More residential properties are beginning to appear for sale, providing prospective buyers with additional choice after periods of constrained stock in several markets. Recent figures from multiple property data providers show a substantial increase in listings, with particularly notable movements in Western Australia and South Australia. The improvement is occurring across both capital city and regional markets, although greater availability does not necessarily mean housing has become more affordable.
REA Group reports a jump in property listings across some of the smaller capital city markets. Separate SQM Research figures show that the increase is also visible nationally. Real estate advertisements rose by 12.4% in July compared with June, taking the total number of dwellings listed for sale across the country to 278,984.
A monthly increase of 12.4% represents a meaningful expansion in the amount of stock available to prospective purchasers. More listings can give buyers greater choice across property types, locations and price points, while potentially reducing the urgency associated with competing for a limited number of homes. For sellers, however, increasing stock can mean greater competition for buyer attention.
Domain data reveals even larger movements at the local level. Western Australia recorded one of the most dramatic increases, with listings in Cockburn rising by 89.8%. Such a substantial change can materially alter conditions within a local market by giving purchasers considerably more properties to consider than were previously available.
New South Wales also recorded a significant increase in the Chatswood–Lane Cove market, where listings climbed by 85.3%. These established Sydney areas operate within one of the country’s most expensive housing markets, meaning a sharp increase in stock could provide buyers with additional opportunities even though affordability remains a substantial hurdle.
Queensland’s Toowoomba market recorded an 83% increase in listings. The result demonstrates that the lift in advertised stock is not confined to the largest capital cities. Regional and major non-capital markets can experience significant changes in supply as homeowners respond to price movements, borrowing conditions and changing expectations about future market performance.
Victoria’s largest reported increase was in Frankston, where listings rose by 52.7%. In South Australia, Onkaparinga recorded a 43.3% increase. Both figures indicate a sizeable expansion in the number of properties available to buyers and reinforce the broader evidence that vendors are becoming more willing to bring homes onto the market.
The trend extends into the smaller jurisdictions. Palmerston in the Northern Territory recorded a 27.8% increase in listings, while Brighton in Tasmania experienced a 44.4% rise. Western Creek in the Australian Capital Territory recorded an increase of 62.3%. Together, these results demonstrate that the improvement in listings is geographically widespread, even though the magnitude varies significantly between locations.
The timing of the increase is also relevant. Property markets commonly experience changes in listing activity as seasonal selling conditions approach. Greater stock can encourage buyers who had delayed purchasing because they were unable to find suitable properties, while stronger buyer activity can persuade additional owners that it is an appropriate time to sell.
More listings do not automatically translate into falling prices. The eventual impact depends on the relationship between the number of properties offered for sale and the number of active purchasers. If buyer demand expands at a similar or faster rate than supply, prices can remain resilient despite an increase in available stock. If listings grow more quickly than demand, buyers may gain greater negotiating power.
Domain chief economist Nicola Powell says affordability remains stretched despite the increase in properties available for sale. This distinction is important because housing choice and housing affordability are separate issues. A buyer may have substantially more homes to choose from but still struggle to purchase because prices, deposit requirements and mortgage repayments remain high relative to household income.
Borrowing conditions therefore continue to play a major role in determining who can take advantage of increased listings. Higher interest rates can restrict borrowing capacity and increase repayments, meaning additional properties on the market may not immediately translate into greater purchasing activity for financially constrained households.
For existing homeowners considering a sale, rising listings also change the competitive environment. Vendors may need to pay greater attention to pricing, presentation and marketing when buyers have more alternatives available. Properties that are priced significantly above comparable homes may take longer to sell as stock levels increase.
The national figure of 278,984 advertised dwellings provides an important benchmark for the months ahead. July’s 12.4% increase from June suggests the supply side of the established housing market is beginning to shift. Local increases of 89.8% in Cockburn, 85.3% in Chatswood–Lane Cove and 83% in Toowoomba demonstrate just how pronounced that change can be in individual markets.
Other increases, including Frankston’s 52.7%, Onkaparinga’s 43.3%, Palmerston’s 27.8%, Brighton’s 44.4% and Western Creek’s 62.3%, reinforce the national trend. Buyers may consequently enter the coming selling period with more options than they had previously.
The improvement in listings is encouraging for market choice, but affordability remains the critical constraint. Whether the additional stock ultimately changes price growth and buyer negotiating power will depend on how strongly demand responds as more properties become available for sale.
