Buyer confidence is currently mixed following RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026, which have introduced new uncertainty into the market. This has created a two-speed dynamic where outer-suburban houses and affordable segments are outperforming the city median, while inner-city high-density apartments face softer conditions. Rate hikes in early 2026 have tempered the strong
Properties in Hawthorn, Kew, and Balwyn are positioned within the 35–40% of high-demand house markets with strong school catchments that achieve above-asking results (Bamboo Routes). However, RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have dampened buyer urgency and introduced new caution (Domain). Buyer behavior is shifting as recent RBA rate hikes in February and
Stock levels in April 2026 are influenced by Autumn seasonality, which typically sees lower competition from other vendors. However, a “two-speed market” persists, with the affordable segment (under $800,000) experiencing oversupply in certain areas, contributing to price declines in those specific pockets. The current volume is a tension between seasonal trends and segment-specific imbalances. While
Melbourne’s western suburbs are seeing higher growth in affordable segments and inner-west gentrification, while the eastern suburbs maintain higher median prices with sustained growth in areas like Heidelberg (+25.9%, Domain) and Whitehorse East (+8.6%, Cotality). A two-speed market is currently in effect, where outer-suburban properties are outperforming the broader city median. The Melbourne market is
Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are operating within a two-speed market where outer-suburban properties are outperforming the city median (NAB, March 2026). Strong population growth and a tight rental vacancy rate of 1.4–2.0% continue to support demand (Bamboo Routes, early 2026). However, a wide price gap persists between Melbourne and other capital cities, particularly Sydney. Results across
Rate rises in February and March 2026 have created a two-speed market, shifting competition toward the affordable segment under $800,000. First-home buyers and investors are now primarily competing for entry-level houses in outer suburbs, which are outperforming the city median. Conversely, demand for inner-city high-density apartments has softened. The rate hikes introduced in early 2026
Outer-suburban markets and high-demand houses with strong school catchments or excellent transport links are holding up best in 2026 (Bamboo Routes, early 2026). Growth is driven by affordability, with investors and first-home buyers moving into these corridors ahead of expected grant activity. These segments are currently outperforming the city median, while inner-city high-density apartments remain
Melbourne’s market is currently showing conflicting signals rather than a uniform stabilisation. While KPMG projects house prices to rise 6.6% in 2026, ANZ Research forecasts a -1.7% fall following March rate hikes. Actual data shows a 0.6% drop in values during the March 2026 quarter (PropertyUpdate/Cotality). The market is currently split between long-term growth trajectories
Approximately 60–65% of Melbourne properties are selling at or below asking price (Bamboo Routes, early 2026). Private-treaty sales typically close about 3% below the initial asking price, and auction clearance rates for the week ending 11 April 2026 have fallen to 59.1%. Market conditions in April 2026 reflect a shift toward buyer price sensitivity following
The market in Balwyn, Canterbury and Camberwell is currently defined by a two-speed dynamic where high-demand house markets with strong school catchments are among the 35–40% of properties achieving above-asking results (Bamboo Routes). However, February and March 2026 RBA rate hikes have introduced new caution and dampened buyer urgency (Domain). While these premium eastern suburbs
