Description:

Australian housing demand is shifting—from previously overheated markets to rebounding capitals and regions. Explore where buyer interest is surging and what it means for buyers and investors in 2025.

Keywords:

buyer demand trends Australia, rebounding property markets, Melbourne housing demand, Darwin real estate boom, regional property interest, housing market shifts 2025, capital city demand growth, investor hotspots, real estate enquiries data

Buyer Demand Shifts: From Hotspots to Rebounding Markets

Nationally, the average number of high-intent enquiries per housing listing is holding steady—but digging into the data reveals a striking shift in buyer focus. While some major city markets are cooling, others are gaining renewed momentum fueled by rising demand.

Rising Demand in Previously Quiet Capitals

• Darwin tops the charts with an astonishing 57% increase in enquiries, highlighting surging investor and homebuyer interest. Already performing strongly, Darwin remains a standout market.

• Melbourne is also seeing renewed demand—enquiries are up 22% for houses and 16% for units, signaling buyers are rediscovering the city’s affordability edge.

• Hobart is picking up. With enquiries rising 24% for houses and an even stronger 31% for units, the market shows signs of resurgence in popularity.

These demand increases are backed by growing price momentum in those cities, making them worth watching.

Cooling in Traditional Powerhouses

In contrast, some former hotbeds of activity are showing signs of slowing:

• Perth saw an 18% decline in house enquiries.

• Brisbane and Adelaide both registered falling demand—6% down for houses in Brisbane, and 9% down for units in Adelaide.

• Sydney and Canberra held relatively steady, with only slight changes in enquiry levels, suggesting a pause rather than a decline.

Though demand is easing, prices across many of these markets remain elevated—indicating stabilization rather than collapse.

Regional Markets Spark Growth

Buyer interest isn’t confined to capital cities. Demand is surging across multiple regional areas:

• Regional Victoria saw a 33% jump in enquiries, the highest among regions.

• Regional Tasmania is also seeing strong interest, with enquiries up 20%.

• Regional NSW recorded a 13% rise, while Regional Queensland and WA experienced increases of 8% and 12%, respectively.

• Even Regional NT posted a 28% climb, reflecting renewed attention beyond coastal metros.

These patterns underline growing opportunities in regional markets that offer affordability and lifestyle appeal.

What This Means for Buyers & Investors

• First-home buyers and budget-conscious investors may find better value in emerging hotspots like Darwin, Melbourne, and Hobart.

• Regional opportunities present affordable entry points, especially where availability is tight and buyer activity is rising rapidly.

• Caution remains necessary in cooling markets—while demand has softened, prices aren’t collapsing. Strategic timing and local market awareness are key to making informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s property market in 2025 is proving anything but uniform. Demand is migrating—from cooling metros to those reigniting, and from urban cores to vibrant regional markets. Savvy buyers and investors will keep a close eye on these emerging demand hotspots, positioning themselves where both value and momentum align.