Rental Affordability Slightly Improves

Despite rents rising, affordability showed modest gains for a second consecutive quarter. Nationally, 24.5% of income is now required to cover median rent, with NSW remaining the least affordable.

Rental Growth Slows as Vacancy Rates Stabilise

Rents dipped 0.1% in June to $649/week. Vacancy rates held at 1.2%, and annual rental inflation slowed to 4.5%, suggesting the rental market may be stabilising.

Housing Affordability Sees First Improvement in a Year

Median family income required for loan repayments dropped to 48%. However, Sydney and Melbourne remain among the world’s least affordable cities.

Home Prices Reach Record Highs

National dwelling values rose 0.39% in May to a record $809,000. Forecasts suggest continued growth, especially in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, through FY26.

Million-Dollar Suburbs on the Rise

Australia now boasts 923 suburbs with $1M+ median house prices. That number is expected to exceed 1,000 by mid-2026, with Perth adding 22 new entries.

Listings and Asking Prices Climb

New listings rose 7.6% in May. Asking prices hit $1M for houses, while unit prices held steady. Resale profits remain strong, with 90–95% of properties selling above purchase price.

Investors Shift Focus Interstate

Affordability and growth potential are drawing investors to Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. Rentvesting is gaining popularity, particularly among younger buyers.

These trends reflect a maturing market shaped by shifting affordability, investor behaviour, and consumer priorities.