Property news & guides

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.

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.