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Quarterly property update – September 2026

September 7, 2026

Australia’s housing downturn broadens

Values soften as the downturn spreads

The latest quarter marks a clear shift from a concentrated correction to a broad-based decline in housing values.

Over the past three months national values fell 3.1%, with the combined capitals down 3.7% and regional values down 1.2%.

The downturn has also broadened significantly. 93% of capital-city suburbs recorded falling values through winter, more than double the 45.8% recorded through autumn. Every capital city except Darwin declined over the past three months with Sydney remaining the weakest major market.

Tim Lawless, Cotality’s Research Director, said the downturn is no longer confined to selected markets or higher-value properties, “What started as a more concentrated easing across higher-value segments has now become a much more generalised softening, with the vast majority of capital-city suburbs recording some level of decline.”

A narrowing two-speed market

Higher-value properties continue to record weaker conditions as borrowing costs and serviceability constraints limit purchasing capacity. However, the gap between higher- and lower-value housing has narrowed, with lower-quartile values now also falling as affordability pressures and weaker demand spread.

“Premium markets are still generally recording weaker conditions, but lower-priced housing is becoming less insulated as affordability pressures and softer demand weigh more evenly across the market,” Lawless said.

Government grants for first-home buyers should continue to support the affordable end of the market, although it is no longer insulated from broader weakness.

Regional markets remain more resilient

Regional markets continue to outperform the capitals, although the gap is narrowing. The combined regional index fell 0.4% in August and 1.2% over the quarter, compared with a 3.7% quarterly decline across the capitals.

Relative affordability and population growth continue to support many regional markets, although they are also moving into a softer phase.

Demand and selling conditions weaken

This weaker phase of the housing downturn has been largely driven by declining demand, with Cotality’s estimate of home sales tracking 15.5% lower than at the same time last year.

As housing demand weakened, properties are taking longer to sell and advertised supply is now tracking well above both one year-ago and five-year average levels across most capital cities, giving power to buyers in the spring property market.

Supply remains an important support

New housing supply also remains insufficient relative to underlying demand. Elevated construction costs, capacity constraints and feasibility challenges continue to limit housing completions.

Constrained supply should help limit the depth of the downturn, even as weaker demand weighs on established property values.

Interest rates, inflation and employment

Higher interest rates remain a significant headwind, with high mortgage costs, reduced borrowing capacity and cost-of-living pressures weighing on buyers. Higher-than-expected core inflation has also increased the risk of another rate rise, which would put further pressure on households.

Employment remains an important buffer. Low unemployment should help limit widespread arrears or distressed selling, although a softer labour market would further weaken housing demand.

Looking ahead

The next few months are likely to reveal continued downward pressure, although the scale of the correction will vary between markets.

According to Lawless, “The risk profile for housing has shifted more firmly to the downside. Even though values have already moved lower, the combination of sticky inflation, the prospect of higher rates and ongoing pressure on household budgets suggests demand is likely to remain subdued through spring.”

Low housing supply, relatively low unemployment and first-home-buyer support provide some underlying support. However, falling values, weaker sales, rising stock and softer selling conditions indicate the market has moved decisively into a buyer-favoured phase.

Dwelling values over the quarter

Melbourne

The Victorian capital decreased by 3.9% over the quarter, taking the city’s median dwelling value to $786,718. Melbourne values are now 4.7% lower than a year ago and 6.8% below the March 2022 peak. The gross rental yield is currently 4.0% in August.

Sydney

Sydney recorded the strongest decline with 4.7% decline over the quarter, resulting in a median dwelling value of $1,222,718. Values are now 4.6% lower than a year ago and 7.1% below the February 2026 peak. The gross rental yield for August remains the lowest of the major capitals at 3.3%.

Brisbane

The Queensland capital recorded a 2.7% decline over the quarter, taking its median dwelling value to $1,080,142. Despite the recent falls, Brisbane values remain 10.8% higher than a year ago. The gross rental yield for August 3.4%.

Canberra

The national capital recorded a 2.8% decline over the quarter, with the median dwelling value now $864,998. Canberra values are 0.4% lower than a year ago, while the gross rental yield is currently 4.3% in August.

