Market update

National Housing Downturn Deepens as Capital City Values Slide

Australian dwelling values have recorded six consecutive monthly declines, with Sydney and Brisbane experiencing the most significant drops in sales activity.

1 Nov 2026

The Australian housing market continues to face significant headwinds, with national dwelling values falling by 1.1% in September alone. This marks the sixth straight month of decline, leaving property values approximately 5.2% below the peak recorded in March 2026.

Market activity has slowed considerably across the country. Sales volumes in Sydney and Brisbane have plummeted by 30% and 29% respectively compared to the same time last year, reflecting a broader cooling in buyer sentiment.

Auction clearance rates across the combined capital cities are consistently tracking below 50%. This trend indicates that sellers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure buyers, leading to a shift toward a buyer-dominated market.

For those looking to enter the market, the current environment offers more negotiation power, though reduced borrowing capacity remains a major hurdle. Sellers, meanwhile, are being forced to adjust their price expectations as demand softens.

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