WELCOME TO THE OctOber 2025
PU b LISH er
Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd
c ON tr I b U t O r S
Cotality
e DI t O r IAL e NQUI r I e S
Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
ADV ert ISING e NQUI r I e S
Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
DIS c LAIM er
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P r OP ert Y VALU e S GAIN PA ce H e ADING IN tO SP r ING, D r IV e N
bY rec O r D-LOW LIS t INGS
Australian housing markets are gathering strength as we head further into spring, with September marking the strongest monthly gain for national dwelling values since October 2023. The Cotality Home Value Index (HVI) recorded a 0.8% increase in September, powered by robust growth conditions across the capital cities, where values rose 0.9% over the month.
On a quarterly basis, the national HVI increased 2.2% , up from a 1.5% lift in the June quarter and double the 1.1% increase seen over the three months to March. In dollar terms, the September quarter rise was equivalent to a $18,215 increase in the median dwelling value.
Growth has once again become broad-based, with every capital city and rest-of-state region recording an increase in dwelling values over the month, quarter and most recent 12-month period. That being said, some divergence in the pace of growth is once again emerging.
Perth and Brisbane are again pulling ahead of the larger capitals, with values up 4.0% and 3.5% respectively through the September quarter, with the pace of gains being led by the unit market. Darwin is showing an even stronger run of growth with values jumping 5.9% higher over the past three months.
Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, notes that each of these cities continue to show a severe lack of advertised supply. “The number of homes for sale at the end of September was about 53% lower than average in Darwin, 45% below average in Perth and down 31% in Brisbane. At the same time, estimates for quarterly home sales are tracking above average, demonstrating a clear disconnect between demand and supply.”
Most cities are seeing stronger growth rates for houses than units, with capital city values up 2.4% and 1.7% respectively through the September quarter. However, Brisbane is the outlier, with unit values consistently rising at a faster pace than house values over the past seven quarters due to a severe supply shortage. Perth and Hobart have also seen unit values outpace houses in the September quarter,
though this trend has been less consistent than in Brisbane.
Home values have risen across each of the broad value tiers. However, the strongest pace of growth has rippled from the lower quartile of the market to the broad middle. This is likely a reflection of increased borrowing capacity thanks to lower interest rates, which in turn is supporting demand at slightly higher price points.
Across the combined capitals, lower quartile dwelling values were up 2.6% through the September quarter, compared with a 2.7% rise across the middle of the market and a 1.8% increase in upper quartile values.
Advertised stock levels are below average across every capital city adding to the momentum in home value growth. Over the four weeks to September 28th, capital city listings tracked about 18% below
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the previous five-year average. Meanwhile, estimates of sales activity through the September quarter were 7.3% above the previous five-year average.
The disconnect between supply and demand has seen selling conditions strengthen. Auction clearance rates have been holding around the 70% mark since mid-August, up from an average of roughly 63% through the June quarter and 62% in the three months to March.
W ee K e ND IN YOU r N e IGH b OU r HOOD: HOW LO c AL LIVING IS SHAPING b UY er D ec ISIONS
THE LIFESTYLE SHIFT bUYERS ARE MAKING
Once upon a time, the big drawcard was the house itself. Square metreage, bedroom count, maybe a pool. But in 2025, buyers are thinking differently. They are asking new questions. What is the weekend like here? Can I walk to a café? Are the parks busy or peaceful? How close is the bakery, the farmers market, the yoga studio?
Lifestyle and locality are rising to the top of the priority list. People want homes that offer more than just space. They want connection, convenience, and community. Welcome to the rise of the local
we ekend suburb and the new rules shaping buyer behaviour.
FROM POSTCODE TO PERSONALITY
Buyers are no longer just chasing postcodes for prestige. They are paying attention to personality. A suburb with a strong identity and accessible local offerings often wins out over flashier alternatives with less soul.
Walkable cafés, local grocers, parks filled with weekend footy, or family-friendly markets all contribute to a suburb’s vibe. The suburbs that offer these lifestyle layers are not just good for living, they are good for long-te rm value too.
LOCAL CONNECTION CREATES LASTING APPEAL
What makes a suburb feel like home? Often, it is not the street or the floorplan. It is the sense that you belong. Buyers are more tuned in than ever to how a neighbourhood feels on the weekend.
They are doing more than browsing listings. They are visiting parks, checking out the crowd at the café, or driving by on a Saturday morning to see if the street feels alive or anonymous. The vibe matters. And savvy sellers and agents are using that to their advantage.
WORK-LIFE bALANCE bEGINS AT THE FRONT DOOR
With flexible work still the norm for many Australians, the home office has become important. But so has the walk to your local bakery for a break between meetings. Suburbs that allow residents to work, live, and socialise all within a short radius are seeing increasing demand.
