That February rate cut felt like someone flicked the lights back on. As Cotality research director Tim Lawless puts it, “This February’s rate cut was a clear turning point for housing value trends”—and the data lines up. National property prices rose 0.6% in June, making it five months in a row of growth. Zoom out and the story’s even clearer: over the past five years, the national median is up 44.3%, bumps and all.
What’s pushing things along? Falling interest rates. An extra cut in May—and growing confidence there may be more later this year—has lifted buyer mood and nudged values higher. Translation: the market has a bit of tailwind again.
What this means if you’re thinking of buying:
- More buyers are jumping back in. Lower rates bring people off the side lines. Expect more competition at opens and auctions, so have your ducks in a row.
- Your borrowing power may stretch further. As rates ease, lenders may offer you a little more—just remember prices are edging up too, so balance the two.
- Timing matters. If the trend continues, waiting could mean paying more later for the same place.
How to be ready (without the stress):
- Refresh your pre-approval. Make sure it reflects today’s rates and your real budget after living costs.
- Get your shortlist tight. Pick a few suburbs, track recent sales, and know what “good value” looks like right now.
- Line up your team. Broker, conveyancer, building/pest inspector—having them ready saves days when the right place appears.
- Have a game plan for auctions/private sales. Know your ceiling, stick to it, and decide in advance how you’ll negotiate if there’s heat.
- Keep perspective. A great home at a fair price beats chasing every spike or headline.
If you want to get ahead of the next rate cut—or just want a calm plan tailored to you—let’s chat about your goals and map out the steps.
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