Melbourne Housing Market: Rising Prices Explained for Buyers

Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s most dynamic property markets. Recently, however, the city has seen a noticeable surge in property prices, prompting both excitement and concern among buyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to secure your first home or an existing homeowner exploring options to refinance, understanding the factors driving these price increases is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll unpack what’s behind Melbourne’s rising property prices and outline what buyers need to know to navigate this competitive market confidently.

Why Melbourne Property Prices Are Rising

Several interconnected factors are driving Melbourne’s property market growth. Here’s a closer look:

1. Strong Demand and Limited Supply

Melbourne’s population has been steadily growing due to both interstate migration and international arrivals. More people moving to the city naturally leads to increased housing demand.

At the same time, the pace of new housing construction has not kept up with this demand. Land availability is limited, and new developments often take years to complete due to planning regulations and construction delays. This mismatch between supply and demand creates a competitive market, driving property prices upward.

For more insights on Melbourne’s population trends, see the Australian Bureau of Statistics report.

2. Low Interest Rates and Lending Conditions

Even modest changes in interest rates can significantly impact property demand. Over the past few years, low-interest rates have made borrowing cheaper, allowing more buyers to enter the market. However, with rates expected to rise gradually, many buyers are rushing to secure loans now, contributing to price pressure.

For up-to-date interest rate information, refer to the Reserve Bank of Australia official site.

3. Investor Activity

Investors have always been active in Melbourne’s property market, viewing it as a reliable investment. High investor participation in popular suburbs, particularly in inner-city and well-established areas, further fuels demand and pushes prices higher.

While this is beneficial for market growth, it can make it challenging for first-time buyers to compete, especially if they are looking for properties suitable for a first home buyer loan. Understanding the areas where investor activity is high can help buyers make informed decisions.

4. Government Incentives

Government initiatives, such as stamp duty concessions and first home buyer grants, encourage more people to enter the property market. While these incentives aim to make buying more accessible, they can also intensify competition, particularly in affordable suburbs.

Are you a first-time buyer? Explore our first home buyer loan blog

For official eligibility criteria, check the First Home Owner Grant page by the State Revenue Office of Victoria.

5. Economic Factors

Melbourne’s economy and employment rates also impact property prices. Strong job growth and higher wages increase buyer confidence and spending power, which in turn can contribute to property price increases. Additionally, infrastructure developments, such as new transport links and community facilities, make certain suburbs more desirable, driving price growth in those areas.

What Buyers Need to Know

For anyone planning to buy property in Melbourne, understanding these market forces is just the first step. Strategic planning and professional advice are key to making sound decisions. Here are some practical tips for buyers:

1. Know Your Budget

Before entering the market, it’s essential to determine how much you can afford. This includes not just the property price but also additional costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, insurance, and ongoing maintenance.

Mortgage brokers in Melbourne can help you assess your borrowing capacity and create a financial plan tailored to your situation. They can also guide you in choosing the right loan structure to ensure your repayments are manageable even if interest rates rise.

2. Explore First Home Buyer Loans

For first-time buyers, a first home buyer loan can be a game-changer. These loans are designed to reduce barriers to entry, often offering lower deposit requirements, competitive interest rates, and access to government grants.

Taking advantage of these loans can make the dream of owning a home more attainable, especially in a rising market. A mortgage broker can help identify the best first home buyer loan options and assist with the application process.

Learn more about government grants for first home buyers at the Victorian Government Housing Assistance page.

3. Consider Refinancing Opportunities

If you already own a property, rising property prices may present an opportunity to refinance mortgage Melbourne options. Refinancing can help you secure a lower interest rate, consolidate debt, or access equity for renovations or investment purposes.

Working with an experienced broker can make refinancing smoother and ensure you choose a mortgage that aligns with your long-term financial goals.

4. Research Suburbs Carefully

Melbourne’s property market is not uniform. While some suburbs experience rapid price growth, others remain more affordable. Emerging areas on the outskirts of the city often provide opportunities for value growth, while inner-city suburbs may come with a higher price tag but offer convenience and lifestyle benefits.

Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities. Doing thorough research can help you make a decision that balances affordability with long-term potential.

5. Don’t Rush Decisions

In a rising market, it’s easy to feel pressured to make quick decisions. However, rushing can lead to overpaying or choosing a property that doesn’t suit your long-term needs. Take the time to understand the market, inspect properties thoroughly, and seek professional advice before committing.

6. Seek Professional Advice

Buying property in Melbourne, whether as a first home buyer or an investor, is a complex process. Mortgage brokers in Melbourne can provide invaluable guidance on loans, eligibility for first home buyer loans, and refinancing opportunities. They can help you understand the market trends, compare loan products, and structure your finances efficiently.

Professional advice can save time, reduce stress, and potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne’s rising property prices are the result of a combination of high demand, limited supply, investor activity, government incentives, and economic growth. For buyers, this means entering the market requires careful planning, research, and professional guidance.

By being informed, leveraging professional advice, and exploring all available financial options, buyers can approach Melbourne’s property market with confidence rather than anxiety. Rising property prices are a challenge, but with the right strategy, they also present opportunities for those ready to act wisely.

Don’t navigate Melbourne’s property market alone. Contact our expert mortgage brokers today to secure the best home loan or refinancing option for your needs!

FAQs 

Q1: Why are Melbourne property prices rising?
A1: Rising prices are driven by strong demand, limited housing supply, low interest rates, investor activity, government incentives, and economic growth.

