Property news & guides

Samford Valley Attracts Buyers Seeking Space and Lifestyle

Belle Property Samford's new leadership highlights the Samford Valley's appeal to buyers seeking spacious, outdoor-oriented lifestyles close to Brisbane.

RBA Rate Hikes Reshape Australian Housing Market Dynamics

Four Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate increases in 2026, reaching 4.60%, have significantly altered the national housing market, leading to price falls and reduced sales.

Property Downturn Poised to Be Largest in 40 Years

Australian house prices fell for the sixth consecutive month in September, with experts predicting a potential 15% decline, marking the biggest downturn in decades.

Interest Rate Hikes Reshape Australian Housing

Four RBA cash rate increases in 2026, reaching a 15-year high of 4.60%, have significantly altered Australia's housing market dynamics.

RBA Warns of Negative Equity Risk for Recent Borrowers

The RBA cautioned that recent borrowers, especially first-home buyers with high loans, face the highest risk of negative equity amid falling property prices.

Expert Forecasts 10-15% Peak-to-Trough Property Price Decline

An expert predicts a 10-15% peak-to-trough fall in national property prices, with a bottom not expected until mid-2027, driven by rate hikes and tax changes.

Australia's Property Slump Deepens, Expected to Continue into 2027

Australia's housing market downturn is intensifying, with national prices returning to year-ago levels and expected to fall further into 2027 due to high borrowing costs.

National Home Values Decline for Sixth Consecutive Month

Australian home values saw a 1.1% national decrease in September, marking the sixth straight month of declines, now 5.2% below their March 2026 peak.

Chinese Investors Maintain Strong Interest in Australian Property

Australia remains a top destination for Chinese residential real estate investors outside Asia, with nearly $5 billion in approved purchases, despite some shifting their buying strategies.

ATO Cracks Down on Foreign Investor Land Banking

A foreign investor was fined over $500,000 for land banking, as the ATO intensifies its crackdown on non-compliance with foreign investment rules, leading to forced sales.

Regional Property Markets Outperform Capital Cities

Regional Australian home prices showed resilience in September, remaining unchanged and significantly outperforming the declining capital city markets.

Falling Property Prices Threaten Future Housing Supply

Economists warn that declining property prices could worsen Australia's housing supply shortage by making new construction financially unviable.

Chinese Investor Interest in Australian Property Remains Strong

Australia is a top destination for Chinese residential property inquiries outside Asia, despite recent FIRB changes and higher taxes.

Units Show Greater Resilience Than Houses in Market Downturn

During the current property market correction, unit prices are demonstrating more stability compared to the steeper declines seen in house values.

Melbourne Property Prices Continue Decline to 2021 Levels

Melbourne's median house values fell in September, reaching levels last seen in 2021, with a significant annual drop of over $63,000.

National Capital City House and Unit Prices See Further Declines

Capital city home prices continued to fall in the September quarter, with national median house prices down 1.0% and units down 0.8%.

Melbourne Property Values Decline, Selling Times Lengthen in August

Melbourne dwelling values fell 1.1% in August 2026, with properties taking longer to sell, indicating easing buyer urgency.

Foreign Investors Boost Australian Home Purchases

Foreign investors were approved to buy $1.3 billion worth of Australian residential real estate in Q1 2024-25, ahead of new government restrictions.

RBA Lifts Cash Rate to 15-Year High

The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.60%, marking the fourth hike this year and reaching its highest level since 2011.

Australia's Housing Market Reaches a Tipping Point Amid Rate Hikes

Australia's housing market faces its most significant decline in over 40 years, driven by RBA rate hikes and reduced borrowing capacity.

Capital City Property Values and Auction Rates Continue to Soften

Australian capital city dwelling values fell 1.1% last month, with auction clearance rates dropping to a ten-week low of 50.3%.

Sydney's Luxury Property Market Shows Signs of Weakening

A significant price reduction on a high-end Sydney waterfront mansion indicates softening demand in the city's prestige property segment.

Australian House Prices Decline for Sixth Consecutive Month

National dwelling values experienced a 1.1% fall in September, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline across Australia.

Westpac Downgrades Australian House Price Forecasts for 2026

Westpac now anticipates a 7.3% peak-to-trough fall in Australian house prices, revising its 2026 forecast due to a broader and sharper downturn.

NSW Introduces Tighter Rental Regulations for Agents

New laws in NSW will overhaul rental applications, restricting personal information collection and introducing penalties for agents.

National Auction Clearance Rate Hits 10-Week Low Amid Rate Hike Fears

Australia's auction clearance rate fell to a 10-week low of 50.3%, influenced by a Melbourne long weekend and anticipated interest rate increases.

Soaring Building Costs Impact Housing Supply

New data reveals building a home now costs 51 per cent more than in 2019, exacerbating Australia's housing shortage.

RBA Poised for Further Interest Rate Hike

The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to increase its key interest rate to 4.6 per cent, marking a potential fourth hike this year.

Auction Clearance Rates Hit 10-Week Low

Australia's capital city auction clearance rate recently fell to a 10-week low, influenced by a Melbourne long weekend and anticipated interest rate hikes.

RBA Rate Hike Threatens Homebuyer Affordability in Over 100 Suburbs

A potential Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate hike could reduce average homebuyer borrowing power, making over 100 Australian suburbs unaffordable.

Ray White Phillips & Co Achieves Strong Auction Results in Sydney

Ray White Phillips & Co successfully sold over $32 million in Sydney's eastern suburbs auctions, achieving a 53% clearance rate for well-presented properties.

Updated FIRB Rules for Foreign Property Buyers in Australia

New guidelines for foreign nationals buying Australian property in 2026 emphasize restrictions on established dwellings and requirements for new constructions.

Melbourne and Sydney Home Prices Continue to Decline

Home prices in Melbourne and Sydney have fallen 7 per cent from their record highs, contributing to a national slide.

Economists Predict Further RBA Rate Hikes

Leading economists widely expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points this week, with some forecasting a second hike by year-end.

Government Tax Changes Impact Investor Activity

Government policy changes, including reduced capital gains tax breaks and tightened negative gearing rules, are contributing to the current housing market slowdown.

RBA Adopts More Hawkish Stance on Inflation

The RBA Governor has indicated a more aggressive stance on inflation, moving away from previous 'narrow path' thinking, despite the ongoing housing market slowdown.

Housing Slowdown Impacts Property-Linked Businesses

The Australian housing market slowdown is significantly impacting property-related businesses, with reduced turnover leading to substantial revenue losses and job cuts.

Australian Housing Market Forecast for Price Dips

Australian home prices are predicted to dip nationally by 2% to 8% through 2026 and 2027, with a recovery expected in 2028.

Rising Listings and Falling Demand Drive Prices Lower

Australia's housing market correction, down 5.7% since April 2026, is nearing a record decline, driven by increased listings and reduced buyer demand.

Foreign Investment Fuels Commercial Property Growth

Foreign investment now drives Australia's commercial property market, with offshore buyers making up 34% of trading in 2026, a significant increase from the previous year.

Melbourne CBD Office Market Demonstrates Resilience

Melbourne's central business district office market shows positive signs, with vacancy rates slightly decreasing despite new developments.

Foreign Investor Fined for Land Banking Breach

A foreign investor was fined $370,000 for breaching development conditions by land banking vacant land, as the ATO enforces foreign investment rules.

RBA Rate Hikes Threaten Deeper Property Downturn

Major banks forecast up to three more RBA interest rate hikes, potentially pushing the cash rate to 4.85% by Christmas, exacerbating the housing market slowdown.

Seller Pullback May Stabilise Sydney and Melbourne Prices

A reduction in new property listings across Sydney and Melbourne indicates sellers are withdrawing, potentially limiting further price falls in these major capital cities.

Australian Property Market Continues to Soften

Australian capital city dwelling values are continuing to soften, with performance varying significantly across different cities amidst cautious buyer sentiment.

Australian Property Outlook: Divergent City Performance and Forecasts

National home prices are falling, led by Sydney and Melbourne, while other capitals like Perth and Adelaide are expected to reach record highs by mid-2027.

Tighter FIRB Rules Redirect Foreign Property Investment

Australia's foreign investment policy continues to restrict overseas buyers from purchasing established homes, directing them towards new dwellings, off-the-plan properties, and vacant land.

Victoria Introduces New Auction Transparency Laws

From October 1, 2026, Victorian home sellers must disclose their reserve price seven days before any auction or set-date sale.

Older Australians Hope for Property Price Falls to Aid Younger Generations

Many older Australians are expressing a desire for property prices to decrease, aiming to improve housing affordability for their children and grandchildren amidst a deepening crisis.

Australian Housing Reaches Unaffordable Levels

An analysis highlights that Australian housing has become absurdly unaffordable, impacting many prospective homeowners.

Surge in Listings Signals Risk of Further Price Falls

A report indicates a significant build-up of unsold housing stock in 56 major areas, raising warnings of deeper price corrections due to oversupply.

Melbourne's Spring Market Starts Soft with Price Declines

Melbourne's median house price recorded consecutive falls, with new listings down and auction clearance rates subdued at the start of spring.