Perth

Perth recorded a 3.2% decline over the quarter, taking its median dwelling value to $999,987. Despite the quarterly fall, Perth remains one of Australia’s strongest-performing markets, with values 15.6% higher than a year ago. The August gross rental yield is currently 3.9%.

For more information about how you might be able to purchase a property in the current market, get in touch with us today 0n 03 9723 0522.

Source: Cotality Home Value Index, September 2026 Index results as at 31 August 2026.

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

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Integrity Edge Facebook

Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

Filed Under: Blogs, News Tagged With: MB

What the Budget changes mean for first home buyers

July 6, 2026

If you are trying to get into the housing market as a first home buyer you may be aware that the government is trying to “level the playing field” with a range of housing measures that are designed to address inequity – but what does that actually mean if you are trying to buy your first home?

According to the government, the reforms introduced as part of the Federal Budget may support an additional 75,000 Australians into home ownership over the next decade.

This does not mean buying property will suddenly become easy, but the changes will have broad-reaching impact. As it stands, both property listings and clearance rates are down, suggesting buyers and sellers are stepping back from the market until the full ramifications of the budget become clearer (and are legislated).

Even though it’s early days, it’s worth being across what the changes may mean to you.

Opportunities for new investors

Proposed changes to investor tax concessions, including negative gearing and capital gains tax, aim to reduce some of the advantages investors currently have over owner occupiers and encourage more investment into newly built housing instead of existing homes.

The government has also announced a temporary ban on foreign investors purchasing established homes, which is designed to reduce competition in the established housing market and prioritise local owner occupiers.

For first home buyers, these changes could potentially mean less competition at auctions and inspections, particularly for older established homes.

While it’s still not clear exactly what this will mean for property prices, even slightly less competition could help buyers who are already stretching their borrowing limits.

Boosts to housing supply

Another major focus of the government is housing supply.

The problem is that Australia simply does not have enough housing supply to meet demand, which is one of the biggest reasons prices have remained so high.

More housing construction and retaining negative gearing on new builds is intended to help over time. The government has committed billions toward infrastructure and housing development projects, particularly in growth areas and outer suburbs, although these projects will take years to fully flow through to the market.

A lot of the incentives either directly or indirectly favour new housing, which means developers are likely to market heavily toward first home buyers as new builds become available to purchase.

New or expanded support programs

Government schemes to help first home buyers have been in place for some time, and now that we are in a new financial year, several new or expanded support measures are officially available.

A big focus has been on helping younger buyers who are struggling to save a full 20 per cent deposit while also dealing with high rent and rising living costs.

Fresh places in the Home Guarantee Scheme opened from 1 July, which is important because these spots are limited. Eligible buyers who previously missed out may now have another opportunity to apply for a low deposit home loan without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

The government is also expanding its “Help to Buy” shared equity scheme, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with just a 2 per cent deposit while the government contributes part of the purchase price. In return, the government keeps a share in the property.

For a lot of people, especially single buyers and younger Australians trying to buy without family support, these schemes could make home ownership feel a little more achievable.

The First Home Super Saver Scheme is continuing as well, allowing eligible buyers to use voluntary super contributions to help save for a deposit faster, often with tax advantages compared to saving in a regular bank account.

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

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Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

Filed Under: Blogs, News Tagged With: MB

Quarterly property update – June 2026

June 22, 2026

Housing markets losing momentum as they face stronger headwinds

The last quarter marked a clear shift in housing conditions, with growth continuing to slow and market performance becoming increasingly fragmented. According to Cotality’s June Home Value Index, national dwelling values rose 0.6% over the quarter, reflecting a market that has moved from broad-based growth to a more selective environment.

A multi-speed market

The divergence between markets remains a defining feature of current conditions, with Melbourne and Darwin at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Melbourne recorded the strongest declines over the quarter of 2.3%, followed by Sydney where dwelling values declined 2.1%over the quarter. Canberra also edged lower, down 0.5%. In contrast, Darwin recorded values increasing 5.2%, followed by Perth at 4.8%. While the smaller capitals continue to outperform, growth has moderated as higher borrowing costs and affordability constraints begin to weigh on demand.

As Cotality Research Director Tim Lawless noted, “while the speed of value change remains very different from city to city, the direction is becoming more consistent, with most markets losing momentum as demand-side headwinds intensify.”

Regional markets continue to demonstrate greater resilience than the capitals. Combined regional values rose 2.4% over the quarter, compared with flat conditions across the combined capitals. Lifestyle migration, relative affordability and ongoing population growth continue to support many regional centres.

Market performance also varies across price points. Lower-priced segments have generally remained more resilient, supported by first-home buyers and government incentives. In contrast, higher-value markets have experienced greater weakness as buyers become more sensitive to borrowing costs.

The forces shaping the market

Several factors throughout the quarter have created a more challenging environment for housing demand.

Recent interest rate increases have reduced borrowing capacity and placed additional pressure on household budgets. The Federal Budget has also influenced sentiment, particularly among investors, with proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements creating uncertainty in some parts of the market.

Analyst Luc Redman of the REA Group said the combination of changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing and development investment would shape the market in ways that cannot entirely be anticipated. “The combination of these policies is not well understood in the public domain over the long term, though it is likely the incentives for new builds will support an increase in supply as much as construction and zoning constraints currently allow. In the short term, due to these changes, it is likely home prices soften slightly and rents increase marginally.”

Supply, listings and buyer activity

Market activity softened during the quarter.

New listings increased across many cities as more vendors sought to sell, but buyer demand has not kept pace. Cotality estimates national home sales over the past three months were 2.2% lower than a year earlier and 4.1% below the five-year average.

Auction markets have also weakened. Preliminary national clearance rates fell to 54.5% at the end of May, with Sydney recording some of the sharpest declines.

What continues to support values?

Despite softer demand conditions, several factors continue to provide support.

Housing supply remains constrained, with elevated construction costs, labour shortages and project feasibility challenges limiting new housing delivery. Population growth remains solid and continues to underpin demand for both owner-occupied housing and rentals.

The labour market is also providing stability. Employment conditions remain relatively strong and mortgage arrears are low by historical standards, reducing the likelihood of widespread forced selling.

Rental markets remain exceptionally tight, with low vacancy rates and ongoing rental growth continuing to support investor demand.

Looking ahead

The full impact of recent rate rises and Federal Budget measures is yet to be fully reflected in market activity and may become more evident over coming months. However, housing supply constraints, population growth and resilient employment conditions should continue to provide a floor under values.

As Tim Lawless observes, the most likely scenario is not a dramatic market correction but rather “a further loss of momentum and a drift towards lower home values”. For buyers, sellers and investors alike, the remainder of the year is likely to be defined by a more balanced market and increasingly localised performance.

Dwelling values over the quarter

Melbourne 

The Victorian capital decreased by -2.3% over the quarter, taking the city’s median dwelling price to $812,621. Investors should take note that the gross rental yield figure for Melbourne is 3.9%.

Sydney

Sydney also showed a decrease in property values over the per cent of -2.1%, resulting in a median of $1,282 million. The gross rental yield for the Harbour City remains the lowest of the capitals at 3.2%.

Brisbane

The Queensland capital continues to record the second most expensive spot for dwelling values at $1,126 million and a quarterly rise of 3.4%. Brisbane’s gross rental yield remained at 3.3%.

Canberra

The national capital recorded a decrease of -0.5% during the quarter with the median now sitting at $890,555. For Canberra, the gross rental yield stayed constant at 4.1%.

Perth

Perth again recorded the strongest increase of all the capitals, growing by 4.8% over the quarter, which took it’s medium value to over one million dollars at $1,050,354. Perth recorded 3.6% gross rental yield.

For more information about how you might be able to purchase a property in the current market, get in touch with us today 0n 03 9723 0522.

Note: all figures in the city snapshots are sourced from: Cotality national Home Value Index June 2026.)

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

Integrity One Facebook

Integrity Edge Facebook

Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

Filed Under: Blogs, News Tagged With: MB

Fixed or Variable? What to consider when rates rise

April 13, 2026

When you have a mortgage, choosing between a fixed or variable loan can feel like a big financial decision, especially during a period of rising interest rates. The headlines can create a sense of urgency, but the right decision is less about reacting to the media and more about understanding how each option suits your financial situation.

