Winter might be around the corner, but the latest interest-rate cut is set to heat things up and ignite greater buyer and seller confidence in property markets across Australia.  

The latest rate cut on Tuesday will save mortgage holders a little on their monthly repayments, while homebuyers may be able to borrow a bit more.  

But experts say the move will kick off a new surge of buying and selling activity throughout the country, boosting confidence among buyers and sellers alike.  

The latest figures show home prices across Australia have grown by 3.71% in the year to April, reflecting a slowdown in the national home-price growth that started last year, according to PropTrack.   

While some, especially first-home buyers, want home-price growth to continue slowing down, others such as homeowners are likely to welcome the home-price boost. 

Australia’s capital city real estate markets vary greatly, so we’ve gathered the latest real estate outlooks from experts for each capital city.

Jump to your city

• Sydney  
• Melbourne 
• Brisbane 
• Adelaide 
• Perth 
• Hobart  
• Darwin 
• Canberra 

Sydney winter property outlook 

Sydney’s winter housing market is shaping up to be more active than usual, with the latest interest rate cut likely to fuel buyer demand and lift seller confidence. 

Real estate expert and DiJones Real Estate chief executive Dean Mackie said the combination of stabilising global economic conditions, political certainty from the recent federal election, and interest-rate cuts was creating “strategic opportunities” across the board.  

“We’re already seeing more decisive buyer behaviour, especially for quality homes in desirable pockets,” he said.  

For buyers, this winter could see increased competition. Units and townhouses remain in strong demand, especially among downsizers and first-home buyers reassessing affordability.  

For sellers, the outlook was positive. Despite a drop in new listings, total stock has ticked up, and well-presented properties in premium suburbs were still attracting strong prices. 

“You can’t slow-walk the deal at the moment, otherwise you’ll miss out,” Mr Mackie said. 

Melbourne winter property outlook 

Melbourne’s property market is heading into winter with rising buyer confidence and low stock levels, creating favourable conditions for vendors ahead of the spring selling season. 

Real estate agent and RT Edgar director Sarah Case said confidence was returning across the board, with strong demand from downsizers and families reconsidering their next move now that the federal election had passed.  

“People are ready to buy or sell, they’re not sitting on their hands anymore,” she said. 

Buyers can expect constrained choice, with new listings down 16% year-on-year and total listings sitting 2.7% below last year’s levels.  

Fully renovated homes remained in highest demand, but interest was also picking up in un-renovated stock as construction-cost pressures ease.  

Ms Case warned sellers not to wait too long, as there was less competition from sellers in winter. 

“Your property could stand out more now than when spring brings a rush of listings,” she said. 

Brisbane winter property outlook 

Brisbane was holding firm as winter approached, with competition remaining fierce despite rising property prices and a recent dip in new listings.  

Sellers who presented and priced their homes effectively were continuing to attract multiple offers and large crowds at open inspections. 

“We’re still finding that any properties that go to market that are well marketed; taken the time to present well; and are priced fairly for the market, are getting a huge amount of interest,” real estate expert and Coronis chief executive Karuna Mazzocchi said. 

“I recently went to an open home on a Friday at 1pm and there were 40 people there, it was one of those well-presented homes that everyone knew would be competitive,” she said.  

Ms Mazzocchi said the real challenge was encouraging more people to list their homes for sale.  

New properties for sale were 10.8% lower in April than a year ago, and total homes for sale were down 2.2% year-on-year.  

Adelaide winter property outlook 

Adelaide’s winter market was showing little sign of cooling, with strong buyer demand and low supply keeping prices competitive.  

According to real estate expert and Harris Real Estate managing director Phil Harris, price growth of 8–10% was still being seen in many areas despite the usual seasonal lull.  

“It’s still a very strong market,” Mr Harris said, pointing to tight supply as the main driver. 

New listings in Adelaide fell 6.7% in April from a year earlier, and home prices were 10.7% higher than this time last year.  

Mr Harris said the latest rate cut was likely to reinforce the current conditions rather than spark a frenzy. 

“Buyers should act fast and be realistic, you have to know your property prices and be prepared to move quickly,” Mr Harris said.  

Sellers can expect solid interest and continued competition, with demand outweighing supply and upward pressure on prices likely to continue through the season.

Perth winter property outlook 

Perth’s housing market is heading into winter with tight stock, strong demand and resilient prices, defying the usual seasonal slowdown.  

