A surge in new listings would normally cool the market — but this time, buyers are absorbing quality homes faster than they’re hitting the portals.
Australia’s median property price rose 1.1% in October — the strongest monthly gain since mid-2023 — and is now 2.8% higher over the quarter. Every capital city recorded growth, and five hit new price highs, according to CoreLogic.
At the same time, SQM Research reported a significant lift in stock:
-
Total listings up 10.9% in October
-
New listings up 18.2%
Under normal conditions, this kind of supply increase would slow momentum. Not this time.
What’s really happening
Even with more homes on the market, buyer demand is outpacing supply. Rate cuts earlier in the year have lifted confidence and boosted borrowing capacity, so well-located homes are still selling quickly — often with multiple competing buyers.
More choice hasn’t reduced competition; it’s simply given serious buyers more opportunities to act.
What smart buyers are doing right now
Rather than waiting for the market to “cool”, proactive buyers are:
-
Securing pre-approval early so they can move the moment the right home appears
-
Widening their search radius to include neighbouring suburbs with better value
-
Stress-testing their budget at higher rates to avoid stretching too far as prices rise
These small steps are helping them stay competitive — without taking on unnecessary risk.
Want to stay ahead while prices are climbing?
If you’d like to understand your borrowing power, compare lenders, or get pre-approval sorted before you start making offers, I can walk you through your options and help you move confidently.