Melbourne House Prices Expected to Decline Further Amidst Subdued Spring Market

Melbourne's spring property market has begun quietly, with new listings down and house prices forecast to fall further, influenced by interest rate uncertainty and tax changes.

Melbourne Rental Vacancy Rates Edge Up Slightly

Melbourne's rental market saw a slight increase in vacancy rates to 2.6% in September, with renters staying in homes longer.

Victoria Unveils Major Planning Reforms for Housing Growth

The Victorian Government has passed new planning legislation to streamline approvals and achieve a target of 2.24 million new homes over 30 years.

FIRB Rules for Foreign Property Investment in 2026

Foreign investors must navigate strict FIRB regulations in 2026, including a general ban on purchasing established dwellings until June 2029.

Australia's Rental Pool Shrinks Amidst Investor Exodus

Australia's rental market is losing hundreds of properties weekly, with only 61 new rentals entering for every 100 sold, intensifying the national housing shortage.

National Housing Market Weakens, Melbourne Values Decline

Australia's housing market continued to weaken in August, with the national Home Value Index falling 0.9%, and Melbourne experiencing a 1.1% decline.

Capital Gains Tax Changes From July 2027: Why Property Owners Are Turning to Valuations

CGT Changes July 2027: What Australian Property Owners Need to Know

FIRB Rules Restrict Foreigners to New Dwellings

Foreign buyers in Australia generally need FIRB approval and are restricted to purchasing new dwellings, off-the-plan, or vacant land for development.

Melbourne Property Market Faces Softer Patch, Unit Rents Expected to Surge

Melbourne's housing market is predicted to experience a softer period in 2026, with house prices potentially falling, while unit values are expected to hold up better and rents to surge.

Major Banks Downgrade Australian Property Price Forecasts for 2026-2027

Leading banks have revised down their 2026-2027 property price growth forecasts, with Sydney and Melbourne houses expected to decline, while other capitals may see gains.

Australia Faces Highest Western World Interest Rates

Australian homeowners are contending with the highest interest rates in the Western world, with major banks forecasting an extended period of high rates.

Government Housing Tax Package Under Scrutiny

A new Albanese Government housing tax package is projected to potentially impact over 10,000 properties, raising concerns about its broader market effects.

FIRB Changes Payment Methods for Fees

From September 19, 2026, the Australian Treasury will no longer accept credit or debit card payments for foreign investment fees.

Sellers Shift from Auctions to Private Sales in Softening Market

More property sellers are moving away from traditional auctions to private treaty sales in a softening Australian housing market.

Call for Rent Caps to Address Victorian Affordability

Advocacy groups are pushing for a formal rent cap in Victoria, as there is currently no legal limit on the amount rent can be increased between lease agreements.

High-End Property Sees Steep Price Falls in Major Cities

High-end property values in Sydney and Melbourne have dropped over 10% from their peaks, while affordable homes remain resilient.

Melbourne Property Values Continue Decline Amidst Rental Tightness

Melbourne's property market has seen nine consecutive months of value declines, yet the rental market remains historically tight despite a slight increase in vacancy rates.

Melbourne Housing Values Decline for Nine Consecutive Months

Melbourne has experienced its longest continuous decline in housing values this cycle, marking nine straight months of falling prices.

Melbourne Auction Clearance Rates Show Cautious Spring Start

Melbourne's auction market began the spring selling season with a 63.4% clearance rate, indicating a cautious yet encouraging start for vendors.

Property Downturn Reveals Buyer Hotspots Across Australia

Despite a national property market cooling, new data identifies numerous buyer hotspots across Australia where activity remains strong.

Shallow Housing Downturn Expected as Rents and Supply Support Market

Australia's current housing market downturn is likely to be short-lived and relatively shallow, supported by tight rental markets and limited housing supply.

Melbourne House Prices Fall by $65,000, Below 2021 Levels

Melbourne's median house prices have reportedly plunged by $65,000, now valued less than they were in 2021, indicating a significant market correction.

Australia’s Property Downturn Deepens as Home Values Fall Across Most of the Country

Melbourne home values fall further as Australia’s housing market shifts in favour of buyers — but opportunities remain for both buyers and well-prepared sellers.

Economists Predict Further 10% House Price Falls

Economists forecast an additional 10% drop in national house prices, potentially marking Australia's steepest postwar property market downturn.

Spring Selling Season Approaches Amidst Price Declines

Australia's median house price continues to fall ahead of the spring selling season, with some market segments proving more resilient.

Capital City Unit Prices Also Experience Decline

National capital city unit prices saw a decline over the August quarter, although they still show positive annual growth.

