- Brisbane’s property market (Source: Property Buzz)
Brisbane’s property market is experiencing a surge, with first home buyers entering the market through innovative strategies and parental support. Gen X parents are providing significant financial assistance, with 17% of first-time buyers receiving help from their parents. The Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme is enabling more first-time buyers to enter the market with a reduced deposit requirement. Property values in Brisbane have risen nearly 80% over five years, but this hasn’t deterred young buyers from pursuing homeownership. Intergenerational collaboration is becoming a key factor in helping young Australians secure their first homes and build long-term financial stability.
- Energy efficiency (Source: Property Buzz)
Research shows solar-powered homes command a 2.7% price premium, translating to an average increase of $23,100 in property value. Increased energy efficiency ratings (NatHERS) can add 1.3% to a home’s value, with buyers increasingly prioritizing energy-efficient features. The Real Estate Institute of Australia advocates for mandatory energy efficiency disclosure at the point of sale and lease nationwide. Energy efficiency is becoming a central factor in home appraisals, with performance now considered as important as location. The trend reflects growing consumer awareness of long-term savings and sustainability, potentially transforming the Australian real estate market.
- First Home Guarantee (Source: Cotality)
First Home Guarantee allows buyers to purchase a home with a 5% deposit, with government guaranteeing the gap to a 20% deposit, avoiding substantial lenders mortgage insurance costs. Median weekly rent across Australia has increased by $200 since January 2020, reaching $669 per week, creating a significant financial burden for potential homebuyers. While a 5% deposit loan results in higher interest costs over a 30-year term, rental savings can potentially outweigh these additional expenses, especially in cities like Sydney. The scheme’s expansion with increased places, price caps, and income thresholds is likely to provide a short-term boost to home values and help more people enter the housing market. Despite offering easier access to home ownership, the policy is essentially a demand-side stimulus that does not address the fundamental reasons behind deposit and rent unaffordability.
- Property prices (Source: Dr Andrew Wilson)
Capital city house prices rose 1.1% in the September quarter, with the national median house price reaching $1,232,063, a 7.1% annual increase. Unit prices climbed 0.7% to $694,076, marking eight consecutive months of growth and a 5.5% year-on-year rise. Lower interest rates (cuts in February, May, and August) boosted affordability, buyer confidence, and market demand. Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth led house and unit price growth, with Melbourne showing signs of revival. Tight rental markets, high rents, and low housing supply continue to drive first home buyer and investor activity. The national housing market is expected to maintain strong growth in 2025, supported by rate cuts, a robust economy, and limited new housing supply.
- Cash rate (Source: RBA)
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained the cash rate at 3.6%, noting a slowdown in underlying inflation decline. Domestic economic activity is recovering, with private demand picking up and housing market strengthening. Labour market conditions remain relatively steady, with employment growth slowing and unemployment stable at 4.2%. Global economic uncertainties persist, including trade policy developments and geopolitical risks.
- First Home Guarantee scheme (Source: Emilie Lauer)
The First Home Guarantee scheme will allow buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without mortgage insurance, sparking nationwide buyer activity and panic buying. Real estate markets across different states are experiencing increased competition, with rising property prices and buyers submitting offers sight unseen. A Canstar analysis reveals borrowing capacity varies significantly, with a single average-wage earner able to spend up to $573,684 and a couple potentially affording around $1,147,000. Sydney remains the most challenging city for first-time buyers, while Darwin offers the most accessible property market. Most first-time buyers will need to compromise on size or location to enter the property market. Experts advise buyers to stress-test their budget, borrow conservatively, and seek professional advice to avoid overpaying due to fear of missing out.
- Home Value Index (Source: Cotality)
Australia’s housing market is experiencing strong growth, with national dwelling values rising 0.8% in September, driven by capital city momentum and record-low listings. Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin are leading value increases, with Perth and Brisbane up 4.0% and 3.5% respectively, and Darwin jumping 5.9% over the past three months. Severely low advertised stock levels (53% lower in Darwin, 45% lower in Perth) are creating a supply-demand disconnect and fueling price growth. Home values are rising across all value tiers, with the strongest growth in lower and middle-market segments, supported by lower interest rates and increased borrowing capacity. The spring selling season looks strong, with vendor-favorable conditions driven by lower interest rates, rising real income, tight labor markets, and improving consumer sentiment. The expanded Home Deposit Guarantee is expected to increase first-home buyer demand, with nearly half of Australian suburbs falling under new price caps.
- Home Price Index (Source: PropTrack)
National home prices rose 0.5% in September, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth and reaching record highs. Home values have increased 6.2% over the past year, adding approximately $54,100 to the median home’s value, with a 50.6% surge in five years. Capital city prices rose 0.6% in September, with Hobart and Sydney leading monthly growth, and most cities at record high values. Regional areas outperformed capitals, with prices climbing 7.1% year-on-year and experiencing stronger growth over the past five years. Interest rate cuts, improved sentiment, and expanded Home Guarantee Scheme are expected to support further housing market gains. Darwin, Brisbane, and regional South Australia and Queensland recorded the strongest annual price gains.
- Apartment market (Source: Emilie Lauer)
Apartments now account for 42% of national property sales, driven by lifestyle trends, affordability, and first home buyers entering the market. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra have seen significant increases in apartment sales, with first home buyers playing a key role. The First Home Guarantee Scheme is expected to further boost apartment demand, particularly in urban areas with more affordable entry points. Limited new supply and high demand are likely to create upward pressure on apartment prices in key markets.
- CoreLogic Auction Results (Week ending 28 September 2025)
(Total Auction / Clearance Rate)
– Sydney: 1,164 / 70.2%
– Melbourne: 224 / 64.3%
– Brisbane: 148 / 64%
– Perth: 5 / 60%
– Canberra: 116 / 64.7%
– Adelaide: 78 / 74.4%
– Tasmania: NA / NA
– Combined Capitals: 1,735 / 68.7%
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