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In a landmark moment for Sydney's real estate market, the city’s median asking price for houses has surpassed the $2 million mark, hitting $2,012,000 as of 15 April, according to SQM Research.
This figure includes Greater Sydney regions such as the Blue Mountains and Central Coast.
The development was confirmed by SQM's managing director, Louis Christopher.
SQM Research has highlighted that their methodology tracks vendor asking prices, providing an advance insight into housing market trends. Historically, these figures have been indicative of the future trajectory of house prices. As per Domain, the median sold price for houses reached a record $1,645,400 in the last quarter of 2024.
The forecast for Sydney's housing market suggests further price hikes are likely. A combination of anticipated rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and significant policy initiatives promises continued growth in housing values. Financial markets project five rate cuts this year, which could lower the official cash rate to 2.85% by the year’s end. Additionally, the Albanese government has proposed a universal 5% housing deposit guarantee for first-time homebuyers, effective from January 2026.
Under Labor's proposed policy, the government will guarantee up to 15% of the loan value, allowing buyers to avoid the average $23,000 lenders’ mortgage insurance cost. As Sydney's population could reach over 8 million by the 2060s due to sustained overseas migration, the demand for housing in the city is expected to intensify.
The increasing population is likely to result in a trend towards higher density living, with apartments gradually replacing single detached houses. This transition will further amplify housing values in the city.
The surge in Sydney's housing prices reflects broader economic policies and market dynamics. The anticipated decrease in mortgage rates and the easing of housing access through policy reforms could continue to fuel the housing market's growth. This scenario is likely to strain affordability, impacting prospective homebuyers who may find the market increasingly inaccessible.
Looking ahead, the housing market is expected to keep climbing, especially as supportive economic conditions persist. The impact of government policy on housing affordability, particularly for first-time buyers, will be central to future discussions as these initiatives take effect. Moreover, as Sydney becomes denser, strategic urban planning will be critical to maintaining the city's liveability amidst rising population pressures.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are expected to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This forecast follows an anticipated 8% increase in 2025, highlighting a sustained upward trajectory in property values. The primary drivers behind this growth include limited housing supply and resilient demand, particularly in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has recently voiced concerns regarding the escalating demand for home loans, suggesting that this surge may be contributing to unsustainable property price increases. CEO Matt Comyn highlighted that while the bank benefits from the current housing credit boom, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing affordability. - read more
As of October 1, 2025, the Australian government's expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme has come into effect, introducing significant changes designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Key modifications include the removal of income caps, increased property price limits, and the elimination of restrictions on the number of guarantees available. - read more
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you will make in your lifetime. Without a solid savings plan, you may find it challenging to gather the necessary funds for a home deposit. This can delay your home-buying journey and add unnecessary stress to an already high-stakes process. - read more
Welcome first-time home buyers! Embarking on the journey to purchase your first home can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the crucial steps in this process is understanding and obtaining home loan pre-approval. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of investment property financing. In Australia, property investment has long been regarded as a favoured strategy for wealth creation and financial security. However, this path comes with its unique set of challenges and risks that must be carefully managed to ensure a successful investment journey. - read more
A mortgage offset account is a financial product that allows homeowners to use their savings to reduce the interest charged on their mortgage. It is a transaction account linked to your mortgage, and the balance in this account is offset against your outstanding mortgage balance when calculating interest charges. - read more
Stepping into the realm of homeownership begins with a critical financial milestone: securing home loan pre-approval. This inaugural step paves the way for homebuyers to gain a clear understanding of their borrowing capacity, directly influencing their purchasing decisions. In Australia, where the real estate market teems with competitive energy, effective navigation through the pre-approval process offers a competitive edge. - read more
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"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"
