Current Market Insights

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...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley analyse the impact of the recent RBA interest rate cut on Sydney’s property market, where premium properties are attracting intense buyer interest while generic listings struggle.

We break down shifting stock levels, auction clearance rates, and the rental market’s renewed tightening. With investment properties moving to owner-occupiers and immigration consuming housing supply, we ex...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley dive into the impact of strata levies on property purchases, sharing personal experiences and industry insights on managing these shared costs wisely.

We explore the rising costs of strata fees—particularly due to insurance—why reviewing strata reports is essential for buyers, and the importance of trusted advisors in the purchasing process. From inspecting amenities firsthand to und...

Peter O'Malley recently joined John Stanley on 2GB to examine the latest auction clearance rates and how buyer confidence is affected by recent interest rate changes. He guides you through the implications of rising land values amidst economic fluctuations.

• Review of recent auction results with a 71% clearance rate 
• Discussion on how interest rate cuts impact buyer behaviour 
• Examination of land value in...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley analyze the RBA’s recent rate cut and its impact on the Australian property market. We explore the central bank’s strategy for managing inflation, the likelihood of further cuts, and the government's evolving stance on foreign investment in housing.

We break down key economic perspectives on the timing of future cuts, the cautious optimism surrounding monetary policy shifts, and...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley explore the rise of the indifferent buyer in today’s property market and how emotional decision-making can lead to costly mistakes. Peter provides key insights on navigating market dynamics, understanding buyer psychology, and making informed purchasing decisions.

We discuss the risks of impulsive buying out of frustration, the advantage for creative and flexible buyers, and how inte...

Hosts Ciaran O'Brien and Peter O'Malley break down the latest trends in the Sydney property market as buyers navigate stricter lending limits and persistently low auction clearance rates. While new listings have surged, genuine buyer interest remains subdued, with many waiting on the RBA’s next move.

We analyze the impact of rising listings outpacing sales, shifting dynamics in the rental market, and an increase in prestig...