Current Market Insights

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack major government announcements set to reshape Sydney’s property market. From new first home buyer incentives to large-scale rezoning plans, these policy shifts aim to boost affordability and supply — but will they actually deliver, or simply push prices higher?

We also discuss:

• Federal first home buyer guarantee allowing purchases with 5% deposit and no LMI
• Treasury’s claim ...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down the Reserve Bank’s 0.25% interest rate cut — the third in 2025 — and what it means for property buyers and sellers. At the same time, Sydney’s real estate sector is reeling from a major underquoting investigation, with high-profile agents and systemic practices under the microscope.

We also discuss:

• Sydney Morning Herald exposé on widespread underquoting practices
  F...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley uncover the deceptive use of “fictitious buyers” by agents—an unethical tactic designed to pressure genuine buyers into overpaying. Peter explains how this differs from the previously discussed “phantom buyer” strategy, and outlines how buyers can protect themselves from falling victim to false competition.

We also cover:

• Why written confirmation from agents is crucial
• The legal im...

Sydney’s property market remains stable as inflation data supports a likely August interest rate cut. With vendors and buyers anticipating a spring shift, hosts Ciaran O’Brien and Peter O’Malley break down how CPI figures, policy changes, and affordability pressures are shaping the current landscape.

In this episode:

• CPI hits 2.1%, with core inflation at 2.7%—both within the RBA’s target
• Why August 12 could bring the long-awaited ...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley delve into serious allegations against one of Australia’s top agents, accused of misleading vendors and manipulating commission structures for personal gain. Sparked by a series of Sydney Morning Herald exposés, we examine the broader implications for consumer protection, transparency, and regulatory oversight in real estate.

We also discuss:

• Commission incentives and alleged buye...

Sydney's property market shows resilience with auction clearance rates of 76% despite winter conditions and the Reserve Bank holding interest rates. The market is experiencing "artificial strength" due to extremely low housing stock levels while buyer numbers remain consistent.

• Domain reports Sydney auction clearance rate at 76%, up from 62% during the same weekend last year
• Unit market continues to ...

SQM Research’s Managing Director Louis Christopher recently joined us to outline provide his view on how the Sydney Property Market will perform heading toward Christmas. 

Louis discusses:

• Why both the Sydney and National property market are likely to rise in the next 12 months
• The impact of falling interest rates and rising immigration numbers
• Benefits infrastructure brings to the suburbs and locations close to the new roads, Metr...

Australia's best property analyst, SQM Research's Louis Christopher joined us to discuss the Sydney property market. 

In this chat, we discuss the the market response to the two interest rate cuts, what the RBA are likely to do in July and the rise of the rental market when compared with wage growth. All of this is covered in Louis' market breakdown and much more...

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Host Chris Smith (2SM’s Across Australia) is joined by real estate expert Peter O'Malley to unpack the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and the growing backlash against skyrocketing advertising fees. With Australian property sellers now footing the world’s highest real estate ad costs, the discussion exposes how the “Vendor Paid Advertising” model evolved, who really benefits, and whether true competition in the portal spac...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack Premier Chris Minns’ potential pivot to Glebe Island for housing development, after the collapse of the Rose Hill Racecourse plan. With Sydney’s median house price pushing $1.486 million and economic growth flatlining, we examine the state’s struggle to address a worsening housing shortage. From strata issues to land tax pressures and investor flight, this episode highlights ...

In this episode, we examine the ACCC’s investigation into REA Group and whether Australia’s leading real estate portal is misusing its market dominance. With vendors and agents under pressure from rising listing costs, we unpack the economics behind online advertising, growing use of off-market listings, and how competition (or lack of it) is shaping vendor behaviour.

We also touch on:

• The price disparity between Balmain and Moun...

The RBA has delivered a 0.25% interest rate cut, opting for a cautious step down while acknowledging growing international risks. In this episode, Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down what this move signals for property buyers, investors, and the broader economy.

We examine the deteriorating labour market, wage growth dynamics, and why a global economic downturn could reshape the Australian property landscape. From...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack renewed activity in Sydney's property market as the first "clean weekend" since mid-April brings more buyers through open homes—yet clearance rates linger at just 46%.

We look ahead to the anticipated 0.25% RBA rate cut on May 20 and explore ongoing rental market strength, signs of stagflation, and political pressures influencing housing policy. Plus, we discuss...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley dissect the RBA’s controversial decision to hold rates during the federal election—despite inflation now sitting comfortably within target bands and business conditions described as “putrid” across multiple sectors.

With Sydney auction clearance rates collapsing to 44%, high vendor withdrawals, and predictions of a 0.5% cut in May, we explore whether the RBA’s delay will cost househo...

On this week's Current Market Insights - Harris Partners' Peter O'Malley joined 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil on 2GB Nights to discuss all things property. In this insightful chat, they discuss market trends over this Easter/ANZAC Day holiday period, the role of the Bank of Mum & Dad in the housing market and the risks in friends pooling together to purchase a property. You can listen to the full chat here

Sen...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley take a hard look at the NSW Government’s underquoting reforms, which have resulted in just 95 fines—each a mere $2,200—doing little to curb misleading price guides in Sydney’s high-stakes market. With buyers now instinctively adding 10–25% to quoted prices, transparency is collapsing, and trust is eroding.

We break down why the current system enables compliant underquoting, how buyer...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley unpack the global trade tensions rattling the Australian economy as Trump-era tariffs hit allies like Australia with a 10% sting—and China even harder. We explore how this “generational reset” in trade is stirring uncertainty across the property market and why the RBA may be forced into multiple emergency rate cuts.

From volatility in the prestige sector to weak auction results and m...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down the Federal Government’s Budget and its ambitious housing plan, which aims to address Australia’s housing crisis by increasing supply beyond what the private sector can deliver alone. With targets for 1.2 million new homes, increased social housing investment, and changes to planning and infrastructure, we explore what this means for buyers, renters, and investors.

We also...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley reveal how every listing, price change, and failed auction creates a permanent digital record that can impact your property's value. With property data companies storing this information indefinitely, sellers must be strategic about pricing, timing, and online exposure.

We discuss how failed auctions, underquoting risks, and even unrelated online content can affect buyer percept...