Joseph Ballota

1 week ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways For the first time since the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority began tracking data (over 20 years ago), more rental bonds are being refunded than lodged. More properties are leaving the rental pool than entering it—signalling a contraction in rental supply. Most investor-owned properties sold are not bought by renters, but by owner-occupiers. This means those homes exit the rental market permanently.

1 month ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

We’re used to hearing that Australia has some of the most expensive properties in the world. The headlines love to scream that Sydney is less affordable than New York or that Melbourne rivals Paris for house prices. But is this really true? And more importantly, should property investors care? Well, let’s take a step back and look at what’s really going on.

1 month ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways Despite the cost-of-living pressures and interest rate hikes, some Australian suburbs and regional hubs are bucking the trend. In select locations, mortgage repayments are actually lower than local rents, creating a rare buy-vs-rent inversion. But remember: low price doesn’t equal good value unless it comes with strong fundamentals and demand drivers.

1 month ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

If you’ve been watching Melbourne’s property market closely, you’ll know it’s been a two-speed market in recent years. While established houses in gentrified inner- and middle-ring suburbs have pulled ahead, many apartments have been stuck in reverse gear. But something’s shifting. However, new PropTrack data reveals there are still 13 Melbourne suburbs where apartment prices remain below 2015 levels. That’s right, some units are effectively selling at decade-old prices.

2 months ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways In the 2024 financial year, Australia built 62,000 fewer homes than needed—an improvement from the previous year’s 110,000 shortfall, but still insufficient. The improvement wasn’t due to more construction but rather slower population growth, which is not a sustainable solution. Despite government promises, dwelling approvals are sluggish, meaning future supply will remain constrained. Construction isn’t keeping up, leading to an ongoing housing undersupply in many regions.