Property prices down 10%: is this the upgrader opportunity?

Are higher global bond yields and the prospect of more RBA rate hikes about to push Australian property prices lower — or create a rare window for buyers ready to upgrade? In this episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates examine the most uncertain housing conditions they can remember. They connect surging bond yields, broad-based inflation and expectations for further rate rises with the decisions facing first-home buyers, upgraders, investors and renters. Pete and Chris unpack Cotality data showing higher-value Sydney and Melbourne homes have already fallen by more than 10%, while cheaper properties and units have held up better. That gap could favour households selling a resilient starter home and buying into a larger property at a much bigger discount. However, listings are drying up, investors remain cautious and another rate hike could quickly erase the market’s early signs of stabilisation. The discussion also turns to Australia’s supply problem: the gap between apartment approvals and commencements, data centres competing for construction capacity, developer stress and the risk that investor exits make rental conditions even tighter. They explain why low supply could eventually create a sharp rebound when buyer confidence returns. The episode finishes with practical listener questions on whether Airbnb can still produce worthwhile income and when a 40-year mortgage might make sense. You’ll hear why short-term rentals are far from passive, how loan terms affect repayments, and which trade-offs matter when deciding whether to buy, wait or upgrade. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe Rask resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest Disclaimer The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices