Australian property values bottom out as borrowers anticipate end of rate hikes

Housing values appear to have bottomed out, new data from CoreLogic reveals. The latest Home Value Index showed values increased by 0.5 percent over April, after a rise of 0.6 percent in March.

Australian housing values dropped -9.1 percent between May 2022 and February 2023 but are now higher by 1.0 percent over the past three months.

Sydney values continued to increase over April, recording a 1.3 percent rise. This brings values up by 3.0 percent since January this year. All four of Australia’s largest capitals have now seen rises in housing values over the past three months.

CoreLogic research director, Tim Lawless, says prices are most likely on the way up again, which poses potential problems for the market as demand continues to outstrip supply.

“A significant lift in net overseas migration has run headlong into a lack of housing supply,” he said. “While overseas migration would normally have a more direct correlation with rental demand, with vacancy rates holding around one percent in most cities, it’s reasonable to assume more people are fast tracking a purchasing decision simply because they can’t find rental accommodation.”

Recent pressure on the RBA Board to put a hold on further interest rate increases had increased perceptions that they would either stabilise at their current level, or near to it. The uptick in values while interest rates remain at above average levels has a precedent.

“The last time we saw housing values trending higher through a rising interest rate environment was during the mid-to-late 2000s when the mining boom was underway,” Mr Lawless said. “This period was also characterised by surging net overseas migration that contributed significantly to housing demand.”

The Home Value Index also revealed that low levels of supply were continuing to support housing values as the numbers of newly listed properties, with the four-week trend at around -14 percent below average for this time of year.

The RBA Board will meet tomorrow to discuss the possibility of another increase in the cash rate. Senior economist at PropTrack, Eleanor Creagh said there was a reasonable possibility that a further rise would be put on hold as the full impact of previous increases played out.

“In April, inflation was higher and the labour market remained tight, which saw the board consider raising the cash rate another 25 basis points,” she said. “Instead, it opted to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60 percent, giving the RBA room to pause and assess how economic conditions unfold.

“There is still a way to go in returning inflation to the target range, but with the impact of higher interest rates yet to fully impact household cash flows, and set to do so in months ahead, we’re likely to continue seeing inflation move lower. This gives the RBA leeway for a continued period of patience in May.”

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Australian property values bottom out as borrowers anticipate end of rate hikes

The latest CoreLogic data points to an end to falling housing values across Australian capitals

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.