Property market hit by buyer's strike as investors, first home buyers press pause (opens original article in a new tab)

The property market is shifting from urgency to caution as buyers step back due to interest rate hikes, tax reforms, and economic uncertainty, leading to lower auction clearance rates and declining sales.

• Buyers are becoming more cautious due to interest rate hikes, tax reforms, and global uncertainty.
• Auction clearance rates dropped to 43.1% after the May federal budget, with sales down 17% year-on-year.
• Investor activity is expected to decline by 34%, and real estate transaction volumes by 20% in 2026.