A fixed rate means your interest rate and repayments stay the same for a set period, usually between one and five years and a variable rate can move up or down, typically in response to changes made by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

A rising rate environment

When interest rates rise, banks will typically pass this increase on to mortgage holders, so variable repayments will generally increase. Lenders factor in your ability to service the loan if interest rates rise by a couple of points, but it can be helpful to determine whether your budget allows for a significant increase.

Fixed rates, however, often rise before official rate hikes occur because lenders price them based on where they expect rates to go. By the time rate rises are underway, fixed rates may already reflect expectations of further increases. This means locking in does not automatically guarantee a cheaper outcome. In some cases, fixed rates may already be higher than some variable rates because future increases have been factored in.

Certainty versus flexibility

One of the biggest considerations is how comfortable you are with uncertainty. If higher repayments would put pressure on your household budget, fixing your rate can provide stability. Knowing exactly what you will pay each month makes planning easier and can reduce financial stress.

Fixed loans can include limits on additional repayments and may involve additional costs if you refinance or sell your home during the fixed term. It is important to understand these conditions before committing

Variable loans often come with more flexibility. Many allow extra repayments, offset accounts and simpler refinancing options. This flexibility could help you pay down your loan faster and reduce the total interest you pay.

Having it both ways with a split loan

You do not have to choose one option exclusively. Many lenders allow you to split your loan between fixed and variable portions. This can provide a blend of protection and flexibility. Part of your loan is shielded from further rate rises, while the variable portion allows you to make extra repayments or adapt if your plans change.

A split loan will not remove risk entirely, but it can reduce the chance of feeling locked into the wrong decision if rates move in an unexpected direction.

Consider your future plans

Your life plans should also play a role in your decision. Changes in income, parental leave, renovations, career moves or buying or selling property can all influence which option suits you better. Fixed rates may work best when your situation is stable and predictable. If change is likely, having room to adjust can be reassuring.

If you are likely to move within a few years, the potential costs of breaking a fixed loan could outweigh the benefits of locking in.

If you decide to remain on a variable rate during a rising cycle, it can help to prepare in advance. Increasing your repayments voluntarily or building savings in an offset account can create a buffer so that future rate rises are less of a shock. This approach can also shorten the life of your loan if rates stabilise sooner than expected.

The right choice for you

There is no correct answer. Fixed rates may offer peace of mind and protection against further increases, where variable rates could provide flexibility and potentially benefit you if rate rises are less than expected.

The right choice depends on your financial position, your tolerance for risk and your plans. Interest rate cycles come and go. The goal is not to predict the market, but to choose a loan structure that supports your long-term financial wellbeing and helps you stay confident and in control as you work towards paying off your home.

If you would like clarity on what might work best for you, we are here to help. A quick review of your financial situation and loan options can give you confidence in your next move.

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Integrity One Wealth Advisers  Pty Ltd

Phone : (03) 9723 0522
Email : integrity@iplan.com.au
Web : www.integrityclients.com.au
Fax : (03) 9724 9518

Facebook :
Integrity One Wealth Advisers
Integrity Edge

Address:
Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Mail:
PO Box 1140 Croydon
Victoria 3136

Note :
If you live in the South Eastern or Bayside suburbs please contact our local advisor on (03) 9723 0522.

Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

Filed Under: Blogs, News Tagged With: MB

Don’t let scammers swindle your settlement

March 23, 2026

Buying a home is a huge milestone and usually a pretty exciting one. It is also one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make, which unfortunately makes it a prime target for scammers.

One scam in particular, known as a property payment redirection scam or settlement scam, is becoming more common and more costly. Industry warnings from realestate.com.au and property exchange platform PEXA show that these scams are on the rise across Australia, with losses increasing year on year.

What is a property payment redirection scam?

A payment redirection scam usually happens in the lead-up to settlement, when buyers are exchanging emails with their real estate agent, solicitor or conveyancer. Scammers impersonate one of these trusted professionals and send an email that looks legitimate, often advising that bank account details have changed or need to be updated.