Australia's Rental Crisis Persists Amidst Chronic Undersupply

Australia continues to face a persistent rental crisis characterized by exceptionally low vacancy rates and rising rents, driven by inadequate housing supply.

Capital City House Prices Decline in August, Rental Market Remains Tight

Australian capital city house prices continued a sharp decline in August, with Melbourne and Sydney experiencing significant drops, while the unit market showed relative resilience.

Australia's Rental Crisis Expected to Worsen

Australia's rental market remains extremely tight with a national vacancy rate of 1.3%, and experts predict the crisis will intensify.

Victorian Government Passes Auction Reserve Price Disclosure Laws

Victoria has passed new laws requiring real estate agents to publish a property's reserve price seven days before an auction or fixed-date sale.

RBA Rate Hike Fears Intensify Amid Stubborn Inflation

Concerns are growing that the Reserve Bank of Australia may implement another interest rate hike before year-end due to persistent high inflation and strong household spending.

Melbourne's Rental Market Remains Tight Amid Rising Rents

Melbourne's rental market continues to be tight, with median rents increasing annually and vacancy rates remaining low despite softer capital values.

Melbourne's Winter Property Market Softer Due to Budget Changes

Melbourne's property market is experiencing a softer-than-usual winter, with lower clearance rates, partly due to recent federal budget tax adjustments.

National Rental Vacancy Rates Reach Four-Year High

Australia's rental market saw a slight improvement in July with national vacancy rates hitting their highest point in four and a half years, reaching 1.5%.

National Auction Clearance Rates Decline Below 50%

National capital city home sales are down, and auction clearance rates have consistently remained below 50% since late May, indicating a cooler market.

Melbourne Property Market Faces Softer Outlook for 2026-27

Melbourne's property market is expected to experience a softer period through 2026, with house prices forecast to decline, while units may fare better.

First-Home Buyers Boost Loan Applications as Investors Retreat

First-home buyers are increasingly applying for home loans, becoming the only cohort showing growth, while investor activity in the Australian property market declines.

First Home Buyers Increase Activity as Investors Retreat

First home buyers are applying for more loans, while property investors are stepping back from the market following recent interest rate hikes and tax changes.

Interest Rates Continue to Influence Australian Property Prices

Higher interest rates are reducing borrowing capacity and buyer demand, contributing to a decline in Australian housing prices, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Foreign Residential Investment in Australia Declines Sharply

Foreign investment approvals for Australian residential property dropped by 22% in the 2024-25 financial year, largely due to federal restrictions and increased FIRB fees.

Regional Housing Market Experiences Broad Slowdown

Australia's regional housing market has begun to decline, with dwelling values falling by 0.1% in the past quarter, though capital cities saw larger drops.

Recent Melbourne Property Sales Activity Highlights Market Trends

Recent property sales data from Melbourne indicates ongoing market activity, with various apartments and units changing hands in early August.

Could the suburb next door offer a similar lifestyle for substantially less?

Recent Melbourne research identified differences of up to $253,000 between selected suburbs and comparable surrounding markets. With Melbourne values also softening through July, informed buyers may have more reason to look beyond a preferred postcode—but price alone is never enough.

Melbourne's West Becomes Buyer's Market as Prices Fall

House prices in Melbourne's western suburbs have significantly decreased over the past three months, making the region more accessible for new homebuyers.

Melbourne Has Smallest Buffer Against Further Price Falls

Melbourne possesses the least resilience among major capital cities to absorb further property price declines, having experienced subdued growth in recent years.

Regional Property Market Slows as City Exodus Peaks

Regional Australian housing markets are losing momentum, with values slipping 0.1% over three months to July, despite a record exodus of residents from capital cities.

National Auction Clearance Rates Remain Subdued

Australian capital city auction markets recorded mixed results with generally subdued listings, achieving a national clearance rate of 51.8% in the past week.

Victoria Sees Investor Exodus as First Home Buyers Emerge

Victoria is experiencing a renewed exodus of property investors, with first-home buyers poised to become the dominant purchasing group.

Treasurer Downplays Significant Property Market Decline

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed concerns of a major slump in the Australian property market, citing a substantial price buffer from the recent boom.

Indonesian Investors Show Growing Interest in Australian Property

Indonesian investors are increasingly focusing on the Australian property market, with approved residential investments reaching approximately AUD100 million recently.

Investor Exodus Threatens State Government Revenues

Nearly 5,000 investors have exited the Australian property market, leading to a substantial drop in lending activity and potential revenue shortfalls for state governments.

