for inflation and the global economy. Growth rates however have eased, reflecting also the usual subduing effect of the lengthy April holiday month The national capital city median house price increased marginally by 0.3%…
The latest inflation figures are a timely reminder that while the headline numbers grab attention, it’s what’s driving them beneath the surface that really matters for interest rates, household budgets, and ultimately property markets. According to the latest data, headline inflation jumped to an annual rate of 4.6% in March, up from 3.7%. ABS CPI…
Over the years, I’ve often said that when housing affordability deteriorates, Australians don’t just complain, they adapt. What we’re seeing now is another example of that adaptability, although this time it’s being driven less by choice and more by necessity. The traditional idea of moving out, gaining independence, and progressing through predictable housing stages is…
There’s a pattern I’ve noticed over many property cycles. When the data starts to turn, the narrative usually lags behind. And that’s exactly where we find ourselves today. The latest housing and economic figures suggest the Australian property market is entering its next phase, yet much of the public commentary is still anchored in fears…
2026 is shaping up to be another year of solid, though uneven, growth. At its first meeting for 2026, the Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 3.85%, up from 3.6%, exactly as most economists expected. That move officially ends the shortest and most modest rate-cutting cycle since the RBA began inflation targeting back in…
Capital city auction clearance rates were generally higher over the past week with listing numbers low due to the distractions of ANZAC week. Weekly Auction Results to Saturday, April 25th 2026 Capital City This Week Last Week Same Week Last Year Auctions Rate Auctions Rate Auctions Rate Sydney 393 62.3% 1171 63.7% 368 73.6% Melbourne…
Tight rental markets don’t automatically mean rising rents forever – and that’s exactly what we’re seeing play out right now across Australia. The Domain Rental Report – March 2026 shows national vacancy rates have fallen to a record low of 0.7%, yet rent growth has stalled in several cities. The reason comes down to one…
A single street tree can potentially increase an average Sydney house price by A$30,000, our new research shows. This echoes past research showing street trees not only help boost property prices, but offer other benefits, from improved scenery and privacy to increased shade. But there’s a catch. Our analysis, published in the international Cities journal,…
Our housing markets are fragmenting. New analysis from Cotality shows that since October last year, properties with an estimated value below the 5% deposit guarantee scheme price caps have recorded stronger growth than higher priced homes. Over the first six months of the expanded scheme, homes with a value under the price caps have increased…
