With buyer demand surging and listings lagging, Australia’s housing market is entering one of its most competitive phases in over a year. Reduced interest rates, tight supply, and growing FOMO are combining to push prices higher and decision-making faster—leaving buyers scrambling to keep up.
Auction Action Hits a New High
The numbers say it all—buyers are back in force. Ray White’s June data revealed the highest level of auction participation in 18 months, with 3.1 active bidders and 4.7 registered bidders on average per listing.
Sydney and Melbourne led the charge, with strong interest driven by improving sentiment around interest rates and expectations of further cuts. According to Rodney McLoughlin, this momentum signals that market confidence is well and truly returning ahead of the traditional spring peak.
Buyer FOMO Spreads from Budget to Blue-Chip
The fear of missing out has intensified, not just in upmarket suburbs like Rose Bay and Clovelly, but also in high-growth, affordable areas such as Rocklea (QLD) and Dallas (VIC). Exclusive PropTrack data shows that in some areas, over 100 buyers are competing for a single listing.
Infrastructure-led speculation is also fuelling activity in outer metro hubs like Werrington and St Marys—popular with investors hoping to ride future value gains.
Sydney Smashes Price Records Again
Sydney’s median house price has soared past $1.72 million, and units have climbed to over $834,000. The affordability gap between the two property types has widened to a record 106%, pushing many buyers toward apartments and townhouses.
Rodney McLoughlin notes that savvy first-home buyers are adjusting quickly—shifting focus, trimming expectations, and moving decisively to secure properties before the next interest rate move.
Winter Freeze in Listings, But Not Demand
Interestingly, despite surging demand, Sydney saw a 13% decline in new listings over June. Many sellers are holding out for spring or waiting on the next RBA decision. The result? Fewer fresh homes to choose from and greater pressure on buyers to act fast.
As we move toward spring, the market is likely to see a significant lift in listings. But with interest rate cuts on the horizon, that boost could be matched—or exceeded—by renewed buyer demand.
In this high-pressure environment, expert guidance can make all the difference. Rodney McLoughlin continues to provide crucial insights for buyers and sellers navigating one of the most fast-paced property markets Australia has seen in years.
Real Estate Newsletter
This article is a curated summary of various news stories from the past week, offering insights and updates on the real estate market. 25 July 2025.
Rodney McLoughlin is a trusted real estate professional with deep insights into the Australian property market. For personalized advice and market expertise, reach out to Rodney today.
