Behind The Numbers

January has confirmed what many already felt – Australia’s property market is moving, but not in one direction.

In this January Behind the Numbers wrap, we unpack a highly diverse market. National home values lifted modestly, but growth varied sharply by location. Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra recorded slower conditions, while Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin continued to outperform. Several regional markets also posted stronger growth than their capital city counterparts.

We explore why Melbourne unit prices are now rising faster than houses, driven largely by first home buyers seeking affordability and proximity. We also discuss investor behaviour, rental yields, and why Melbourne is increasingly viewed as a value market.

On lending, higher prices are translating into larger loan sizes, with average settled loans up around 11 per cent year on year. With inflation back in focus and interest rate expectations shifting, we look at how borrowers are responding, particularly around serviceability, pre-approvals and timing.

Migration, supply constraints and tight rental conditions continue to shape outcomes across the country, keeping vacancy rates low and rents under pressure.

As always, this episode focuses on what the data is really telling us – and how Australians are navigating the market right now.

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As 2025 draws to a close, Australia’s property market is sending some new and important signals.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we unpack the December data and the early trends shaping 2026, with a sharp focus on one of the biggest forces in the market right now: listings.

National stock levels remain well below long-term averages, and where listings are tight, prices have continued to hold up. At the same time, we saw the first pockets of negative monthly price movement in key markets, raising questions about whether the market is cooling, pausing, or simply resetting.

Our panel breaks down what the data is telling us about listing volumes, price momentum, metro versus regional performance, auction conditions, and rental trends, and what it all means for buyers, sellers, investors and renters heading into the year ahead.

Clear numbers, practical insights, and a calm look at what to watch next.

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November delivered one of the clearest market signals of the year, and in this episode we break it all down with three experts who see the market from every angle.

National home values continued to rise, but the pace has started to shift. Affordability is now at record levels. Auction volumes surged then fell away. Lending remains tight. And buyer behaviour is changing as conditions become more complex.

I’m joined by economist Cameron Kusher, lending specialist Alya Manji, and buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos to unpack what the November numbers really mean for buyers, sellers, investors and agents heading into 2026.

We cover the markets that are still running hot, where the slowdowns are emerging, how credit tightening will shape the year ahead, why first home buyers are feeling the squeeze, and what to make of the Victorian Government’s proposal for sellers to disclose their auction reserve a week out.

If you want a clear, grounded view of the property market as we close out the year, this episode takes you inside the data and the decisions shaping the road ahead.

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Australia’s housing market just won’t sit still. Prices are climbing, listings are thin, and the race to buy is getting fierce. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind October’s numbers on why low supply is keeping pressure on prices, why we’re not building the homes we actually need, and what it means as we head into the final stretch of the year.

Economist Cameron Kusher, buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos, and mortgage expert Alya Manji join Sadhana Smiles to explore the national picture from the rise of lone households to shifting investor activity, the growing demand for smaller homes, and the changing balance of power between buyers and sellers.

It’s a candid, grounded look at what’s driving Australia’s “housing paradox” and what to expect as the market charges toward 2026.

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Spring is here, and so is the heat in Australia’s property market. In this month’s episode, we are joined by Cate Bakos and Cameron Kusher to unpack the impact of the new First Home Buyer Scheme, the surge in investor activity, and the market movements across every capital city — from Darwin’s double-digit growth to Melbourne’s quiet comeback.

Plus, Aussie Home Loans joins the conversation for the first time, with mortgage broker Anya sharing what’s really happening with borrower behaviour, refinancing, and lending policies on the ground.

Will the mix of incentives, sentiment, and stability push prices higher as we head into summer? Tune in for the data, the debate, and the insights you need to stay ahead of the market.

🎧 Presented by REIP and Aussie Home Loans.

PIPA 2025 Report

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August felt like someone flicked the market’s light switch. A fresh RBA cut lit the fuse, values nudged higher across almost every city, and Melbourne strapped on a jet pack as tight listings stirred real FOMO. We unpack where prices rose, why interstate investors are eyeing Victoria, and why units under 950k are suddenly the hottest ticket. We also look at rents creeping up while vacancies hover near 1 per cent, plus the First Home Buyer Guarantee expanding on 1 October and what that could do to entry-level stock. Cameron Kusher and Cate Bakos join Sadhana Smiles to map the next moves, including whether there may be only one more cut in the tank, and how to buy or sell smart as spring gathers pace.

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In this month’s episode, I’m joined by economist Cameron Kusher and buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos for a conversation that goes far beyond prices and predictions.

Yes, we talk market movements — but we also tackle the hard truths behind Australia’s housing shortfall, why the building pipeline isn’t keeping up, and how investor sentiment is shifting under the weight of tax reform, policy uncertainty, and supply pressure.

From stubborn listings to the social housing gap, Cate and Cameron bring sharp insights and bold truths that every property watcher needs to hear.

🎧 Listen now for a timely pulse-check on what’s really shaping the market — and what lies ahead.

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In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we explore the latest shifts in the Australian property landscape with two industry experts: economist Cameron Kusher, now part of the REIP Commentary Team, and award-winning buyer’s agent Cate Bakos.

Cameron shares a national overview of market movements — from tightening listing volumes and interest rate impacts to rising investor activity, rental pressures, and growth on the city fringes. Cate brings sharp, real-world insights into buyer behaviour, the return of investor confidence, and her advice for first home buyers and auction-goers navigating today’s competitive environment.

A timely, practical conversation grounded in data and experience.

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Election outcomes, policy shifts, and price surges—April delivered it all.
In this episode of Behind the Numbers – Property Wrap, I am joined by Cate Bakos and Atom Go Tian to unpack the key market movements: rising stock levels, affordability reforms, and Southeast Queensland’s rise as a property powerhouse. From Sydney’s luxury resilience to Darwin’s investor spike, we explore what’s driving price gaps, regional booms, and where buyers are heading next.

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In this episode of Behind the Numbers – Property Wrap, I’m joined by Buyers Advocate Cate Bakos and Commercial Property expert Vanessa Rader for a deep dive into what’s shaping the Australian property market right now.

We explore:

The ripple effects of the recent RBA rate cut
How sentiment is driving buyer and investor activity across the country
Why cities like Melbourne, Darwin, and Adelaide are showing strong momentum
And in a special segment, Vanessa Rader breaks down the commercial property market—what’s hot, what’s holding, and where new investors are jumping in

From regional booms to rental stabilisation, and the growing interest in converting underused office space, this episode covers both the numbers and the stories behind them.

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