The Property Planner’s Monthly Market Update: Jan 2025

Welcome to the Property Planner’s Monthly Market Update, your comprehensive resource for the latest insights and trends in the real estate and economic landscape!

Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our expert analysis, helping you make well-informed decisions in the ever-evolving property market.

Darwin’s Unexpected Strength

Darwin was the second-best performing capital in January and over the last 3 months, but its median price is still lower than it was ten years ago.   

Could Darwin have the next bull run or are these numbers just a short-term anomaly? 

Source: CoreLogic

Source: CoreLogic

Melbourne’s Median Shrinking Against Hobart’s 

In 2015, Hobart’s median property price was 43.9% lower than Melbourne’s, but as of 2025, the gap has dramatically narrowed to just 14.8% – a rare moment in the market. 

Has the market officially overcorrected or is this a golden opportunity in disguise? 

Source: CoreLogic

Perth Losing Steam 

After leading price growth in 2024, Perth’s quarterly gains have slowed from 7% in the June 2024 quarter to just 1% currently. 

Is this the end of Perth’s bull market? 

Source:CoreLogic

Regional Markets Continue to Outperform

Over the past decade, regional property values have risen 86%, compared to 65% for capital cities.  

We share migration data that highlights a key factor behind this trend – young people are increasingly leaving cities for regional areas in search of affordability and lifestyle benefits. 

Could this trend continue in 2025 or will capital cities regain the lead? 

Source: CoreLogic

Home Buyer Confidence Rebounding 

The “Time to Buy a Dwelling” index has recovered by 18.4% over the last 12 months, as buyers anticipate interest rate cuts in the months ahead. 

And with the RBA announcing the first rate cut of 2025 just yesterday, all eyes are on the market’s next move. 

Will this trigger a surge in buyer activity? Could we see growth across all markets or will it be concentrated in areas that offer strong value and have underperformed in recent years?  

Or is the optimism premature? 

Source: Westpac Melbourne Institute

Rental Growth Slowing 

Rents rose 0.4% in January, but the overall trend is slowing, with Sydney and Melbourne recording six-month declines (-0.4% and -0.6%). 

Annual rent growth remains above average at 4.4%. However, nearly all of that increase occurred in the first half of 2024, with nationwide rents rising just 0.4% over the past six months.  

This suggests a noticeable slowdown in rental price momentum. 

Will 2025 provide relief for renters or will supply shortages keep prices high? 

Source: CoreLogic

Market Trends & Mean Reversion 

If historical trends hold, some markets may be due for a realignment. 

Will 2025 be the year that the cities that have underperformed since Covid and over the last 10 years find momentum? 

 

RBA Cuts Cash Rate to 4.10%

The Reserve Bank of Australia has just announced the much anticipated 25 basis point cut, bringing the official cash rate down to 4.10%. 

With borrowing costs easing, will this create a flurry of activity in well-priced markets in the months ahead? 

 

Interested to Learn More?

Listen to the Property Trio podcast for more market insights and expert analysis that you can’t afford to miss!

#297: Markets Brace for RBA Rate Decision, Is Perth’s Boom Over, Rental Pressures Ease & City Folk Flock to Regions

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