Sydney values fall in September, the rest edge higher

This takes national dwelling values 0.5 per cent higher for the quarter and 8.0 per cent higher for the year.

But CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said that all-told the capital city growth trend is losing steam.

“This slowing in the combined capitals growth trend is heavily influenced by conditions across the Sydney markets where capital gains have stalled,” he said.

Sydney values slipped 0.1 per cent in September, although they edged 0.2 per cent higher for the quarter. This is also the slowest quarter since March 2016 and it’s the first month-on-month decline in 17 months.

“Interestingly, across the Sydney housing market, it was the detached housing sector that pulled the monthly and quarterly growth rates lower,” said Mr Lawless. 

“While unit values are also appreciating at a slower rate, detached housing values were 0.3 per cent lower over the month and 0.2 per cent lower over the quarter.”

Mr Lawless emphasised that the Sydney affordability issues continue. 

“Potentially the affordability challenges facing Sydney buyers within the detached housing sector are pushing more demand towards the medium to high density sector, where, based on median values, houses are almost $290,000 more expensive than units.”

The index shows Melbourne’s dwelling values are almost 1 per cent higher for the month and 2.0 per cent higher for the quarter.

Mr Lawless said the stronger conditions in Melbourne are supported by auction clearance rates, which have consistently remained above 70 per cent.

“Additionally, advertised stock levels remain remarkably low and private treaty sales continue to sell rapidly, averaging 30 days on market.”

The index found that Hobart further cements its position as the best performing housing market after a recent history of sluggish growth conditions.

Hobart dwelling values have surged 14.3 per cent in the last 12 months. This is the highest annual growth rate since 2004. Despite strong capital gains, the cost of housing remains substantially lower than any other capital city with a typical house value of $412,340 and a median unit value of just under $320,000.

Mr Lawless said the remaining capital cities have shown a “diverse performance” over recent months.

“Perth dwelling values look to be moving through the bottom of the cycle, with values edging 0.1 per cent higher over the month, however values remain down over the quarter and year.

“For Darwin, the housing market isn’t showing the same signs of bottoming out with dwelling values slipping 0.7 per cent lower over the month and 4 per cent lower over the quarter.

He said the remaining two are showing positive signs. 

“In Brisbane house values were 0.2 per cent higher over the month to be 4.0 per cent higher over the year, while unit values showed an increase over the month but remain 2.5 per cent lower over the past year.

“Adelaide dwelling values held firm over the month but have shown a 5.0 per cent rise over the year.”