This week, some housing markets moved up strongly, while others slowed down or even dropped a little. Let’s look at the three main markets that showed the biggest changes and why they shifted.

1. Australia – Prices Going Up

• Home prices are rising quickly.

• NAB’s Property Index reached the highest level in a year, showing strong buyer confidence.

• First-home buyers are very active, making up about 40% of sales.

• Since January, prices have increased by about 3% (around $86,000 more in value).

• Government support programs and lower rates are helping the market grow.

2. United Kingdom – Prices Cooling Down

• House prices in the UK fell 0.1% this month and 0.4% during summer.

• The fall is linked to uncertain tax changes, like:

• Capital Gains Tax on main homes

• Extra tax on rental income

• Replacing stamp duty with a yearly property tax

• Because of this, many buyers and sellers are waiting for more clarity.

3. Sydney, Australia – Central Coast Dropped

• In Sydney overall, prices went up by 0.7% in August and 1.5% in the last three months.

• But the Central Coast area fell by 0.38%, the only Sydney region that did not grow.

• The drop was mostly due to lower investor demand in that region.

Quick Summary Table

MarketChangeReasonAustraliaPrices rising (+3%)Govt support + strong demandUnited KingdomPrices falling (-0.1%)Tax policy uncertaintySydney – Central CoastPrices falling (-0.38%)Lower investor demand

Outlook (What’s Next?)

• Australia: Prices may keep rising as spring brings more buyers.

• UK: Market will likely stay slow until tax rules are clearer.

• Sydney – Central Coast: Could recover if overall Sydney demand keeps growing.