Local gyms, co-working spaces, bike paths, and eateries all add value to the daily experience. For buyers, the ability to stay close to home and still feel connected is priceless.
Image: Jason Briscoe on
Unsplash
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SELLERS AND INVESTORS
If you are thinking of selling, now is the time to highlight more than just your home’s features. Showcase the weekend lifestyle. Is there a popular café around the corner? Mention it. Does the local park host yoga or weekend markets? That is a selling point.
For investors, suburbs with strong local culture and lifestyle infrastructure tend to have lower vacancy rates and more long-term tenants. Renters want the same thing buyers do. They want neighbo urh oods that offer more than just a place to live.
HOW TO SPOT A LIFESTYLE SUbURb ON THE RISE
Looking to buy or invest? Keep an eye out for:
• Suburbs with increasing café and retail openings
• Council investment in parklands, paths, or community spaces
• Buzz around local events or markets
• Social media activity that reflects a proud local culture Often, these signs precede price growth. A suburb with a growing weekend identity today could be tomorrow’s most in-demand address.
A NEW WAY TO CHOOSE HOME
The shift toward local living is more than a trend. It reflects a deeper desire for connection, ease, and community. As buyers rethink what makes a property valuable, the neighbourhood itself is becoming part of the home.
So whether you are planning to buy, sell, or simply fall back in love with your suburb, take a walk this weekend. Grab a coffee. Visit the park. Pay attention to how it feels. Because for today’s buyers, that feeling is everything.
Image: Fidel Fernando on Unsplash
L A r G e QU ee NSLAND
W HAT WILL HAPPEN TO PROPERTY AFTER FREEDOM DAY?
IND e P e ND e N t JOINS OU r GLO bAL br AND
After 20 years of serving the Toowoomba region as The Real Estate People, the respected local real estate agency has announced an exciting new chapter: rebranding and joining forces with global real estate powerhouse Century 21.
Led by General Manager Rach Hinz, Century 21 The Garden City boasts a dedicated and skilled real estate team, including 10 property management specialists, four residential sales professionals, and a large administrative support team.
Over two decades, the agency has built a strong reputation and achieved remarkable growth. The group's latest strategic move is designed to accelerate that growth further and provide clients with even greater opportunities and resources.
"We've been fortunate to grow tremendously over the years, and as our regional footprint expanded, we knew it was time to take the next step," said John Hyslop, Director of Century 21 The Garden City.
"Partnering with an internationally respected brand like Century 21 gives us the tools, network, and
reach to deliver an even higher level of service to our clients."
Ros Burton, also a Director of Century 21 The Garden City, believes the mix of local service backed by a global brand will be a winning formula for the business and its clients moving forward, "For our clients, this move means greater exposure for their properties and access to new opportunities, both locally and globally.
"This partnership allows us to provide the same trusted local service with the added strength and reach of a world-leading brand."
Known as the "Garden City", Toowoomba is considered the capital of the Darling Downs Region. The regional hub is a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and the gateway to the resource-rich Surat Basin Energy Precinct.
The rebrand is effective immediately, with Century 21 The Garden City continuing to operate from its central Toowoomba base, now backed by the strength and support of the Century 21 network.
The Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia, Charles Tarbey said, "Toowoomba and greater Queensland are areas crucial to Australia's ongoing economic strength and success.
"I am delighted that Century 21 has reestablished its presence in such a vibrant market as Toowoomba and with such a credentialed team. I have no doubt that this team will continue to flourish within our global network and with such an embedded focus on delivering market leading customer service."
Century 21 recently launched one of its largest global brand campaigns, Moments of the Century, with prominent billboards in New York's Times Square and across major Australian media channels including TV, out-of-home, and digital.
Century 21 is a global real estate leader with nearly 130,000 independent sales professionals operating in 79 countries. It is also the largest residential real estate network in the Asia-Pacific region.
SPRING OF THE CENTURY
Spring is the season of new chapters. Whether you're moving on or moving in we're here to help.
Click here to begin.
I S I t t H e r IGH t
t IM e tO UPSIZ e
O r DOWNSIZ e t HIS SP r ING?
NEW SEASON, NEW SPACE?
Spring is the season of change. It is when gardens bloom, routines shift, and for many Australians, the thought of a fresh start begins to feel possible. If you have been sitting with the question of whether to upsize or downsize, spring might be the ideal time to decide.
But how do you know if you are ready? And what does the market look like for buyers considering a lifestyle shift? Here are the key signs and factors to help you make a confident move this season.