Real estate agent and Realmark managing director John Percudani said the city faced a significant supply shortage that would continue to shape the market well beyond winter. 

“At the moment, we’ve got less than six weeks’ supply to meet current demand, and we don’t see anything changing in that regard,” Mr Percudani said.

“The supply problem will not be overcome in a very short period of time, it’s a major structural problem.”  

Mr Percudani said buyers were expected to face ongoing competition and warned they would need to act quickly and be financially prepared.  

“Price growth is continuing in markets … and with the drop in interest rates, that’s probably going to fuel people’s capacity to transact,” he said.  

“That, in turn, may increase demand relative to restricted supply, so prices are likely to stay quite solid through winter and into the rest of the year.” 

Hobart winter property outlook 

Hobart’s winter housing market was likely to be more balanced, with thinner buyer pools and a scarcity of listings sending mixed signals for buyers and sellers.  

“Sellers can expect less competition, with fewer properties coming to market during the colder months,” real estate agent and Peterswald director Harry Coomer said.  

“That’s a positive for motivated vendors, and we’re already seeing supply start to dry up, which is pretty typical for this time of year in Hobart.  

“If you’ve got a property ready to go and you price it well, you could benefit from standing out in a quieter market.” 

Buyers may find less choice, but also less pressure.  

“There’s likely to be slightly fewer buyers around because transaction volumes tend to dip in winter,” Mr Coomer said.  

“But we’ve always found that quality buyers are operating in all seasons.”  

Darwin winter property outlook 

Darwin locals say they don’t have a winter property market, but the next three months are sure to heat up, with strong demand from both investors and owner-occupiers. 

According to REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty, the Northern Territory saw the biggest rise in new loan commitments across the country, with investor loans nearly doubling over the past year. 

“Even when we look at the full 12 months, investor loans are up 60%, which is a massive increase compared to other markets,” Ms Flaherty said.  

One of the drivers has been that Darwin remains the most affordable capital city in Australia, yet rental returns were strong.  

With interest rates expected to fall, investors have been increasingly drawn to markets like Darwin where they can get better yields. 

On the supply side, there’s a major shortage of homes being built, with less than half of homes needed being built.  For buyers, that means more competition and rising prices, while fewer properties on the market could help sellers stand out.  

Canberra winter property outlook 

Canberra enters the winter selling season with a stabilising market that offers a little breathing room for buyers amid moderating price growth and subdued investor activity. 

Ms Flaherty said the capital’s supply pipeline had kept pace with population growth, distinguishing it from other capitals.  

“That’s one of the reasons why price growth hasn’t been as strong there as compared to other places,” she said. 

Ms Flaherty said the ACT had also recorded the sharpest year-on-year decline in investor loans, down 16% year-on-year in March. 

Home prices in Canberra rose 0.2% in April, and were now 1.72% higher than a year ago.  

While demand may lift as a result of the latest interest-rate cut and federal election incentives for first-home buyers, Ms Flaherty cautioned buyers not to generalise national trends.  

“Just because you might read in the media about the housing market surging ahead, it doesn’t mean that your local market is experiencing that,” she said.   

For sellers, competition remains limited, with new listings in Canberra down 15% year-on-year in April.  

The post Will the rate cut heat up the winter property market in your area? appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Welcome to our live coverage of the May RBA announcement. We will keep you updated with the announcement and expert commentary from our economists.

Thank you for joining us 

4:35pm 

This concludes our coverage of the third Reserve Bank board decision on the cash rate for 2025. 

Thank you for following along with our coverage of today’s 0.25% rate cut and keep an eye out for reaction coverage of this decision tomorrow. 

Productivity growth a ‘universal’ concern 

4:29pm 

Governor Michele Bullock has said Australia is “not alone” when it comes to navigating productivity risk. 

“There is a great deal of uncertainty about productivity,” she said.  

“I can’t tell you what is going to turn it around. Most other countries are in the same position as us. 

“I don’t know what the answer is, but productivity is up the top of the list of what the treasurer is working on.” 

Bullock: Nothing the RBA can do about housing affordability 

4:14pm 

Housing affordability is a demand and supply issue that cannot be fixed by the Reserve Bank, governor Michele Bullock has said in today’s press conference. 

“Increasingly this issue has been finding its way into both state and federal governments and that is where the focus has to be,” she said.  

“This has been brewing for many years, but we have to focus on our inflation and employment mandate, which is a really good thing we can do for young people and renters.” 

