Overview

• The Reserve Bank of Australia's February 2025 rate cut ended a year-long property price slide, with March seeing a 0.4% national increase in home values.
• Regional areas, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland, led annual growth, with some regions experiencing property value increases of over 20%.
• Housing affordability remains at near-record lows, with the national dwelling value to household income ratio at 8, creating significant barriers for first-time buyers.
• Rents hit record highs in March, though annual rental growth has slowed, offering slight relief to renters compared to previous years.
• The Reserve Bank is expected to hold the cash rate steady at 4.1% in its upcoming meeting, with further rate cuts anticipated later in 2025.