Australian house prices rose for the 14th consecutive month, up by 1.4% in November, but conditions are diversifying.
Over the past 12 months, national housing values have risen by 22%, representing an added $126,700 to the median value of an Australian home according to the latest release from CoreLogic.
While housing prices are continuing to steam ahead, this month is the slowest house price growth since January (0.9%).
Since its peak in March, when housing values rose by 2.8%, there has been a 'notable' trend towards milder price growth.
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, said the slowdown is due to a number of reasons.
"Virtually every factor that has driven housing values higher has lost some potency over recent months," Mr Lawless said.
"Fixed mortgage rates are rising, higher listings are taking some urgency away from buyers, affordability has become a more substantial barrier to entry and credit is less available."
Brisbane and Perth prices grow at fastest pace in decades
Brisbane and Adelaide lead the home price growth in November, increasing by 2.9% and 2.5% consecutively, highlighting 'greater diversity' in capital city house price activity.
"Relative to the larger cities, housing affordability is less pressing, there have been fewer disruptions from COVID lockdowns and a positive rate of interstate migration is fueling housing demand," Mr Lawless said.
"On the other hand, Sydney and Melbourne have seen demand more heavily impacted from affordability pressures and negative migration from both an interstate and overseas perspective."
Sydney and Melbourne recorded a flatter growth, up by 0.9% and 0.6% respectively.
Dwelling price growth in most other capital cities was slower and, in Darwin, house prices declined in November (-0.4%).
Perth recorded 0.2% growth, and Hobart and Canberra house prices were both up by 1.1%.
Overall, capital city house prices grew by 1.1% in November.
Regional dwelling price growth doubled the capital city growth this month, up by 2.2%.
The 'standouts' were regional Tasmania and regional NSW, where recorded growth was up by 2.5% and 2.4% respectively.
House and unit price gap widest on record
House prices outperformed units, up by 1.2% compared to 0.7%, but the gap is the 'narrowest' it's been since October 2020.
Based on median house prices across the capital cities, houses are 37.9% more expensive than units - this is the largest difference on record.
"With such a large value gap between the broad housing types, it’s no wonder we are seeing demand gradually transition towards higher density housing options simply because they are substantially more affordable than buying a house," Mr Lawless said.
More housing stock driving price growth slowdown
Nationally, the number of new houses available for sale is 15.7% above the five-year average.
With this rise, vendor metrics are 'softening', such as median number of days on the market and auction clearance rates.
"Fresh listings are being added to the market faster than they can be absorbed, pushing total active listings higher. More listings imply more choice and less urgency for buyers," Mr Lawless said.
"The rise in listings and softening of key vendor metrics implies the housing market may be moving through peak selling conditions, however it will be important to see if this trend towards higher listings continues after the festive season."
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Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the Product Provider’s web site. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of June 25, 2022. View disclaimer.
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