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.

January has confirmed what many already felt &ndash; Australia&rsquo;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 &ndash; and how Australians are navigating the market right now.

Welcome to Behind the Numbers, the podcast that helps you make sense of the Australian real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or working as an agent, we break down the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the property landscape with confidence.

I’m your host, Sadhana Smiles, and with over 30 years in real estate, I’ve seen how tricky it can be to keep up with fluctuating prices, clearance rates, and market shifts. That’s why we’re here—to cut through the noise and give you clear, actionable insights.

So, whether you’re planning your next move or just curious about what’s driving the market - let’s dive into the numbers shaping Australian property with a team of experts in the know.

Reach out at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ 

Welcome to&nbsp;Behind the Numbers, the podcast that helps you make sense of the Australian real estate market. Whether you&rsquo;re buying, selling, investing, or working as an agent, we break down the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the property landscape with confidence.
I&rsquo;m your host, Sadhana Smiles, and with over 30 years in real estate, I&rsquo;ve seen how tricky it can be to keep up with fluctuating prices, clearance rates, and market shifts. That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re here&mdash;to cut through the noise and give you clear, actionable insights.
So, whether you&rsquo;re planning your next move or just curious about what&rsquo;s driving the market - let&rsquo;s dive into the numbers shaping Australian property with a team of experts in the know.
Reach out at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>&nbsp;