Top 10 Things You Should Pay Attention to This Week in the Australian Property Market (23 February – 2 March 2025)

Hold onto your hats, property enthusiasts, because this week will be a wild ride in the Australian property market. We've got everything from interest rate nail-biters to rental market meltdowns. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and dive into the top 10 things you need to know this week. Spoiler alert: it will be a rollercoaster, and you'll want a front-row seat.

1. RBA Interest Rate Decision: The Big One

When: 28th February 2025

Why it matters: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the country's central bank responsible for setting monetary policy, is set to announce its latest interest rate decision, and the suspense is killing us. Will they cut rates and throw borrowers a lifeline? Or will they hold firm, leaving mortgage holders sweating over their next repayment? Economists are flipping coins, and homeowners are refreshing their banking apps like Black Friday. If rates drop, expect buyers to rush back into the market. If they don't? The RBA might want to avoid coffee shops for a while.

2. CoreLogic's February Home Value Index: The Numbers Don't Lie

When: 1st March 2025

Why it matters: CoreLogic's monthly Home Value Index is like the property market's report card, a crucial piece of information for anyone considering buying or selling. Will Sydney and Melbourne keep crawling upward? Will Perth and Adelaide continue their meteoric rise? And will regional markets like the Sunshine Coast and Geelong keep stealing the spotlight? This data is your cheat sheet. But be warned: if you're waiting for prices to crash, you might be waiting longer than a Sydney commuter at a bus stop.

3. National Housing Summit: Policy Palooza

When: 26th February 2025

Why it matters: The federal government is hosting a National Housing Summit, and big announcements are expected. More funding for social housing? Faster approvals for build-to-rent projects? Whatever it is, this could be a game-changer for renters and first-home buyers. The anticipation is high. Or it could be another case of "all talk, no action." Either way, you'll want to tune in. Housing Minister Julie Collins is set to unveil new measures, and let’s hope they're more than just a PowerPoint presentation.

4. Rental Market Update: Vacancy Rates Hit Rock Bottom

When: 27th February 2025

Why it matters: SQM Research is dropping its latest rental vacancy rate data, and spoiler alert: it won't be pretty. With vacancy rates at record lows and rents skyrocketing, renters are in for more pain. If you're looking for a rental, practice your "please pick me" face now. And landlords, try not to cackle too loudly when you read the numbers.

5. First Home Buyer Incentives: More Help or False Hope?

When: 25th February 2025

Why it matters: Victoria is expected to expand its shared equity scheme, and other states might follow suit. Stamp duty concessions, grants, and other goodies are on the table, but here's the catch: everyone else wants them, too. If you're a first-home buyer, this could be your moment—but you'll need to move fast. It's time to channel your inner Usain Bolt.

6. Investor Activity: ABS Lending Data Release

When: 29th February 2025

Why it matters: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the country's national statistical agency, is releasing its latest lending data, and investors are expected to feature heavily. With rental yields looking juicy and property prices stabilizing, investors are back in the game and hungry. For first-home buyers, this means more competition. For renters, it means more landlords. Fun times ahead!

7. Construction Costs: Are We Finally Catching a Break?

When: 28th February 2025

Why it matters: The ABS is dropping its quarterly construction cost data, and the big question is: are we finally seeing some relief? After years of skyrocketing costs, there are signs that the market is stabilizing. But with labour shortages and supply chain issues still lurking, don't get too excited. For anyone building or renovating, this data could be a game-changer. Or it could be another reminder that building your dream home is about as easy as herding cats.

8. Sustainability in Housing: Green is the New Black

When: 2nd March 2025

Why it matters: The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is making a significant announcement about sustainability in housing. Think solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and homes that don't cost a fortune to heat and cool. If you're a buyer, this could be your chance to future-proof your investment. If you're a seller, it's time to start thinking green. And if you're a renter? Well, maybe one day you'll live in a home that doesn't feel like a sauna in summer.

9. Regional Markets: Still the Darling of the Property World

Why it matters: While the big cities hog the headlines, regional markets like the Sunshine Coast, Geelong, and Newcastle continue to shine. Affordable prices, lifestyle benefits, and remote work flexibility keep these areas in high demand. Now might be the time to move if you're thinking of a tree change or sea change. Don't wait too long—everyone else is already packing their bags.

10. The Big Picture: What Does It All Mean?

Why it matters: With so much happening this week, getting lost in the details is easy. But here's the bottom line: the property market is at a crossroads. Interest rates, housing policies, and market trends converge to create a moment of opportunity—and risk. Whether you're buying, selling, renting, or just watching from the sidelines, this is a week you can't afford to ignore. So, stay alert, stay informed, and maybe keep a stress ball handy.

The Takeaway: Stay Alert, Stay Informed

The week of 23rd February to 2 March 2025 is shaping up to be a big one for the Australian property market. There's much to keep track of, from interest rate decisions to housing policy announcements. But one thing’s sure: if you're sitting on the fence, now's the time to move.

So, what are you waiting for? The property market waits for no one—and neither should you.

What's your take on the week ahead? Excited? Nervous? Already refreshing your real estate app? Let us know in the comments!