Current Market Insights

Sydney’s property market remains stable as inflation data supports a likely August interest rate cut. With vendors and buyers anticipating a spring shift, hosts Ciaran O’Brien and Peter O’Malley break down how CPI figures, policy changes, and affordability pressures are shaping the current landscape.

In this episode:

• CPI hits 2.1%, with core inflation at 2.7%—both within the RBA’s target
• Why August 12 could bring the long-awaited rate cut
• New AML laws set to reshape real estate from July 2026
• Auction clearance rates at 53.5% with 800+ properties going under the hammer
• Domain data puts Sydney’s median house price at $1.7 million
• Are spring vendors heading into a crowded market?
• The renovation boom’s surprising impact on property values

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Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley delve into serious allegations against one of Australia’s top agents, accused of misleading vendors and manipulating commission structures for personal gain. Sparked by a series of Sydney Morning Herald exposés, we examine the broader implications for consumer protection, transparency, and regulatory oversight in real estate.

We also discuss:

• Commission incentives and alleged buyer deception
• Family-linked property deals raising ethical red flags
• Fair Trading’s response and the role of public accountability
• Auction clearance rates breaking above 50%
• The RBA holding rates amid economic stagnation
• What lies ahead for vendors as the market edges toward spring

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Sydney's property market shows resilience with auction clearance rates of 76% despite winter conditions and the Reserve Bank holding interest rates. The market is experiencing "artificial strength" due to extremely low housing stock levels while buyer numbers remain consistent.

• Domain reports Sydney auction clearance rate at 76%, up from 62% during the same weekend last year
• Unit market continues to underperform houses due to ongoing concerns about building defects
• Rental crisis shows no signs of improving with queues at winter inspections, which is highly unusual
• Basic granny flat in Avalon commanding $690 per week
• Immigration policy contributing significantly to rental pressure
• Building industry hampered by high costs, labor shortages, and competition from government infrastructure projects
• Developers struggling to make projects financially viable due to increased material and labor costs
• Market expected to remain strong with little downside risk due to continued low supply and expected future interest rate cuts

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SQM Research’s Managing Director Louis Christopher recently joined us to outline provide his view on how the Sydney Property Market will perform heading toward Christmas. 

Louis discusses:

• Why both the Sydney and National property market are likely to rise in the next 12 months
• The impact of falling interest rates and rising immigration numbers
• Benefits infrastructure brings to the suburbs and locations close to the new roads, Metro Stations and Airports
• First home buyers entering the market and fuelling the bottom end of the market
• The best performing segments of the market
• Why home sellers and buyers should care about the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and
• Much more… 

This is a deep dive on the factors that will determine the market’s direction in the near term.

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Australia's best property analyst, SQM Research's Louis Christopher joined us to discuss the Sydney property market. 

In this chat, we discuss the the market response to the two interest rate cuts, what the RBA are likely to do in July and the rise of the rental market when compared with wage growth. All of this is covered in Louis' market breakdown and much more...

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Host Chris Smith (2SM’s Across Australia) is joined by real estate expert Peter O'Malley to unpack the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and the growing backlash against skyrocketing advertising fees. With Australian property sellers now footing the world’s highest real estate ad costs, the discussion exposes how the “Vendor Paid Advertising” model evolved, who really benefits, and whether true competition in the portal space is even possible. 

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Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack Premier Chris Minns’ potential pivot to Glebe Island for housing development, after the collapse of the Rose Hill Racecourse plan. With Sydney’s median house price pushing $1.486 million and economic growth flatlining, we examine the state’s struggle to address a worsening housing shortage. From strata issues to land tax pressures and investor flight, this episode highlights the complex dynamics facing buyers, landlords, and policymakers alike. 

As mentioned in this episode, find the latest Harris Partners Real Estate Report here.

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In this episode, we examine the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and whether Australia’s leading real estate portal is misusing its market dominance. With vendors and agents under pressure from rising listing costs, we unpack the economics behind online advertising, growing use of off-market listings, and how competition (or lack of it) is shaping vendor behaviour.

We also touch on:

• The price disparity between Balmain and Mount Druitt listings
• Domain’s recent $3 billion acquisition by CoStar
• The May rate cut’s effect on auction clearances, now just above 50%
• Rising inflation figures and how they might influence the RBA’s next move

As mentioned in this episode, listen to our previous discussion around REA market dominance here.

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The RBA has delivered a 0.25% interest rate cut, opting for a cautious step down while acknowledging growing international risks. In this episode, Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down what this move signals for property buyers, investors, and the broader economy.

We examine the deteriorating labour market, wage growth dynamics, and why a global economic downturn could reshape the Australian property landscape. From Scott Pape’s warning to Westpac’s workforce cuts, we connect the dots on how this cycle might play out.

Sydney’s auction clearance rates remain stuck below 50%, the housing shortage worsens, and winter conditions start to chill market activity.

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Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack renewed activity in Sydney's property market as the first "clean weekend" since mid-April brings more buyers through open homes—yet clearance rates linger at just 46%.

We look ahead to the anticipated 0.25% RBA rate cut on May 20 and explore ongoing rental market strength, signs of stagflation, and political pressures influencing housing policy. Plus, we discuss growing concerns around personal banking privacy after a controversial move by the Commonwealth Bank.

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