Sydney's Parramatta, Melbourne's Carlton and Brisbane's Spring Hill – and their housing markets – are most likely to be hit by the slump of up to one-third in Australia's net overseas migration this year as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic that is halting movement between countries.

Australia enjoyed a net migration gain of 232,100 in the year to September and the likely decline to as low as 150,000 – depending on the extent and length of immigration measures to halt spread of the virus – will hit areas that derive much of their population from foreign students as well as migrant workers and working holiday makers.