Q2: Can first-time buyers still afford homes in Melbourne?
A2: Yes, first home buyer loans and government grants make it easier to enter the market, even with rising property prices.

Q3: Should I refinance my mortgage in Melbourne now?
A3: Refinancing can help secure lower rates, access equity, or consolidate debt. Consult a mortgage broker to explore the best options.

Q4: Which Melbourne suburbs offer good value for buyers?
A4: Outer suburbs and emerging areas often provide better value, while inner-city suburbs offer convenience but higher prices.

Q5: How can a mortgage broker in Melbourne help me?
A5: Brokers guide buyers on loans, first home buyer eligibility, refinancing, and market trends to make informed financial decisions.

Local Mortgage Experts: The Key to a Smooth Home Loan Process

You know that moment when you’re about to make a massive financial decision and you think, “I need to talk to someone who actually gets this”? That’s usually when people start googling mortgage brokers in their area.

It’s not really about finding someone down the road. It’s about finding someone who knows Melbourne, understands the market you’re buying into, and won’t feed you a bunch of corporate nonsense when you ask a simple question.

Melbourne’s property market is weird. A place in Footscray is nothing like a place in South Yarra, and lenders know that. They treat them completely differently. Which is exactly why you want a broker who’s been working in Melbourne long enough to know how all this actually works.

What People Actually Want

Buying a house is terrifying. Refinancing can be almost as bad. And those comparison websites? They’re fine for getting a rough idea, but they’re not going to help you when you’re lying awake at 2am wondering if you’ve made the right choice.

Here’s what people are really looking for:

• Someone who knows what’s happening in their suburb. Not national averages actual local knowledge.
• A real person they can meet with. Sometimes you just need to sit down with someone and ask all your dumb questions. 
• Explanations that don’t require a finance degree. Mortgage paperwork might as well be written in another language sometimes.
• Help with all the other stuff nobody tells you about. Like grants you might be eligible for, or stamp duty breaks, or why some lenders hate your industry and others love it.

Melbourne Needs People Who Know Melbourne

The property market here is all over the shop. Lenders look at an apartment in Southbank completely differently to how they look at a house in Glen Waverley. Different risk profiles, different lending policies, different everything.

A local broker has seen it all before. They know which lenders are keen on inner-city units right now and which ones prefer established homes further out. You can’t get that from a computer algorithm.

Local market knowledge matters
Melbourne brokers know which suburbs make lenders nervous and which ones they’re happy to lend in. They know about Victorian government schemes and how to actually get them. They’ve watched the market change over years, not just read about it in the news.

They know lenders you’ve never heard of
Everyone knows the big banks. But there are heaps of other lenders, credit unions, smaller banks, specialist lenders that might give you a better deal. Local brokers have actual working relationships with these people. They can call them directly and get answers fast.

You’re not just a number
Instead of being stuck in some queue or getting auto-responses, you get someone who knows your name and remembers your situation. Someone who’ll answer when you call in a panic about something.

Online vs Local: What’s the Actual Difference?

Online platforms talk a big game about being convenient. And yeah, they’re easy to use. But easy doesn’t always mean better, especially when your situation gets even slightly complicated.

A local broker knows Melbourne. They understand the suburbs and how lenders see them. They’ll meet you face-to-face or talk on the phone properly. They know about Victorian grants and concessions that you might qualify for. They can handle messy situations, self-employed income, gaps in work history, and unusual properties. And they’ll actually fight for you when banks start being difficult.

If you’ve got a simple situation, a regular job, decent deposit, or normal property online might work. But add any complication at all and you’ll wish you had someone in your corner who actually knows what they’re doing.

How Working With a Broker Actually Goes

Never used a broker before? It’s pretty simple.

• The first conversation is just talking about what you want to do. Buying your first place? Moving up? Refinancing? Investing?
• Then we look at your numbers. Income, expenses, credit history. No judgement, we just need to know what we’re working with.
• After that, we show you what different lenders can offer. Not just interest rates, but the actual features, flexibility, and who’s likely to approve you.

We handle all the paperwork and deal with lenders. You’ll need to sign stuff and send us documents, but we manage the annoying parts.

We stick around until settlement. And after that too, if you need help later on.

Why People Work With Us

• We’re not going to claim we’re the only decent brokers in Melbourne. But we’ve built our business by actually helping people, and we’re pretty happy with how that’s turned out.
• We know Melbourne properly. Not from data from working here for years. We understand the suburbs, the lenders, and how to match them up.
• We work with heaps of lenders. Big banks, small banks, credit unions, specialist lenders. If there’s a better option out there, we’ll track it down.
• We’re good with complicated situations. Self-employed? Work in healthcare? First home buyer with a messy savings pattern? We’ve handled it before.
• We tell you the truth. No jargon, no runaround, no hidden surprises. We’ll be straight about what’s realistic and what’s not.

That’s Pretty Much It

When you’re searching for a mortgage broker nearby, you’re not really looking for proximity. You’re looking for someone who understands Melbourne’s market, gets your specific situation, and will actually be there when things get stressful.

The right broker can save you real money and a lot of headaches. And in a market as messy as Melbourne, having someone local who knows their stuff makes a big difference.

Want to Talk?

If you’re after a Melbourne mortgage broker who’ll give you straight answers and knows the local market properly, get in touch with SGS Mortgages.

We’ll give you a free consultation and show you what local expertise actually looks like.