Insights
CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index rose another 0.5% in May, taking the national index 1.7% higher over the first five months of the year.
- Capital gains were recorded across all capital cities in May, led by Darwin at 1.6%, with all others posting at least 0.4%.
- Despite monthly momentum, the pace of annual growth in the national HVI slowed to 3.3%, the slowest since August 2023.
- Only Melbourne (-1.2%) and Canberra (-0.7%) have recorded an annual decline in dwelling values, demonstrating the resilience of the market amid relatively high interest rates and cost of living pressures.
- Capital city dwelling value trends are converging, with the gap between the highest and lowest annual changes narrowing to 9.8 percentage points. It hasn't been this close since March 21.
- Lower price tiers across most cities continue to lead value growth, as more expensive market segments start to accelerate off the back of rate cuts.
- Regional markets are trending positively, with each of the ‘rest of state’ markets recording value gains year-to-date. Regional SA (5.8%) led the growth, while on the other end of the spectrum, regional Tasmania (0.1%) remained flat.
- Monthly rental growth eased to 0.4% in May. Annual trends show a broad slowdown, except Darwin and Hobart rents have accelerated.
- Easing inflation, expected rate cuts, and improving sentiment point to modest housing growth in 2025, though affordability and lending constraints may temper gains.