Overview
- National prices rose 1.1% in October on Cotality’s index, extending the upswing that followed the RBA’s February rate cuts.
- The expanded 5% deposit guarantee, in effect since 1 October, is channeling buyers to lower‑to‑middle price tiers in a market where advertised listings sit about 18% below average.
- Investor lending has climbed, with roughly 38% of new loans going to investors, prompting warnings that regulators could tighten standards.
- Gains are strongest outside the priciest suburbs, with Perth up 1.9% for the month and regional centres such as Albany (+22.2% y/y) and Mildura (+18.7% y/y) posting outsized annual increases.
- The RBA is widely expected to hold rates this week after stickier inflation, and market forecasts for further cuts have shifted into next year.