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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.
In November 2025, Australia's residential mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) collectively holding $2.41 trillion in home loans. This represents a 0.67% increase over the month and a 6.36% rise over the preceding year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
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 December 2025, Australia's housing market reached a new peak, with the national median home price climbing to $880,000, reflecting an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by varying performances across different regions, with regional areas outperforming capital cities. - read more
In the third quarter of 2025, the Australian mortgage market experienced unprecedented growth, with new home loans totaling $191.1 billion. This marks an $8.3 billion increase from the previous quarter, setting a new record in the housing finance sector. - read more
Following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to maintain the cash rate at 3.60%, major banks have adjusted their fixed mortgage rates. Westpac has increased its fixed home loan rates by up to 35 basis points, with the lowest standard fixed rate now at 5.79% per annum. This marks a significant rise from 5.54% earlier in the week and 5.19% in early November. - 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
Buying a home is a significant milestone for many Australians, but it often involves securing a mortgage, which can be a complex process. An essential part of this process is understanding mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects lenders from the risk of defaulting borrowers. - read more
Welcome to the exciting and sometimes complex world of real estate in Australia! If you are on the cusp of purchasing your first home, you've probably heard about stamp duty. But what exactly is it? Stamp duty is a form of tax imposed by Australian states and territories on property transactions. This tax is usually a percentage of the property purchase price or market value and is a legal requirement for most property sales. - read more
Welcome to our guide on simple steps to boost your home deposit savings! We’re thrilled to have you here as you embark on the exciting journey towards home ownership. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upsize, saving for a home deposit is a crucial step. - read more
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"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"