SIGNS IT MIGHT bE TIME TO UPSIZE
If you are constantly running out of room or juggling growing family needs, upsizing may feel like the next natural step. Here are a few signs it might be the right time:
• You are working from home more and need a dedicated office or extra living zone
• Your family is expanding or planning for the future
• You want a larger backyard or better indoor-outdoor flow
• You can afford the mortgage step-up without compromising lifestyle Spring is a great time to upsize because there is usually more stock
to choose from, particularly in family-friendly suburbs with good schools and outdoor amenities.
SIGNS IT MIGHT bE TIME TO DOWNSIZE
On the other hand, downsizing is not just for retirees. Many homeowners are choosing to simplify life, reduce maintenance, and free up capital by moving into a home that better suits their current lifestyle.
• You may be ready to downsize if:
• You have unused rooms or rarely visit certain parts of your home
• Maintenance feels like a burden rather than a joy
• You want to be closer to lifestyle amenities or family
• You are planning for retirement or a more flexible financial future Smaller homes, townhouses, and low-maintenance blocks are in high demand, especially in well-connected lifestyle suburbs and coastal locations.
HOW THE MARKET SUPPORTS bOTH SIDES RIGHT NOW
Spring typically brings a rise in listings, making it easier to find your next ideal home. At the same time, buyer activity picks up, which can support strong results for your current property.
If you are upsizing, the added choice can help you find the perfect fit. If you are downsizing, this is your moment to list while buyer competition is rising, especially for larger family homes.
TIPS bEFORE MAKING THE MOVE
• Get a property appraisal to understand your current equity
• Research sold prices in your target suburb or property type
• Speak with a broker to update your borrowing power
• Create a list of non-negotiables for your next home
• Work with an agent who understands the emotional side of moving, not just the transaction
READY FOR MORE OR LESS?
Upsizing and downsizing are both about clarity. What do you need from your home now? What will you need in the next five years?
Spring provides an ideal opportunity to take action while the market is active and your goals are front of mind.
Whether you are dreaming of more space or ready to simplify, this season could be your perfect time to make a move.
Image: Dillon Kydd on Unsplash
S P r ING re S et : 7 SIMPLe WAYS tO
re
F re SH YOU r
HOM e AND
MIND
Spring in Australia is a chance to shake off the heaviness of winter and welcome in lighter, brighter energy. With longer days, blooming gardens and renewed motivation, now is the perfect time to reset both your space and your mindset.
Here are seven simple, feel-good ways to refresh your home and mind this spring.
1. DECLUTTER WITH PURPOSE
A clear space helps create a clear mind. Start by tackling one drawer, one shelf or one surface at a time. Be intentional about what you keep. If it no longer serves a purpose or brings joy, it might be time to let it go.
Tip: Donate usable items to a local charity to give them a second life and feel good while you declutter.
2. SWAP OUT YOUR SOFT FURNISHINGS
Update your cushions, throws and rugs with lighter textures and fresh colours. Linen, cotton and soft pastels or nature-inspired tones can instantly lift the mood of your living room or bedroom.
This small change can make your space feel brand new without a full redesign.
3. bRING THE OUTDOORS IN
Adding natural elements to your home is a great way to bring in calm and warmth, no matter the season. Consider placing low-maintenance
indoor plants in your living space or adding freshly cut flowers to your kitchen or bedside.
Plants not only add life and colour, they also help improve air quality and support overall wellbeing.
4. REFRESH YOUR ROUTINE
Just as your home needs a reset, so might your daily habits. Consider starting your day with a walk in the fresh air or winding down with a digital-free hour each evening.
Use the shift in season to gently introduce small lifestyle changes that support your energy and focus.
5. CREATE A SEASONAL SCENT STORY
Swap out heavy winter scents for something light and uplifting. Citrus, eucalyptus, lavender or jasmine can bring the essence of spring indoors.
Use candles, diffusers or fresh herbs in the kitchen to naturally scent your space.
6. LET THE LIGHT IN
Make the most of the longer daylight hours. Clean windows,
pull back heavy curtains, and use mirrors to bounce light around darker corners.
A sunlit space not only feels more open, it also supports your mood and sleep cycle.
7. START A WEEKEND RESET RITUAL
Set aside one day each weekend to reset your home and mind for the week ahead. Tidy your most-used areas, prep some nourishing meals, and take time to do something just for yourself. Whether that is reading, gardening or simply sitting in the sun, the aim is to recharge and realign.
These rituals help you feel more grounded and ready for the week ahead.
A spring reset does not need to be overwhelming. With a few thoughtful changes, you can transform your space and support a more relaxed, energised mindset. Whether it is clearing clutter or creating quiet moments of calm, this season is the perfect time to invite fresh energy into your home and your life.
Image: Point3d Commercial Imaging on Unsplash
