Australia’s Property Listings Slide Further – What This Means for Investors in 2025
As demand surges and stock tightens, investors are turning to high-yield strategies.
Australia’s property market continues to tighten, with the latest June 2025 figures from SQM Research revealing an 8.8% monthly drop in total residential property listings. This shift reflects more than just a seasonal trend—it signals a growing imbalance between housing supply and demand across the country.
For property investors, particularly those focused on income-generating and growth-oriented assets, this market presents strong opportunities. With limited stock and rising rents, the environment favours those pursuing high-yield investment properties, cash positive investment properties, and strategic regional investment opportunities.
Current Market Snapshot
-
Total listings fell to 234,067 in June—down 8.8% from May.
-
New listings dropped 9.1% over the month and 3.7% compared to June 2024.
-
Old listings (180+ days) remain 13.1% higher year-on-year, despite a 7.0% monthly fall.
-
Distressed listings declined 1.1% month-on-month and 11.1% annually.
-
Asking prices rose 0.5% nationally in June and 9.0% over the year.
Sydney and Melbourne experienced the steepest listing drops, while Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide showed strong pricing resilience—further reinforcing the trend toward high-demand markets with constrained supply.
Why Are Listings Falling?
Seasonal factors contribute to fewer listings in winter, but the current contraction is also due to:
-
Heightened population growth and migration
-
Supply chain delays in construction
-
Reluctance among sellers due to market uncertainty
-
Strong buyer activity absorbing available stock
This environment creates opportunities for property investors to secure assets with solid rental returns and strong long-term fundamentals—especially in markets where new listings are not keeping up with demand.
Investor Insights: What This Means for Your Portfolio
With fewer listings and ongoing demand, the market is tilting in favour of well-positioned property investors.
1. Target High-Yield Investment Properties
Properties that generate above-average rental income are becoming increasingly valuable. Designs like co-living investment properties and dual occupancy properties allow owners to maximise returns through multiple rental streams. In tight rental markets, these formats offer both resilience and profitability.
2. Prioritise Positive Cash Flow
Many investors are adjusting strategies to focus on cash positive investment properties that offset higher interest rates with immediate rental income. This approach enhances portfolio stability while maintaining growth potential.
3. Consider SMSF-Friendly Properties
There’s rising demand for SMSF property investment, with many Australians using their super funds to purchase real estate. With stable rental income and long-term capital growth, SMSF friendly investment properties offer a practical option for retirement planning.
4. Explore Regional Investment Opportunities
With affordability stretched in capital cities, many investors are looking to regional investment opportunities. Locations in Queensland, Western Australia, and regional Victoria are showing strong rental yields and rising property values—making them ideal for portfolio diversification.
What’s Happening with Prices?
Despite falling listings, prices continue to climb:
-
Adelaide led the gains with a 1.9% monthly increase and 17.4% annual growth.
-
Brisbane and Perth also showed strong growth, up 1.3% and 0.8% for the month.
-
Canberra posted a 2.9% rebound in June.
-
Sydney and Melbourne remained steady with modest monthly and annual increases.
These figures highlight the continued strength of the Australian property market, particularly in cities and regions where supply constraints meet strong demand.
What to Watch: Key Tips for Investors in 2025
-
Act while listings are low: Limited supply means less competition for quality assets.
-
Prioritise income-producing properties: In a higher rate environment, yield matters more than ever.
-
Look outside traditional metros: Regional towns and secondary cities are producing strong results.
-
Leverage property inside super: SMSF investment continues to grow as a preferred long-term strategy.
Conclusion: A Strategic Moment for Property Investment
The June 2025 SQM Research report confirms that Australia’s residential market is entering a low-supply, high-demand cycle—an environment where the right property choice can deliver strong returns.
Whether you’re exploring dual occupancy properties, co-living homes, or looking for rental income properties that support retirement goals, the data points to one conclusion: this is a key moment to invest.
Visit our website to view all our available investment properties and take advantage of Australia’s top-performing high-yield opportunities: www.ausinvestmentproperties.com.au
Source: SQM Research
Photo by Troy Mortier on Unsplash