Market Slows. Fear Grows. But Opportunity Never Disappears.

Property Edge

Market Slows. Fear Grows. But Opportunity Never Disappears.

Market Mood – The Chill Is Real, But It’s Not Permanent

The signs are everywhere—properties are sitting longer, buyer turnout is softer, and vendor motivation is rising. And we’re hearing it directly from many of you:

“Harder to sell.”

“Buyers are hesitant, especially first-timers.”

“I’m nervous to buy myself—what if prices slide?”

These aren’t isolated comments—they’re a shift in sentiment that’s being felt across the country.

And the data backs it up:
- CoreLogic’s national index rose just 0.4% in March—steady but slower.
- Auction clearance rates are hovering near 60% in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Enquiry levels and private treaty sales are taking longer to convert.
But don’t mistake short-term fear for long-term failure.
External Shocks – Tariffs, Elections & the Psychology of Fear

Two factors are feeding the uncertainty:
- Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs (a new 10% hit on Australian exports) have rattled confidence globally.
- The looming Australian federal election is injecting political noise and stalling major buyer decisions.
Investors hate unpredictability. But for property entrepreneurs, this is when the real moves are made.

Just like the pandemic, GFC, or APRA credit squeezes—those who moved while others froze came out miles ahead.
Strategic Response – Lead the Market, Don’t Follow It

If you’re flipping, subdividing, building, or trading:

This is not the time to retreat.

It’s time to double down on systems, margins, and exit flexibility.

What you can do now:
- Negotiate hard—vendors are more flexible than they’ve been in 18 months.
- Build your pipeline—use the slower pace to tee up DA approvals, funding, and trade quotes.
- Shift your offer—buyers want certainty. Vendor finance, staged deposits, or inclusive reno deals help move stock.
- Stay data-driven—fear is emotional. Use feasibility, comps, and AI insights to guide decisions.
Big Picture – The Noise Will Clear

History shows it:

Markets pause during elections.

They wobble during global trade shocks.

But they don’t stay down when fundamentals are strong—and Australia’s population, construction shortfall, and housing demand remain powerful tailwinds.

When the dust settles, the deals you made now will look genius.

Climate Risk Alert: Over 2 Mil Australian Homes Face Rising Insurance Costs

A recent report by the Climate Council, titled At Our Front Door, reveals that approximately 2.2 mil Australian properties—about 1 in 10 homes—are now at moderate to high risk from climate-related hazards such as floods, bushfires, and cyclones. This growing risk is leading to increased insurance premiums and, in some cases, properties becoming uninsurable.

Key Findings:

652,000 properties are classified as high risk, facing potential insurance exclusions or unaffordable premiums.
72,000 homes across 86 suburbs are deemed at “critical risk,” with over 80% virtually uninsurable.
New South Wales is identified as the most at-risk state, housing half of the nation’s top 10 uninsurable electorates.

Most Affected Electorates:

Richmond (NSW): 31,564 properties at high risk.
Nicholls (VIC): 26,055 properties at high risk.
Mayo (SA): 20,170 properties at high risk.
Brisbane (QLD): 18,978 properties at high risk.

Suburbs with Over 80% of Properties at High Risk:

Grafton (NSW): 100% of properties at high risk.
Chinderah (NSW): 99.5% of properties at high risk.
Ballina (NSW): 99.4% of properties at high risk.
West Ballina (NSW): 97.1% of properties at high risk.
Bourke (NSW): 97% of properties at high risk.
Cunnamulla (QLD): 93.5% of properties at high risk.
Shepparton (VIC): 91.9% of properties at high risk.
Carrington (NSW): 89.6% of properties at high risk.
Nyngan (NSW): 88.2% of properties at high risk.
Walgett (NSW): 85.7% of properties at high risk.
Tweed Heads South (NSW): 85% of properties at high risk.
Kialla (VIC): 84.8% of properties at high risk.
Coonamble (NSW): 80.4% of properties at high risk.

The report underscores the need for urgent interventions, including infrastructure upgrades and potential buyback schemes, to mitigate the escalating risks.

For property entrepreneurs, this highlights the importance of:

Conducting thorough due diligence on climate risks before acquisitions.
Engaging with insurers early to understand coverage limitations.
Considering climate resilience in property development and investment strategies.

AI Adoption: Australia Is Behind—and Property’s Even Worse

Globally, AI is changing the game. Countries like China, India, Singapore, and the UAE are racing ahead: