Luke Haddrick

Home values have now fallen 6 months in a row. So how bad is it?

National home values have fallen 5.2% from the March peak to September. That's still shallower than the last two dips (7.5% in 2022 to 2023, 8.4% in 2017 to 2019). But it's falling about twice as fast as 2017.

Sydney has fallen the most, already down 8.6% from its peak.

What's driving it: stretched affordability, four rate rises this year, higher living costs and nervous buyers. The budget's changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax have also dented confidence.

I don't know where the low is, and I'd be wary of anyone who says they do. What I do know: falling markets give buyers room to negotiate, if you've got a clear strategy and stick to it.

If you need help building a plan that holds up in a falling market as well as a rising one, book a 15-minute chat.

General information only, not financial advice.