Abstract
Australia’s real estate market is showing clear signs of transitioning into a buyer’s market in 2025, driven by increasing property listings and stabilizing prices. At the same time, innovative housing projects like the solar-powered Mildura Rise development in Rockhampton are reshaping the housing landscape. This article explores these shifts, providing insights into regional trends, financial considerations, and sustainability-focused projects that are shaping the future of Australian real estate.
Introduction
If you’ve been watching Australia’s property market, you might have noticed more listings, stabilizing prices, and shifting market sentiment. These are classic indicators of a buyer’s market, where conditions become more favorable for property purchasers rather than sellers. At the same time, new sustainable housing developments—like the Mildura Rise project in Queensland—are emerging, setting a new standard for energy-efficient living.
This article explores how the market is evolving, what’s driving these trends, and what buyers and investors should be looking out for in 2025.
Is Australia Becoming a Buyer’s Market?
Recent data suggests that Australia’s property market may be shifting in favor of buyers, especially in major cities where listing volumes are increasing.
Key Indicators of a Buyer’s Market
- More Homes on the Market: New property listings rose 7.9% in 2024, the highest level since the pandemic (Herald Sun, 2025).
- Price Growth is Slowing: House prices increased by just 1.1% in Q4 2024, a sharp contrast from the rapid growth of previous years (AAP News, 2025).
- Regional Variations:
- Sydney saw slight price declines in some areas, making it one of the first capital cities to show market cooling.
- Adelaide and Perth are still approaching $1 million median house prices, suggesting continued demand in those regions (The Australian, 2025).
Table 1: Key Property Market Trends (2024–2025)
| Indicator | Trend (2024) | Expected Impact in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| New property listings | +7.9% increase | More choices for buyers |
| House price growth | +1.1% (Q4 2024) | Market cooling, price stability |
| Sydney prices | Declining slightly | First major city to show a shift |
| Adelaide/Perth prices | Rising toward $1M | Demand still strong |
Actionable Insight: If you’re looking to buy, now might be a good time to negotiate better deals, especially in cities with increasing listings and price stabilization.
Innovative Housing Developments: Mildura Rise
Australia isn’t just seeing shifts in pricing and market sentiment; it’s also witnessing new trends in sustainable housing. One of the most ambitious projects is Mildura Rise in Rockhampton, a 392-lot solar-powered estate designed for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
What Makes Mildura Rise Unique?
- Solar-Powered Infrastructure: Roads embedded with solar panels that generate electricity to power homes and electric vehicle charging stations (Courier Mail, 2025).
- Smart Energy Use: The project integrates AI-driven grid management, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.
- No Need for Large-Scale Solar Farms: By embedding solar panels into streets, the development eliminates the need for extra land for energy production.
Actionable Insight: Investors looking for eco-friendly housing opportunities should keep an eye on developments like Mildura Rise, as demand for sustainable housing continues to rise.
Conclusion
Australia’s real estate market is at a turning point. For the first time in years, buyers are gaining the upper hand, thanks to an increase in property listings and price stabilization. At the same time, innovative housing projects like Mildura Rise are redefining what sustainable living looks like.
Key Takeaways for Buyers and Investors:
✔ Monitor regional price trends—Sydney is cooling, while Adelaide and Perth remain strong.
✔ Leverage market shifts—More listings mean more negotiating power for buyers.
✔ Consider sustainable housing—Projects like Mildura Rise represent the future of real estate investment.
Staying informed about these changes will help buyers, investors, and policymakers navigate Australia’s evolving housing landscape in 2025.
References
- Herald Sun (2025). Homes for sale surge in 2024, giving buyers most options since the pandemic. Available at: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/real-estate/national/homes-for-sale-surge-in-2024-giving-buyers-most-options-since-the-pandemic-proptrack/news-story/0f08b9c5e446c771bfa3273e8074ebf1 [Accessed 8 Feb. 2025].
- AAP News (2025). Buyer’s market? 2025 to bring relief to home buyers. Available at: https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/buyer-s-market-2025-to-bring-relief-to-home-buyers [Accessed 8 Feb. 2025].
- The Australian (2025). Forget the naysayers, Melbourne is a property opportunity. Available at: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/forget-the-naysayers-melbourne-is-a-property-opportunity/news-story/1c35bdc9d8a4936f8dfad56ff40625f5 [Accessed 8 Feb. 2025].
- Courier Mail (2025). Solar-powered suburb streets ahead of Rockhampton. Available at: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/property/solarpowered-suburb-streets-ahead-of-rockhampton/news-story/b5bf4cfe1b5a0add862ff45ae375c447 [Accessed 8 Feb. 2025].