Brett Warren , National Director – Metropole Group
Australia’s property market is flexing its muscles again, with the total value of residential real estate climbing to a record $11.8 trillion. That’s a $678 billion gain in just 12 months, according to Cotality’s October Housing Chart Pack.
For homebuyers, this signals a market that’s gaining momentum – national dwelling values rose 2.2% over the September quarter alone, matching the strongest quarterly growth since May 2024.
While affordability remains a challenge in some areas, savvy buyers and investors are targeting the pockets of value, including in premium suburbs.
Brisbane continues to shine, with suburbs like Keperra posting standout growth since the first interest rate cut in February. Keperra’s affordability, tight housing supply, and proximity to key infrastructure have made it a magnet for both investors and first home buyers.
Even in larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, there are opportunities. While some high-density inner-city suburbs have softened – Milsons Point and Kirribilli saw modest declines – this opens the door for buyers to negotiate well in premium locations.
Selling times are tightening in growth markets, and vendor discounting is shrinking which are both signs of rising competition. Brisbane and Melbourne both saw year-on-year improvements in selling speed, reflecting increased buyer urgency.
With interest rates easing and rental markets re-accelerating, capital cities are once again becoming hotspots for strategic investment and smart homebuying. The key, as always, is to focus on scarcity, infrastructure, and long-term demand drivers.
Whether you’re entering the market or expanding your portfolio, now’s the time to act with clarity and confidence.