Melbourne Property Values Continue Downward Trend

Melbourne's dwelling values recorded their eighth consecutive monthly fall in July 2026, pushing prices further below their 2022 peak.

Coalition Proposes Housing Plan Targeting Migration and Building Costs

The Coalition has outlined a housing strategy that includes reducing net overseas migration to below 180,000 annually and addressing the high costs associated with construction.

Reserve Bank Maintains Cash Rate at 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate at 4.35% in August, citing a cooling housing market and easing inflation.

Luxury Australian Suburbs Experience Sharp Property Declines

Australia's most expensive suburbs, including Toorak and Kew East in Melbourne, are facing significant property value declines due to rising interest rates.

Westpac Reports Significant Drop in Mortgage Applications

Westpac reported a 20% decline in mortgage applications, attributing it to higher interest rates and recent government tax changes impacting property investors.

FIRB Extends Ban on Foreign Established Dwelling Purchases

The Australian government has prolonged the prohibition on foreign individuals acquiring established residential properties, extending the ban until June 2029 to manage housing supply.

Melbourne Auction Clearance Rates Show Improvement

Melbourne's preliminary auction clearance rate reached 62.6% in early August, indicating a potential strengthening of buyer activity.

RBA Expected to Hold Cash Rate in August

Most experts predict the Reserve Bank of Australia will hold the cash rate at 4.35% in August, citing moderating inflation and a softening labour market.

FIRB Ban on Established Dwellings Extended to 2029

The temporary ban on foreign persons purchasing established dwellings in Australia has been extended from March 2027 to June 2029.

National Property Downturn Gathers Pace in July

Australia's national Home Value Index recorded a 0.7% decline in July, marking the most significant monthly fall since December 2022, as the property downturn broadens.

Melbourne Apartment Prices Soften Amidst New Completions

Melbourne's apartment market is experiencing a softening in median sale prices despite a significant number of new apartment completions in the first half of 2026.

Melbourne Apartment Market Sees Softening Prices Despite Completions

Melbourne saw 3,500 new apartments completed in the first half of 2026, with median sale prices beginning to soften despite year-on-year growth.

First Signs of Declining Property Resale Profitability Emerge

New data indicates a slight dip in Australian house resale profitability for the first half of 2026, potentially signalling an end to strong gains.

KPMG Forecasts Continued Housing Market Weakness

KPMG predicts Australia's housing market will continue to weaken through 2026 due to higher interest rates and affordability issues, with a rebound expected in 2027.

Australian Home Prices Continue July Downturn

Australian home prices fell for the fourth consecutive month in July, with capital cities driving the national decline.

Melbourne House Values See Significant Monthly Drop

Melbourne's median house value decreased by $5000 in July, marking its fifth consecutive monthly decline and making it the worst-performing capital annually.

Where Have All the Rentals Gone? Victoria's Investor Exodus Explained

Hundreds of rental homes are disappearing as landlords sell up. Here's what it means for renters, buyers, sellers and investors.

Why Thousands of Melbourne Families Are Moving Further North in 2026

More space, newer homes and connected lifestyles are reshaping where Melbourne families choose to live.

The Great Melbourne Property Reset: What Buyers Can Still Afford in 2026

How rate rises are quietly reshaping Melbourne's property map, and where value has moved.

The New Auction Reality: What Happens After the Hammer Doesn't Fall?

Many of Melbourne's best property opportunities now happen after the auction ends.

Why Doing Nothing Could Be the Biggest Property Mistake of 2026

When prices rise people fear missing out; when they wobble, people freeze. Both reactions can be costly.

The Inciting Incident: How a Disclosed Reserve Transforms an Auction from a Transaction into a Triumph

Disclosed reserves and the death of auction ambiguity.

The Million-Dollar Reset: Why Melbourne's Median Price Drop is a Recalibration, Not a Retreat

$993,000: the price point that's testing nerves and revealing opportunity.

Flatlined: Why Zero Growth Changes Everything for Australian Property in 2026

Decoding Australia's 0.0% housing growth moment, and why a flat market favours the prepared.

How Migration Is Reshaping Melbourne's Property Market

Population growth is dramatically reshaping the city's property landscape.

The Psychology Behind Property Buying: Why People Fall in Love With Homes They Can't Explain

Sometimes people buy a property in just 30 seconds. Here's why, and how to stay objective.

Top Melbourne Investment Hotspots in 2026

The Melbourne market is entering a new growth phase, and smart investors are already positioning ahead of the next wave.

The Australian Dream Is Changing: Here's What Young Buyers Want Now

For decades the “Australian Dream” meant a big house on a big block. In 2026, that's evolving.