Capital Cities Face a Shifting Housing Landscape

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

This new data also highlights a considerable increase in the number of homes being listed for sale in both Sydney and Melbourne. Listings in Sydney alone rose by 6.7% compared to the same period last year, while Melbourne saw a more modest increase of 1.1%.

Eliza Owen from CoreLogic attributes this shift to changing market dynamics. "This time of the year is typically slow in terms of demand, but this goes beyond seasonality," she explains. According to Owen, the increase in listings and the apparent lack of eager buyers may be early indicators of growing mortgage stress among homeowners.

Owen suggests, "There’s less appetite from buyers, but more sellers are coming into the market, which could indicate rising mortgage stress." This sentiment is echoed by Cate Bakos, a buyer's agent in Melbourne, who believes, "Prices can’t be expected to grow while we have higher stock levels and weaker buyer demand."

Interestingly, Brisbane and Perth have reported a deceleration in dwelling value growth, maintaining a rate of just 0.3% over the past four weeks. Such trends suggest a potential buyers’ market, particularly in Brisbane, where supply has surged and demand has slowed, according to Zoran Solano of Hot Property Buyers Agency. "For me as a buyer’s agent, it’s a positive sign that the power has shifted back a little bit towards buyers," she observes.

Further analysis from The Australian Financial Review indicates that property values in Brisbane are declining in one out of seven suburbs, the highest rate in almost two years. CoreLogic’s Tim Lawless sees this as a sign that prices may continue to ease due to increased listings, reduced interstate migration, and affordability challenges. "The market is likely to continue to ease, and we could see prices moving into a subtle decline before interest rates come down," he remarks.

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver predicts a similar trend, highlighting Brisbane as a market where values might soon turn negative, following the pattern seen in Sydney and Melbourne. "Brisbane looks to me like a really soggy market and I wouldn’t be surprised if house prices go negative in the next couple of months," Oliver comments.

Oliver also suggests that potential interest rate cuts could reverse this downward trajectory. "A rate cut could turn that downward momentum around, so if it occurs in February it has the potential to head off a dip into negative territory for Brisbane prices," he explains, warning that delays in rate cuts might extend the price downturn.

Meanwhile, PropTrack notes an 80% spike in Brisbane home values since the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, which has positioned Brisbane as Australia’s second most expensive housing market by median value. However, rising prices, slowing migration, and worsening affordability may soon turn Brisbane into the latest domino to fall in the nation’s housing saga.

Published:Tuesday, 28th Jan 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Zone RV's Acquisition by Essential Caravans: Implications for Customers

04 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The recent acquisition of Zone RV by Melbourne-based Essential Caravans marks a significant development in the Australian caravan industry. This transition ensures the continuation of the Zone RV brand and its premium Australian-made caravans. However, it also presents challenges for existing customers who had placed orders prior to the company's collapse. - read more

CIAA National Conference 2026: A Comprehensive Preview

04 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) is set to host its 2026 National Conference from May 13 to 15 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. This annual gathering is a cornerstone event for the caravan and camping sector, offering a blend of industry insights, networking opportunities, and professional development. - read more

Bruder RV's Strategic Relaunch: Strengthening Australian Manufacturing

04 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Bruder RV, formerly known as Bruder X, has relaunched under the ownership of Destination Unknown Group, marking a significant shift in the Australian caravan and RV sector. This transition underscores a renewed commitment to onshore manufacturing and positions the company as a global exporter of high-end, Australian-built recreational vehicles. - read more

Understanding the Recent Closures in Australia's Caravan Manufacturing Sector

26 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian caravan industry has recently witnessed a series of manufacturer closures, prompting concerns about the sector's stability and the implications for consumers. Notably, Zone RV, a luxury caravan manufacturer, entered administration in December 2025, leaving numerous customers and employees in uncertainty. This event is part of a broader trend affecting the industry. - read more

Caravan Industry Leaders Meet in Perth to Tackle Market Challenges

26 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In March 2026, trade CEOs from the caravan industry convened in Perth to discuss pressing issues affecting the market and to strategize for future growth. The meeting addressed challenges such as fluctuating consumer demand, rising manufacturing costs, and the increasing presence of imported caravans in the Australian market. - read more

Click for more Finance News