Australia’s housing market defies forecasts as prices surge past pandemic-era benchmarks.
Records keep falling in 2025 as harbourfront, beachfront and blue-chip estates crowd the top of the market.
Australia’s housing market defies forecasts as prices surge past pandemic-era benchmarks.
2 minAustralian house prices are surging again, delivering double-digit annual growth months ahead of schedule.
Nationally, the median house price climbed 1.1 per cent in October to $940,000, lifting annual growth to 10.6 per cent, the first double-digit increase since the 2021–22 property boom.
Market Resilience Surprises Analysts
The acceleration comes earlier than expected, according to Ray White Group Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee, who says the milestone was originally forecast for the end of the year.
“Stronger-than-expected October gains and continued tight supply across most markets have pushed growth ahead of schedule,” Conisbee said. “This shows how resilient demand has remained through spring.”
Perth (+14.8 per cent), Brisbane (+12.5 per cent) and Adelaide (+10.8 per cent) continue to lead the charge among capital cities, while Sydney (+8.6 per cent) and Melbourne (+6.5 per cent) show steady, consistent increases.
Regional Markets Extend Their Lead
Beyond the capitals, regional Australia is powering ahead, particularly in the resource states.
Regional Western Australia jumped 16.4 per cent year-on-year, and regional Queensland followed close behind at 14.5 per cent, as population growth and affordability continue to drive demand.
Units Outperform Houses
Unit prices rose even more sharply in October, up 1.4 per cent to $710,000, marking 9.2 per cent annual growth. Conisbee said affordability pressures, new first home buyer incentives, and a lack of available stock are pushing more buyers into the apartment market.
“Units are now seeing stronger monthly gains than houses, reflecting both affordability constraints and renewed first-home-buyer activity,” she said.
The biggest monthly jumps were in Perth (+1.6 per cent), Adelaide (+1.5 per cent), and Brisbane (+1.4 per cent). Melbourne’s unit market also firmed, up 1.6 per cent, as buyers returned to lower price brackets.
Spring Demand Defies Higher Listings
Despite an influx of spring listings, new stock has failed to match the intensity of buyer demand. Nationally, house prices have now risen every month since February, and unit prices every month since March.
“The pace of growth shows demand hasn’t been dampened by higher supply,” Conisbee said.
Outlook: Steady Growth Into 2026
The data comes as the Reserve Bank prepares for its Melbourne Cup Day meeting, where rates are expected to remain on hold at 3.6 per cent.
With inflation easing only gradually and unemployment sitting around 4.5 per cent, analysts expect monetary policy to stay steady for now.
Ray White’s forecast suggests 2025 will close with high single- to low double-digit annual growth nationally, with smaller capitals and regional areas tipped to outperform well into 2026.
Records keep falling in 2025 as harbourfront, beachfront and blue-chip estates crowd the top of the market.
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