National Housing Prices Fall

Housing markets have lost more steam in May as a combination of higher interest rates, inventory levels and lower sentiment — dampened by conditions — saw the combined capitals house price index fall 0.3%.

The decline in house prices was led by, Sydney, with its house prices experiencing a 1% drop through May — the largest monthly decline since January 2019.

Sydney prices, including May’s result, have already fallen by 1.5% since February and with the slide in values budling momentum since the first month-on-month decline was recorded in February at 0.10% according to CoreLogic’s research director Tim Lawless.

“Through the previous downturn, which commenced in mid-2017, it took the Sydney market 15 months for the monthly rate of decline to reach 1 per cent, so we are seeing a sharper deceleration in market conditions,” he said.“The market is probably declining more rapidly due to a few factors, including higher levels of housing debt and higher interest rates, so households are likely to be more sensitive to higher mortgage rates and the sharp drop in consumer sentiment from previously high levels.”

Comparatively, Melbourne, which experienced a softer growth phase, has recorded a smaller peak-to-date decline of -0.8%, with housing values now 9.8% higher compared to the pre-COVID level.

Canberra, Australia’s second most expensive property market behind Sydney, has experienced nearly three years of consistent positive growth and although dwelling values increased 2.2% in the three months to May, softer house values and affordability constraints are likely to have had an impact. Accounting for the marginal decline evident in May, Canberra housing values remain 37.9% higher vs. pre-pandemic levels.

Prince Albert House is a stately Federation manor showcasing just how Mosman’s grand architectural past can be expertly coupled with a contemporary renovation.

Surrounded by some of Mosman’s greatest estates, the regal residence once known as Candida underwent a rebranding and a significant renovation several years ago before it last changed hands in 2016 for $10 million.

Today’s vendors, publican Matthew Fallon and his partner Tamara Martin, have engaged Michael Coombs and Tia Naris of Atlas Lower North Shore to market the property with the auction guide sitting at $15.75 million.

Only the fourth owner in the property’s 117-year history, Fallon is one of three brothers behind The Buena in Mosman. Matthew, Luke, and Tim Fallon bought the Middle Head Rd watering hole Buena Vista Hotel in 2015 for more than $13m before renaming it.

Sitting on 1254sq m of estate-like grounds on Prince Albert St, one of Mosman’s most sought-after streets, this stately house is a blend of old-world charm meets modern luxury, coupled with enviable views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and water.

The period property’s transformation was initiated by the previous owner, recruitment boss Jeromine Alpe, who enlisted Giles Tribe Architects for the bulk of the renovations. Fallon and Martin added their own personal touches later on.

“This is a really beautiful house with lots of space. So many Federation homes have pokey rooms and a difficult layout but this one has been really opened up to be a historic home with a very modern floor plan,” said Coombs.

Inside, Prince Albert House has a host of charming historic detail paying homage to its Federation roots including high ornate ceilings, intricate leadlight windows, and grand marble fireplaces. The 21st Century additions like the Calacatta marble kitchen with custom butler’s pantry and seamless connections to the great outdoors are also perfectly suited to today’s must-have Sydney lifestyle.

The large layout features formal living and dining rooms with bay windows, casual family zones and big bedrooms with built-ins. In the primary bedroom suite, separated from the rest of the house on the first floor, there is a walk-through wardrobe to a deluxe bath ensuite as well as two balconies, a sitting area and an adjoining home office. Two more bedrooms also feature ensuites.

Resort style amenities of the Mosman property include a swimming pool surrounded by manicured gardens, sandstone feature walls, a gym with a sauna and ensuite, plus a large wine cellar.

Close to a long list of lifestyle locations, the house is near family-friendly harbour beaches, Taronga Zoo, Mosman’s shopping precinct, coveted schools and city ferries.

Prince Albert House at 13 Prince Albert St, Mosman is currently listed with Michael Coombs of Atlas and is scheduled to go to auction on November 2.

National Housing Prices Fall

It’s the first fall in prices recorded since September 2020.