Current Market Insights

In this special Talking Property episode, Harris Partners’ Peter O’Malley is joined by SQM Research Director Louis Christopher , widely regarded as Australia’s leading property analyst, to preview what lies ahead for the housing market in 2026. With Sydney tipped for a strong year, Louis unpacks the key forces that will shape prices, rentals, and market stability. We also discuss: The RBA’s intere...

SQM Research's Louis Christopher offers an insightful breakdown on the State of the Market in Sydney for 2025. We unpack why Sydney’s 2025 property market rose overall yet lost steam late in the year.  • three rate cuts then a CPI shock reframing expectations • supply targets missing by a wide margin • electricity prices driving inflation and sentiment • APRA’s soft investor caps in hotter no...

Hosts Ciaran O’Brien and Peter O’Malley wrap up a year where rate cuts calmed mortgage distress, yet inflation quietly returned through energy, services, and daily essentials. As AI reshapes jobs, rental markets hold steady, and policy reforms tighten compliance, we reflect on what defined 2025 — and what’s next for Sydney’s property landscape. We also discuss: How rate cuts removed forced selling...

Hosts Ciaran O’Brien and Peter O’Malley break down Sydney’s late-year property trends — where prices keep climbing even as auction heat fades. With migration pressure, infrastructure investment, and rate movements all pulling the market in different directions, we map what’s driving demand and how to plan your next move. We also discuss: Why December 2025 is shaping stronger than last year’s marke...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack how to choose a property manager who genuinely protects your asset — not one who disappears after signing the agreement. From understanding the difference between a BDM and a true property manager to spotting red flags and compliance traps, this episode lays out clear, practical steps for landlords. We also discuss: Why you should always mee...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack why buying before selling snares one in ten property owners — and how to avoid panic discounts, bridging finance blowouts, and stressful settlement timelines. With real examples and proven strategies, they show how to trade uncertainty for control when making your next move. We also discuss: Why appraisals often overpromise and mislead selle...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley explore why Sydney’s property market continues to defy broader economic headwinds. As unemployment rises and central banks face pressure to balance inflation with growth, we examine how policy shifts, migration, and housing supply gaps are shaping today’s price dynamics. We also discuss: Sydney’s housing resilience despite a softening national econ...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack why a seemingly “small” price change can translate into a substantial real-world loss once you factor in stamp duty, agent fees, legal costs, and market timing. Using real examples, they illustrate how the 10% break-even rule plays out and why meaningful tax reform could help unlock better housing mobility. We also discuss: The 10% break-eve...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack why a rate hold can still feel like a squeeze for households, even as Sydney’s property market shows firmer prices, mixed clearance rates, and ultra-tight rental conditions. With rezoning plans, first home buyer support, and global risks shaping the outlook, this episode explores the forces driving today’s market. We also discuss: RBA holds...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley expose the hidden risk of insider threats in the real estate industry, where organised crime syndicates are placing moles inside agencies to access sensitive personal information. With data breaches costing consumers and businesses dearly, this episode highlights why protecting client data is now a frontline issue. We also discuss: Criminals purcha...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down Sydney’s spring property market as a surge of new listings puts pressure on clearance rates. With 1,115 auctions scheduled in a single week and clearance rates slipping to 51%, many vendors are choosing to sell prior rather than risk auction day. We also discuss: Growing employment concerns with job losses in banking and the rise of AI/o...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley analyse the opening weeks of Sydney’s spring property season. Relentless rain has delayed listings, while three recent rate cuts have eased mortgage stress and reduced urgency for some sellers. Despite fewer properties on the market, conditions are strengthening with clearance rates notably higher than last year. We also discuss: The three distinct...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack major government announcements set to reshape Sydney’s property market. From new first home buyer incentives to large-scale rezoning plans, these policy shifts aim to boost affordability and supply — but will they actually deliver, or simply push prices higher? We also discuss: Federal first home buyer guarantee allowing purchases with 5% de...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down the Reserve Bank’s 0.25% interest rate cut — the third in 2025 — and what it means for property buyers and sellers. At the same time, Sydney’s real estate sector is reeling from a major underquoting investigation, with high-profile agents and systemic practices under the microscope. We also discuss: Sydney Morning Herald exposé on widesp...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley uncover the deceptive use of “fictitious buyers” by agents—an unethical tactic designed to pressure genuine buyers into overpaying. Peter explains how this differs from the previously discussed “phantom buyer” strategy, and outlines how buyers can protect themselves from falling victim to false competition. We also cover: Why written confirmation f...

Sydney’s property market remains stable as inflation data supports a likely August interest rate cut. With vendors and buyers anticipating a spring shift, hosts Ciaran O’Brien and Peter O’Malley break down how CPI figures, policy changes, and affordability pressures are shaping the current landscape. In this episode: CPI hits 2.1%, with core inflation at 2.7%—both within the RBA’s target Why Augus...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley delve into serious allegations against one of Australia’s top agents, accused of misleading vendors and manipulating commission structures for personal gain. Sparked by a series of Sydney Morning Herald exposés, we examine the broader implications for consumer protection, transparency, and regulatory oversight in real estate. We also discuss: Commi...

Sydney's property market shows resilience with auction clearance rates of 76% despite winter conditions and the Reserve Bank holding interest rates. The market is experiencing "artificial strength" due to extremely low housing stock levels while buyer numbers remain consistent. • Domain reports Sydney auction clearance rate at 76%, up from 62% during the same weekend last year • Uni...

SQM Research’s Managing Director Louis Christopher recently joined us to outline provide his view on how the Sydney Property Market will perform heading toward Christmas.  Louis discusses: Why both the Sydney and National property market are likely to rise in the next 12 months The impact of falling interest rates and rising immigration numbers Benefits infrastructure brings to the suburbs and loc...

Australia's best property analyst, SQM Research's Louis Christopher joined us to discuss the Sydney property market.  In this chat, we discuss the the market response to the two interest rate cuts, what the RBA are likely to do in July and the rise of the rental market when compared with wage growth. All of this is covered in Louis' market breakdown and much more... Send us Fan Mail...

Host Chris Smith (2SM’s Across Australia) is joined by real estate expert Peter O'Malley to unpack the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and the growing backlash against skyrocketing advertising fees. With Australian property sellers now footing the world’s highest real estate ad costs, the discussion exposes how the “Vendor Paid Advertising” model evolved, who really benefits, and whether...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack Premier Chris Minns’ potential pivot to Glebe Island for housing development, after the collapse of the Rose Hill Racecourse plan. With Sydney’s median house price pushing $1.486 million and economic growth flatlining, we examine the state’s struggle to address a worsening housing shortage. From strata issues to land tax pressures and invest...

In this episode, we examine the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and whether Australia’s leading real estate portal is misusing its market dominance. With vendors and agents under pressure from rising listing costs, we unpack the economics behind online advertising, growing use of off-market listings, and how competition (or lack of it) is shaping vendor behaviour. We also touch on: The price d...

The RBA has delivered a 0.25% interest rate cut, opting for a cautious step down while acknowledging growing international risks. In this episode, Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down what this move signals for property buyers, investors, and the broader economy. We examine the deteriorating labour market, wage growth dynamics, and why a global economic downturn could reshape the...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack renewed activity in Sydney's property market as the first "clean weekend" since mid-April brings more buyers through open homes—yet clearance rates linger at just 46%. We look ahead to the anticipated 0.25% RBA rate cut on May 20 and explore ongoing rental market strength, signs of stagflation, and political pressures influenc...