Professionals Real Estate 
Property analysts said they expected the Australian property market to continue its modest growth trajectory in 2025. So far, they are on track, with average home prices recovering from a three-month downturn in February to rise by 0.3%.
What’s interesting with the latest figures is that the trends of the last two years are now beginning to change.
In 2023 and 2024, Perth and Adelaide saw stratospheric growth, while the east coast cities stagnated. Recent figures from CoreLogic show that:
- Melbourne and Hobart are now top performers, with Melbourne breaking a ten-month-long downward streak.
- Sydney and Melbourne house prices are now rebounding after a very lacklustre two years
- Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are still holding relatively strong, with 0.2% growth in Brisbane and 0.3% growth in Perth and Adelaide.
- Regional growth is slightly larger than capital cities, at 0.4% in February
- The only capital city to experience a decrease in buyers is Darwin, with a 0.1% drop.
Experts say it is the hope of lower interest rates rather than the actual change in rates (the RBA dropped the cash rate by 0.25 basis points in February) that is supporting a modest increase in prices and strong auction clearance rates.
To add to this, stock is low, with listings 7.9% below the previous five-year average.
Why autumn is an excellent time to buy a home
There is still a general feeling of uncertainty in Australia and many buyers are holding off making a purchase as they wait for lower interest rates and for the results of the Federal election.
With this in mind, it’s a good time to be actively looking and making offers. Homeowners who have had their home on the market but failed to sell during summer will be looking to finalise a deal before winter comes, and anyone who has been hesitant to list their property will be motivated to do so while the days are still relatively warm. This is why there is generally a small surge in availability around this time of year.
To add to this, further interest rate cuts are predicted, and with stock levels still relatively low, it’s likely a change in rates will result in a price surge towards the end of the year. If you can afford to do so, it makes sense to get into the market while things are still relatively stable.
Buying a home this autumn: What to watch out for
With Australia currently in a housing shortage, many state governments are pushing to increase supply. This means rezoning and development projects that will bring dozens, if not hundreds of apartments, duplexes and new houses.
If you are shopping for a home in Australia this autumn, especially as an investor, do your research to see what is happening in terms of development in the area, and how this may affect the future value of your property.
If you need advice about what is a reasonable price in the current market or help to find a place that meets your brief, reach out to your local Professionals agent.
