Australian home values fall for sixth straight month, deepening housing downturn

Australia's housing market is experiencing a significant downturn, with national property values falling for the sixth consecutive month in September 2026. Data firm Cotality reported a 1.1 percent decline in September, bringing total losses since March to 5.2 percent. Brisbane saw the steepest monthly fall at 1.5 percent, while Sydney's values are 8.6 percent below their February peak. The downturn is deeper than the 2022/23 decline, and economists predict further falls of 9-13 percent. Rising interest rates and government tax changes are key factors, though first home buyer schemes are supporting demand.