National Property Values Decline for Seventh Consecutive Month

The Australian property market has recorded its seventh consecutive month of falling values, with national dwelling prices dropping by 1.2 per cent in October. Data from Cotality indicates that national values are now 6.7 per cent below the peak reached in March 2026.

This downturn has resulted in an approximate $63,400 reduction in the median Australian dwelling value. Experts note that the current pace of decline is the fastest observed in the last 40 years, reflecting significant headwinds across the sector.

The decline is broad-based, with Brisbane and Perth now experiencing notable downward pressure. Brisbane, in particular, recorded a 2.0 per cent drop in median house prices during October, overtaking Sydney as the capital city with the fastest rate of decline.

Market researchers attribute the ongoing slump to a combination of factors, including rising interest rates, low consumer confidence, and cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, federal government policy changes regarding tax concessions for property investors have contributed to the cooling market.

For sellers, the current environment requires realistic pricing strategies. Reports indicate that vendors are increasingly accepting discounts, with some properties selling for 4.7 per cent less than initial expectations as buyers remain cautious.