Realestate.com.au reports that these emails are often timed carefully to coincide with settlement deadlines, when buyers may be feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If the buyer follows the instructions, their deposit or settlement funds are transferred directly into the scammer’s account instead of the correct one.

Why these scams are so convincing

What makes this scam particularly dangerous is how realistic it can be. Fraudsters may use email addresses that differ by only a single letter or character, or copy logos, signatures and wording from earlier legitimate emails.

According to PEXA, scammers rely heavily on the volume of communication involved in a property purchase and the assumption that last-minute changes are normal during settlement.

How common is this scam?

The scale of the problem is larger than many people realise. Research conducted by PEXA found that 97% of Australians who had recently bought property, or were planning to buy, failed to identify warning signs in scam settlement emails, even though most believed they would be able to spot a scam. This research highlights how difficult these scams can be to detect in real-world situations.

The financial impact is growing rapidly. Reporting shows that losses linked to property buying and selling scams rose from around $13 million in 2021 to more than $43 million in recent years. This sharp increase reflects both the growing sophistication of scammers and the high value of property transactions.

Real-world examples include buyers losing hundreds of thousands of dollars after following fake payment instructions, with some individual losses exceeding $700,000 and even up to $900,000.

Disturbingly, PEXA’s Scam Awareness White Paper further found that around 40 per cent of people surveyed said they would still transfer funds after receiving a fraudulent settlement-style email, demonstrating the gap between confidence and actual scam detection.

Why property buyers are targeted

Property transactions are especially attractive to scammers because they involve large sums of money, strict timelines and frequent email communication. Buyers often expect last-minute requests and document changes, which makes an unexpected email feel normal. Realestate.com.au notes that scammers take advantage of this pressure, knowing that urgency can cause people to act quickly without verifying details.

How to protect yourself

  • Any request to change payment details should always be confirmed by calling your solicitor, conveyancer or agent on a phone number you already trust.
  • Treat last minute, unexpected or urgent emails with caution, particularly if they push you to act immediately or discourage you from double-checking.
  • Do not use contact details from the email itself.
  • Use secure platforms like PEXA Key to share bank details instead of email.
  • Check email addresses carefully for small differences or unusual domains.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication on your email account to avoid it being intercepted.
  • Consider sending a small amount of money first and confirm it arrives.
  • Watch for bank alerts, such as Confirmation of Payee warnings.

If you suspect a scam: contact your bank immediately, report it to Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and notify your agent, conveyancer, and the police.

It is unsettling to know that scammers target people during such an important life moment, but awareness really is your strongest defence. With property scam losses continuing to rise across Australia, staying alert, asking questions and verifying payment instructions is more important than ever.

Buying a home should be exciting, not stressful, and if something does not feel right, it is always okay to pause and double-check before transferring any money.

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Integrity One Wealth Advisers  Pty Ltd

Phone : (03) 9723 0522
Email : integrity@iplan.com.au
Web : www.integrityclients.com.au
Fax : (03) 9724 9518

Facebook :
Integrity One Wealth Advisers
Integrity Edge

Address:
Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Mail:
PO Box 1140 Croydon
Victoria 3136

Note :
If you live in the South Eastern or Bayside suburbs please contact our local advisor on (03) 9723 0522.

Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

Filed Under: Blogs, News Tagged With: MB

Quarterly property update – March 2026

March 9, 2026

Slowing overall growth in an increasingly segmented market

Property values across Australia showed an overall slowing of growth over the quarter, moderating from 3.1% to 2.1% in the most recent figures.

The past quarter has seen an emerging divergence across the capital city housing markets, with Melbourne and Sydney values softening while the mid-sized capitals continue to record gains.

Perth is showing the strongest trend, with home values increasing by 6.8% over the quarter, followed by Brisbane and Adelaide recording rises of 4.8 and 4.3% respectively. Melbourne and Sydney have been less resilient to the February rate hike and the drop in sentiment, with home values down -0.4 and -0.1% over the rolling quarter.

Tim Lawless, Cotality’s research director, provided comment on this trend, “The clear slowdown in housing conditions across Sydney and Melbourne could signal an easing in growth conditions elsewhere down the track, but for now, the mid-sized capitals continue to see support from extremely low inventory levels, which is boosting the growth in values.”

