House prices rise as first home buyers, investors see ‘intense competition’ | The Business
House prices have continued to rise across the country at the start of 2026, driven by fierce competition for homes in some states. However, the pace of growth is expected to slow as interest rate hikes put off prospective buyers. The Reserve Bank board meets on February 3 to decide whether to lift rates. UBS economist Stephen Wu told the ABC that the investment bank expected two interest rate rises this year.
Cotality’s monthly Home Value Index increased 0.8 per cent nationally in January, up from 0.6 per cent in December, taking the national median value to $912,465. The report found that growth in most cities was supported by real estate at the lower end of the value spectrum. Sydney and Melbourne recorded a marginal rebound, rising 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively, following small falls of 0.1 per cent in each city in December. However, the momentum across the mid-sized capitals continued into the new year, with Perth (+2 per cent) leading the gains, followed by Brisbane (+1.6 per cent) and Adelaide (+1.2 per cent).
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