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What 2024 Holds for Australia’s Property Market: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising

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What 2024 Holds for Australia’s Property Market: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising

Here’s a scene for you: It’s 2009. You’ve just overpaid for a rundown Sydney terrace because, hey, "property always goes up." Flash forward to 2023, and that mantra’s feeling shaky.

Rates are sky-high, supply’s bone-dry, and everyone’s asking the same question: Where is this market going?

Grab your chai latte and let’s unpack 2024. Spoiler: It’s a mixed bag.

The Elephant in the Room: Interest Rates

In real estate, interest rates are the lifeblood of every decision. And the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is playing hardball.

While many hoped for a rate cut, Westpac's top economist just popped that bubble: no cuts until May 2025.

Translation: Borrowing costs aren’t easing anytime soon. This could mean the days of buying properties on a whim with rock-bottom mortgages are long gone.

For first-home buyers, it’s going to feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops.

A Tale of Two Markets: Boom or Gloom?

Australia is staring down a housing shortfall that’s almost comical if it weren’t so serious.

We’re talking 120,000 homes missing from the equation—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. By mid-2024, this number could blow up to 180,000.

Why? Well, population growth is surging, and new builds have slowed to a crawl. More people, fewer homes, and rising competition—it’s the perfect storm for pushing prices up.

But here’s the kicker: Not all cities are created equal.

  • Sydney: Still the drama queen of Aussie real estate, with building activity at a 14-year low. Prices may stagnate because affordability is a cruel joke here.

  • Perth & Brisbane: These dark horses are galloping ahead. ANZ is betting Perth will see a 25% price jump by the end of next year, with Brisbane not far behind. Why? Affordable living and booming local economies.

The Government’s Trump Card (Or Is It?)

Enter the Help to Buy scheme—a shiny new initiative offering 40,000 Australians a chance to snag a home with just a 2% deposit.

Sounds great, right? But the jury’s out on whether this will truly ease the crisis or just stoke the flames of demand, pushing prices even higher.

Still, for buyers locked out of the market, this could be a lifeline. The question is: Will it come soon enough to make a dent in 2024?

Investors, Take Note

If you’re thinking of dipping your toes into property, 2024 could be your year—but only if you play it smart.

The build-to-rent sector is where savvy investors are sniffing out opportunities. Long-term rental demand is booming as first-home buyers and downsizers find themselves priced out.

Regional markets are also stealing the spotlight. Think outside the box (or outside Sydney, really).

Regional areas offer not just affordability but also growth potential, thanks to infrastructure projects and lifestyle appeal.

Lessons From the Crystal Ball

2024 isn’t a year to sit on the sidelines—it’s a year to adapt. Here’s the playbook:

  1. Do Your Homework: Understand regional markets. Perth and Brisbane are primed for growth, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.

  2. Watch the RBA: Those interest rate announcements can flip the script overnight.

  3. Consider New Angles: Think build-to-rent or co-investing. The traditional "buy-and-hold" strategy may not cut it anymore.

Looking Ahead

Australia’s property market in 2024 is a wild card. With a housing shortage, stubbornly high rates, and a population boom, the stakes are high.

For buyers, investors, and even renters, it’s going to be a year of calculated moves and sharp decisions.

So buckle up—it’s going to be one hell of a ride.