Regional Australian home prices rise while cities decline

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Regional Australian home prices rose 5.6 per cent in the year to September, whilst those in capital cities fell 1.8 per cent, according to a Cotality report released on Thursday. The increase in regional house prices, despite their lower base value, kept the national average stationary despite a nationwide slump in recent months. Perth and Darwin saw average dwelling values increase by more than 10 per cent, but declines in Sydney and Melbourne offset these gains.

The downturn has been driven by higher interest rates, which have reduced buyer borrowing capacity and made people reluctant to purchase even when they can afford it, according to Cotality research director Tim Lawless. 'They're also weighing up higher repayments and the prospect of further price falls, which is making some reluctant to commit even if they can afford to buy,' he said. Sellers are hesitant to list their properties to avoid being unable to sell them.

The last quarter proved particularly grim, with only a handful of regional areas and Darwin sustaining price growth. House sales in September fell 20.9 per cent compared to the same month in 2025, continuing a nine-month trend of lower sales, with properties in capital cities taking nearly six weeks to sell.

How it is being reported

• Regional home prices holding up as city slickers sufferAs gloom envelops the property market, home owners outside of the major cities have at least seen values rise over the past 12 months.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 17:36
• Regional home prices holding up as city slickers sufferAs gloom envelops the property market, home owners outside of the major cities have at least seen values rise over the past 12 months.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 17:36

In this story: Perth · Darwin · Sydney · Melbourne · Cotality · Tim Lawless

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem