This Month
Why housing economists got it wrong on Perth, Melbourne prices
Some of the country’s top economists missed the boom in Perth house prices in 2024, and almost no one expected Melbourne values to fall.
- Larry Schlesinger
Emissions reporting boosts financial sustainability
Readers’ letters on emissions reporting, renewable energy, green-left politics, productivity, government advertising and an idea for state governments.
House prices tipped to rise 3pc in 2025
This year is expected to be a tale of two halves, after interest rate relief revives buyers’ appetites. But if there are no rate cuts, all bets are off.
- Nick Lenaghan
Thinking of buying a bigger home? This could be the year to do it
Falling house prices in the Sydney and Melbourne markets would favour buyers, particularly those who are upgrading, while a slowdown in price growth in other capitals could also offer buying opportunities, experts say.
- Nila Sweeney
The hot new home trend everybody is obsessed about
People’s new-found focus on wellness and longevity is fuelling demand for the once-niche trend of saunas, but with a twist.
- Nila Sweeney
Wealthy inner-city suburbs wear the most pain in weak property market
Home values fell in December for the first time in nearly two years. But the dip is much bigger in more expensive areas, while affordable regions soar.
- Campbell Kwan
House prices are falling for the first time in nearly two years
A slight decline in the median home value in December was powered by an outsize slump in Sydney and Melbourne. Economists and realtors expect it to continue.
- Nila Sweeney
December 2024
Prestige home upgrades the elite can’t get enough of
From bold colours and loud textures to amenities that rival five-star hotels, home renovations in 2025 will be big on personality, moxie and luxury, experts say.
- Nila Sweeney
10 suburbs for property investors to target in 2025
Investors can still score six-digit equity gain in 2025 despite the current housing market slowdown, but it requires thorough due diligence and smart property and area selection.
- Nila Sweeney
Home sellers rake in record profits despite slowing market
More home sellers scored bigger profits in the September quarter, boosted by a broader lift in values nationally, but this could change next year, experts say.
- Nila Sweeney
Softbank woos Trump; Mother of all bubbles; 3 infuriating charts
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
The 3 housing charts that should make young people furious
New data shows how housing is slipping even further out of the reach of younger people. The election will kick off a new debate on the problem.
- James Thomson
Best (and worst) housing markets of the year
The growth momentum in the affordable end of the market is likely to carry through next year despite rate cuts.
- Nila Sweeney
David Waterhouse sues buyer of his $26m harbourside mansion
There’s far more to the $26 million sale of David Waterhouse’s Villa Biscaya to investment banker Michael Rothner than was reported last year.
- Myriam Robin
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Minister’s viral house price moment exposes our ugly bind
Clare O’Neil has angered younger voters by suggesting she doesn’t want house prices to fall. Their angst is understandable, but there simply aren’t easy solutions here.
- James Thomson
Sydney’s housing values fall further as rates stay on hold
The downturn in Sydney and Melbourne has accelerated in the past four weeks, but could turn around quicker if the RBA cuts rates in February, according to experts.
- Nila Sweeney
Sydney property slumps as buyers wait for price falls
The preliminary clearance rate for auctions in Sydney fell to 58 per cent – its lowest in a year – as buyers anticipate price falls.
- Campbell Kwan
The best beachside suburbs to grab a bargain before the year ends
As buyer demand dries out, sellers in these sought-after coastal suburbs are becoming more motivated to sell.
- Nila Sweeney
Where price growth for apartments will outpace houses in 2025
Apartment price growth has lagged houses for decades, but this could change next year according to experts.
- Nila Sweeney
Home sellers chop asking prices amid glut in listings
Weaker buyer demand and an influx of stock have prompted some vendors to slash their asking prices.
- Nila Sweeney