Stronger growth at the lower end

Most cities are continuing to see homes at the lower end of the market driving growth, especially for houses. Across the combined capitals, lower quartile house values were up 1.3% compared with a 0.3% rise across the upper quartile.

“This trend of stronger growth conditions at lower price points is supported by intense competition for more affordable houses,” said Mr Lawless. “This is where first home buyers, investors and, progressively, mainstream demand is most concentrated.”

The regions

Regional housing conditions continued to show a stronger growth trend relative to their capital city counterparts, with values across the combined regionals index rising 3.2% over the quarter – compared to capital city values which recorded 1.8% increase.

The result marks a clear shift in market momentum as affordability, renewed internal migration and competitive conditions direct more buyers towards regional areas.

Gerard Burg, Cotality’s Head of Research for Australia, said the results point to a deepening divergence between city and regional markets.

“Affordability remains a powerful driver of buyer behaviour. With capital city prices still near record highs and stock levels tight, many households are once again looking to regional Australia for greater value and liveability.” Mr Burg said.

Time Lawless also acknowledged the competition at the lower end of the market which is influencing values, “There is a lot of competition for lower-priced properties.” Mr Lawless said. “First home buyers, investors and subsequent buyers are all competing across this sector of the market, while credit is less available across the higher price points due to serviceability constraints.”

Auction clearance rates and housing demand

New listings remain low across most of Australia. According to Cotality, the number of homes advertised for sale is down 5% compared to the same time last year, and 9.2% below the five-year average.

Perth listings remain 48% below their five-year average, with Brisbane 31% below and Adelaide 23% lower.

Advertised stock levels are also low in Sydney and Melbourne, although both cities have seen a clear pickup in the amount of new listings through February.

“Vendors are looking more motivated in Sydney and Melbourne, possibly looking to beat a further softening in selling conditions as clearance rates ease and demand slows,” Mr Lawless said. “If the typical seasonal pattern holds, the flow of new listings is likely to strengthen leading into Easter.”

Looking ahead

Market sentiment is becoming more cautious due to the February cash rate increase which eroded borrowing power and repayment capacity as well as fears of further rate hikes, this, coupled with poor affordability is tempering the pace of growth.

Credit conditions are also tightening, with APRA’s introduction of limits on high debt-to-income (DTI) lending from February 1 which set the tone for a more cautious lending environment in 2026.

On the positive side, several factors continue to support housing values. Housing supply remains low. Employment figures point to a tight jobs market, helping to underpin household income security and mortgage serviceability, even as real wages have come under pressure, while government support for first home buyers is also providing some offset to broader affordability challenges.

These factors point to a more segmented and softer market through 2026, with growth more evident in the lower end of the market and the regions.

Dwelling values over the quarter

Melbourne

The Victorian capital decreased by -0.4% over the quarter, taking the city’s median dwelling price to $826,132. Investors should take note that the gross rental yield figure for Melbourne is 3.7%.

Sydney

Sydney also showed a decrease in property values over the period of -0.1%, resulting in a median of $1,296 million. The gross rental yield for the Harbour City remains the lowest of the capitals at 3.0%.

Brisbane

The Queensland capital continues to record the second most expensive spot for dwelling values at $1,080 million and a quarterly rise of 4.8%. Brisbane has recorded a gross rental yield of 3.3%.

Canberra

The national capital recorded a rise of 1.3% during the quarter with the median now sitting at $903,374. For Canberra, the gross rental yield is 4.1%.

Perth

Perth again recorded the strongest increase of all the capitals, growing by 6.8% over the quarter and taking its medium to $989,211. Perth recorded 3.8% gross rental yield.

For more information about how you might be able to purchase a property in the current market, get in touch with us today 0n 03 9723 0522.

Note: all figures in the city snapshots are sourced from: Cotality national Home Value Index (December 2025)

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

Integrity One Facebook

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Nicholas Berry Credit Representative Number 472439 is a Credit Representative of Integrity Finance (Aust) Pty Ltd – Australian Credit Licence 392184.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

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