Australian Home Prices Surge at Fastest Pace in Over Two Years

Australia’s CoreLogic Home Value Index rose by 0.3% in April 2026, slowing from a 0.6% increase in March and marking the weakest growth in nearly a year. Higher borrowing costs and the Middle East conflict pushed Sydney and Melbourne into outright declines, with both cities seeing a 0.6% drop as more properties entered the market. The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates twice this year, in February and March, to 4.1%, reversing two of last year’s three cuts to curb inflation. Other capital cities saw slower but steady growth: Perth prices rose 2.1%, while Brisbane and Adelaide gained 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively, supported by low inventory levels. Demand from first-home buyers continued to drive growth in lower-priced market segments.

Australia’s Cotality Home Value Index increased by 0.6% in March 2026, down from a 0.7% rise the previous month. This slowdown reflects shifting expectations of further interest rate hikes, which have tempered price growth and reduced market activity. The cooldown was most pronounced in Sydney and Melbourne, where prices dipped by 0.1% and 0.2% respectively, and transaction volumes weakened significantly. Meanwhile, mid-sized capitals continued to see robust growth, with Brisbane (+1.8%), Adelaide (+1.2%), and Perth (+2.5%) leading the gains. As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) signals more rate hikes ahead, the housing market faces growing headwinds, making a rebound in price acceleration unlikely in the near term.

Australia’s Cotality Home Value Index rose 0.7% in February 2026, easing slightly from a 0.8% gain in the previous month. Price growth remained strong in Brisbane (1.6% vs 1.4% in January), Adelaide (1.3% vs 1.3%), and Perth (2.3% vs 1.9%), while values were flat in Melbourne (vs 0.2%) and Sydney (vs 0.3%). On an annual basis, national home values advanced 9.6%, moderating from 10.2% in January.