Melbourne top performer for price growth
Melbourne has posted the strongest house price growth in September, according to ABS preliminary figures released today.
According to the weighted average of house prices across Australia’s capital cities, Melbourne values grew 2.7 per cent in the September quarter and 18.8 per cent over the 12 months to September.
“House prices have never been this high and it is clear that affordability will continue to be a significant issue, particularly for first home buyers,” Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) chief executive officer Enzo Raimondo said.
“Essendon was the standout suburb this quarter; its median house price increased by 14.4 per cent to $1.15 million and it had a 79.1 per cent clearance rate for auctions. It also recorded a 13 per cent increase in the median price of a unit or apartment.
“Affordability continues to be a concern and buyers have targeted a range of suburbs with medians below half a million last quarter, for example Mooroolbark, Hillside, Melton and Frankston South.”
In Sydney, house values fell 0.9 per cent over the September quarter - but rose 11 per cent in the last 12 months.