Labour market the major domestic risk 

4:07pm 

Governor Bullock has said the tight labour market in Australia is the most significant major risk within the domestic economy at the moment. 

“Not everyone agrees with us on this, but that is our judgement,” she said.  

“That indicates supply and demand have not really come back into balance, so there will still be inflationary risk.” 

Bullock brushes productivity concerns away 

3:59pm

The governor has responded to concerns raised that productivity is at a 60-year low in Australia, confirming it is less of a concern than unstable inflation. 

“If we want to see wages increasing, it does make it harder for wage rises if productivity isn’t improving,” she acknowledged.  

“It is very important and I’m happy the treasurer has identified it as one of the government’s key priorities.” 

Recession possible in the next two years 

3:52pm

Governor Michele Bullock has said scenario analysis by the RBA suggests Australia could face a recession within the next two years. 

Responding to media questions, Ms Bullock said:  

“That is in the very extreme circumstance. At the moment, we aren’t looking at that, but we need to be alert.” 

‘New set of challenges facing the economy’ 

3:43pm

RBA governor Michele Bullock has begun her press conference by saying US tariffs bring “a new set of challenges” to the Australian economy now that inflation is back under control. 

“Trade policies could lead to supply chain issues, which could raise prices for some imports, much like we saw in the pandemic,” she said.  

“We will need to be alert to upside risks. The board remains prepared to take further action if required.” 

Inflation expected to remain in 2-3% target 

3:15pm  

Inflation risks in the Australian economy have “become more balanced” according to the RBA’s statement – a key factor that determined the possibility for today’s cut. 

“The board judged that an easing in monetary policy at this meeting was appropriate,” the statement read.  

“Upside risks appear to have diminished.” 

RBA very uncertain on global outlook 

2:54pm 

The Reserve Bank has issued a cautious statement alongside today’s rate cut, flagging “considerable uncertainty” around tariffs. 

“Geopolitical uncertainties also remain pronounced,” the statement read.  

“These developments are expected to have an adverse effect on global economic activity, particularly if households and firms delay expenditure pending greater clarity on the outlook.” 

Governor Michele Bullock to speak imminently  

2:46pm

The conclusion of today’s monetary policy meeting will be followed by governor Michele Bullock’s usual address to the media.  

The press conference will take place at 3:30pm and will see Ms Bullock share the board’s decision-making process as well as its economic outlook. 

Cash rate cut to 3.85%

2:30pm

The RBA board has confirmed the cash rate will be cut to 3.85% in a move that was largely expected by markets and economists.

Today’s 0.25% cut means the cash rate is now 0.5% lower than it was 12 months ago and the same as it was in May 2023.

Economist predicts a cut of 0.25% 

1:47pm

Pricing in the market implies a very high chance of a 25-basis point (bp) cut this afternoon, according to REA Group executive manager of economics, Angus Moore.  

“Given underlying inflation is now back inside the RBA’s target band, albeit only just, I’d be surprised if the RBA wasn’t looking to cut,” he said.  

“While market pricing has suggested some chance of a 50 bp cut, that’s looking less likely now.” 

Concerns around tariff pressures  

1:32pm 

Australia’s economic position could be very easily and drastically compromised if a trade war between China and the US kicks off.  

The temporary pause of US tariffs on China announced last week is a positive sign for trade tensions, though this is still a temporary measure.  

Australia’s rate cut expectations for the year are likely to cool if pressures re-emerge. 

Another record high month for home prices 

1:17pm 

Home prices across Australia reached another record high in April, though the rate of growth was slower than in the first three months of the year. 

If we see more rate cuts from the RBA, as anticipated, we could see the speed of price growth pick up once again.  

The average price of a home in Australia is currently $805,000. 

Latest big bank predictions 

1:01pm 

NAB has forecasted both a double rate cut today as well as three more cuts by December.  

Westpac is anticipating a cut today, as well as in August and November, with ANZ also predicting three more cuts this year. 

Commonwealth Bank – Australia’s largest lender – is forecasting one rate cut per quarter for 2025. 

Double rate cut rumours  

12:46pm

Talk of an 0.50% rate cut has been rife ever since the last board meeting, thanks in large part to comments first made by treasurer Jim Chalmers in the lead up to the election.  

National Australia Bank (NAB) is the only major bank predicting a double rate cut for today, with chief economist Sally Auld saying the RBA needs to quickly take its policy to a more neutral stance. 

