Property Is Still Australia’s Power Move

Let’s start with the big picture. Australia’s residential property market is worth a massive $11.3 trillion — more than superannuation, shares, and commercial real estate combined. More than half of Aussie household wealth sits in housing. So yes, property is still the main game according to recent reports from CoreLogic.

Prices Are Rising… But Slowly

The market is still growing — just not as fast as we saw in 2023 and early 2024.

  • National dwelling values rose 1.1% over the past 3 months
  • Over the last 12 months, values are up 3.2%
  • Regional areas are outperforming capitals, with WA and SA regional markets both up over 12%

Sydney and Melbourne are growing slowly, while Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are still pushing to new record highs.

First-Home Buyers: The Window Is Open

Here’s the good news if you’re trying to buy your first home:

  • First home buyer lending is up 1.5% for the quarter
  • First home buyers now make up 29.2% of new owner-occupier loans
  • That’s higher than the 10-year average

The mix of grants, solid incomes, and early decision-making is helping young buyers get in faster — especially if they’re following the TMAP-2-STEP mindset.

Stock Is Tight — And It’s Not Getting Better Yet

New listings are down 16.4% compared to this time last year.
Total listings across the country are still 12% below the five-year average.

This means:

  • Buyers are competing harder for fewer homes
  • Properties are selling faster (median 33 days)
  • Sellers are offering smaller discounts to get deals done

So if you’re waiting for prices to drop — don’t hold your breath.

Interest Rates: Easing Is Coming (Slowly)

The RBA held the cash rate at 4.10%, but pressure is mounting for cuts.

Inflation has cooled to within the target range (finally), and the forecast is a gradual drop to 3.85%.
That means borrowing is likely to get cheaper, but it’s not going to happen overnight.

For now:

  • Average variable mortgage rates are just over 6%
  • Short fixed-term loans have eased slightly
  • The cost of money is still high — but softening

Rental Market: Slowing But Still Tough

Rental growth has cooled nationwide to 3.6%, but it’s still tough for tenants.

  • Perth and Adelaide lead with over 5% annual rental growth
  • Yields are holding strong — especially in Darwin (6.6%), Perth (4.7%), and regional areas (4.4%)

This is good news for investors. Rising rents and strong yields = cash flow upside.

TMAP Take: What This All Means for You

If you’re trying to get into the market:

  • Act now: Listings are low, prices are still rising, and interest rates will eventually drop — meaning more competition later
  • Be smart: Get your finances in order, understand what you can afford, and lean into the grants
  • Don’t wait for the perfect market — this is the market
  • Follow the process: That’s where the CAUSE Method shines. Control your money. Take action. Set the foundation.