Downsizing remains financially viable, particularly for those moving into inner-suburb villas or apartments, which have seen recent price increases. While Melbourne’s median dwelling value stood at approximately $830,371 in January 2026 (Cotality), the financial outcome depends on the specific region and the property type purchased. Buyers are currently cautious following the March 2026 rate hike,
Spring (September–November) typically delivers the highest buyer numbers and strongest auction clearance rates in Melbourne. However, RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have dampened buyer urgency (Domain), and dwelling values dropped 0.6% in the March 2026 quarter (Cotality). Whether waiting yields a higher price depends on if seasonal competition outweighs current price sensitivity.
Whether to accept a first offer depends on your financial position and risk tolerance. While structural undersupply supports medium-term value, RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have dampened buyer urgency (Domain). Conflicting forecasts—ranging from 6.6% growth (KPMG) to a 1.7% decline (ANZ)—mean holding out is currently a calculated risk. Buyer behavior has shifted
Waiting for a rate cut involves a trade-off between long-term structural growth and immediate buyer demand. While some projections suggest a 2027 recovery, February and March 2026 RBA rate hikes have already dampened buyer urgency (Domain) and reduced the buyer pool that had grown throughout 2025. The decision to sell now or wait depends on
Whether holding is worth the emotional cost depends on your gearing status and tax position. While structural drivers like chronic undersupply support medium-term value, February and March 2026 RBA rate hikes have dampened buyer urgency (Domain). Negatively geared investors may find the cost of waiting outweighs potential capital growth. The decision to sell in April
Deciding whether to sell in April 2026 requires balancing a broad recovery in vendor confidence against recent RBA rate hikes. While appraisals increased over 75% month-on-month into early 2026 (Raine & Horne), rate hikes in February and March have dampened buyer urgency (Domain). The market is currently operating under two opposing forces. While a substantial
Regret depends on your financial structure and timeframe. While ANZ revised 2026 growth forecasts to -1.7% following March rate hikes, long-term undersupply and population growth support medium-term appreciation. Selling now avoids rising listing competition and potentially onerous state taxes, though it may mean missing a projected 2027 recovery (ANZ, Domain). The decision to sell in
The risk of selling now is not necessarily higher than waiting, but it is different. Selling captures the recovery seen through late 2025, while waiting introduces risks from increased listing competition and RBA-driven price uncertainty, with ANZ revising forecasts to -1.7% following the March 2026 hike. The market is currently navigating a contradiction. While vendor
Wait times depend on your financial structure. Those with neutral or positive gearing can leverage structural undersupply for a predicted 2027 recovery (ANZ, Domain). However, negatively geared investors and those wishing to avoid rising listing competition should consider selling now, as February and March 2026 RBA hikes have already dampened buyer urgency (Domain). The confidence
Dropping your price may be necessary to secure a sale now because February and March 2026 RBA rate hikes have dampened buyer urgency (Domain). However, waiting may be the right move for those with positively geared assets or those betting on long-term structural drivers and a projected 2027 recovery (ANZ, Domain). The Melbourne market is
