Infolio’s Melbourne's 2025 Property Market Outlook

The start of 2025 is expected to reflect the subdued market seen in late 2024, with the potential for a slight decline in property values during the year's first half.

Reducing the cash rate could serve as a turning point, driving increased demand in the latter half of 2025. However, this is not guaranteed, as economists remain divided on Melbourne’s recovery prospects.

There are opportunities for savvy buyers in Melbourne’s subdued market.

The Melbourne property market remains sluggish, with no interest rate cut on Cup Day, high listing numbers, and subdued property values. However, this creates a window of opportunity, especially for premium home buyers and strategic investors.

Luxury home market in Melbourne: A window of opportunity.

Infolio, Spring Property Update by Lauren Staley.

So, what is the key to success in a buyer’s market?

If you want to make a smart purchase, it boils down to one essential skill: negotiation. While that might sound simple, you need to remember that real estate agents are seasoned negotiators—they do this all day, every day. Their job is to secure the best possible price for the seller, so having strong negotiation skills or employing a professional buyer’s advocate is critical to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.

Why is it hard to value a property?

Valuing property in today's market is extremely challenging, even for real estate agents, who are sometimes accused of underquoting. So, is it underquoting? We would argue it isn't. Rather, it's the result of undersupply and high demand in certain market pockets. For instance, last week in Surrey Hills, a property with a quoted range of $2,000,000 to $2,200,000 saw a heated auction with over 20 bids, ultimately selling for $2,737,000. While the property sold well above the quoted range, the real estate agent wasn’t intentionally underquoting;

Why is the ‘quoted range’ changing?

We have observed an increase in properties where the initial quoted price starts significantly below the property's actual value. As the marketing campaign progresses, the price gradually increases, ultimately selling for an amount well above the original price. Agents are struggling to confidently assess property values due to significant and seemingly inexplicable discrepancies in results. This uncertainty has made them hesitant. As a result, they initially set lower prices to attract potential buyers and then increase the prices once they feel more confident about market expectations. Below are three recent examples.

“Money is made in the buying,” says Lauren Staley, from Infolio Propertyn Advisors.

Investing in property isn't about timing the market; it is about buying well. This doesn't merely imply snagging a property at a bargain price; it's about securing the right property for a fair price. The money is made in the buying. Seek sound advice, commit to your investment, and focus on quality acquisitions. Follow this process, and you will achieve success.

Pre-Market Offers Are On The Rise.

The 2024 property market has officially launched and ramped up, boasting a significant influx of new property listings. A notable agent in the Bayside area has shared that they've secured over 30 new listings, marking this year's start as their busiest ever.

Melbourne ends the year 2023 as a buyer's market. Plus the link to 2024 predictions by Founder and Director Lauren Staley from Infolio Property Advisors.

Infolio November Property Update - Melbourne

Despite the increase in on-market housing stock during the spring, the scarcity of top-tier family homes in blue-chip areas remains a persisting issue, one we anticipate dealing with in the foreseeable future. Why? It's a straightforward equation: limited supply combined with rising demand due to migration means there isn't enough inventory to meet the market's growing need. In addition, vendors only sell when they can see suitable properties to move into are on the market.

Competitive auctions are back, but not for all Melbourne properties.

We a property it at approximately $3.45 million, possibly even $3.5 million, amid competition. To our surprise, the bidding war concluded at a remarkable $4.3 million, leaving the vendor thrilled and neighbouring property owners reevaluating their price expectations.