Core inflation back in target band 

12:33pm

Trimmed mean inflation is currently at its lowest level by quarterly reading in more than three years.

Coming in at 2.9% for the year to 30 April, it is also back in the RBA’s 2-3% target range for the first time since December 2021. 

This fall to within target range is the key piece of the puzzle governor Michele Bullock has repeatedly said she is waiting to see. 

What are markets predicting for today?

12:22pm

Market predictions of a rate cut have been stable over the last two weeks on the Australian Stock Exchange rate indicator.

As of 19 May, the indicator shows the possibility of an 0.5% rate cut to 3.60% at 51%.

It’s cash rates decision day

12.02pm

Welcome to our live coverage

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of today’s cash rate decision.

After holding the cash rate at its last meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia is widely predicted to announce a cut later this afternoon.

The current cash rate is 4.10%.

The post RBA live: Interest rates announcement  appeared first on realestate.com.au.

When George Vrban recently took out a reverse mortgage himself, some eyebrows were raised. But his decision wasn’t born out of financial desperation — it was part of an overall strategic retirement plan.

George Vrban, a name synonymous with expertise and trust in the reverse mortgage industry, reached a personal and professional milestone by obtaining a reverse mortgage for himself. 

Many will read the headline and feel sorry for George. After all, what tragic circumstances would drive the nation’s top reverse mortgage originator to leverage his hard-earned equity? 

But George, who lives in St. Augustine, FL with his lovely wife, Michele, has long advocated for the use of reverse mortgages not just as a necessity but as a strategic financial planning tool. Having recently celebrated his 62^nd birthday—the minimum age to qualify for a reverse mortgage, he had the opportunity to lead by example.

I’ve known George for 15 years and can assure you this action was not an act of desperation. It is one element of a long-term financial plan that includes tax strategies and Roth conversions.

You see, George is simply following in the footsteps of other notable reverse mortgage practitioners like nationally recognized speaker and reverse mortgage author, Harlan Accola. Harlan is National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, and in 2022, he obtained his own reverse mortgage for many of the same reasons as George. They both know what many in the financial planning community are beginning to learn—obtaining a reverse mortgage at age 62 creates a more efficient retirement outcome.

“A reverse mortgage is often misunderstood as a last resort for financially destitute seniors. However, that perception is far from accurate,” said George Vrban. “My wife and I are fortunately in a comfortable financial position, yet we chose to take out a reverse mortgage because of the flexibility and security it offers. It’s a proactive measure, enabling smarter wealth management and prudent retirement planning.”

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

Reverse mortgages allow homeowners aged 62 and older to convert a portion of their home’s value into cash, monthly payments, or a line of credit. The homeowner remains in the home without a required monthly mortgage payment while maintaining responsibility for property taxes, insurance, and upkeep. The loan is typically repaid when the homeowner sells the home, moves out, or passes away.

What are some strategic advantages?

Today’s reverse mortgage borrowers leave unused proceeds in a secure line of credit (LOC) that grows at the same rate as borrowed funds. Therefore, borrowers who don’t need funds today will have increased capacity to pay for financial shocks later in retirement like home care. For this reason, it makes sense to obtain a reverse mortgage as early as possible.

While monthly payments are not required, reverse mortgage borrowers have the option to make voluntary payments to reduce their loan balance and increase their line of credit which may also provide a possible tax deduction. Therefore, some homeowners will make large windfall payments once every 3 or 4 years and then itemize on their tax returns in those years. 

Getting a reverse mortgage early also provides a buffer against sequence of returns risk. Having access to home equity allows retirees to avoid selling investments during market downturns. This will help them to preserve their retirement portfolio during the crucial early retirement years when negative returns can have the most damaging impact.

George has been instrumental in guiding thousands of seniors through the process of securing their own reverse mortgages, enhancing their financial freedom and quality of life. Clearly his decision to obtain a reverse mortgage underscores his belief in the product’s advantages.

“It’s about walking the walk,” George explained. “How can I advocate for something if I don’t fully embrace it myself? I’ve always believed in the strategic use of reverse mortgages, and now I can share personal insights and firsthand experience with my clients.”

George Vrban is a Movement Mortgage Retirement Mortgage Professional (RMP) based in St. Augustine, Florida. 

Dan Hultquist is a co-founder of REVERSE plus, and the author of “Understanding Reverse,” widely considered an essential resource for both consumers and mortgage professionals

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com. 

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