Property values bounce bank, but growth patchy

The rate of capital gain was slightly higher over the second half of the year (5.1 per cent) compared with the first half (4.5 per cent), highlighting that the housing market has gained some momentum during 2015.

Unsurprisingly, Sydney was the best performing capital city over the June quarter, with dwelling values up 3.1 per cent. This was followed by Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane with increases of 1.9 per cent, 1.8 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively.

Price growth was not universal, however. Perth values slipped slightly by 0.2 per cent over the June quarter, as did Canberra and Hobart, by 0.5 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively.

Darwin was the weakest performing capital city, with prices falling by 3.1 per cent over the quarter.

Looking at the financial year ahead, CoreLogic RP Data’s senior research analyst, Cameron Kusher, said housing market conditions look to remain patchy across the country.

“Sydney and Melbourne are likely to continue to be the standouts for capital growth, however we expect that over the year, the rate of growth will reduce back to more sustainable levels,” he said.

“We may also see a further pick-up in growth in markets such as Brisbane, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.”

Mr Kusher said he expects that the differential in affordability in these regions, relative to Sydney and Melbourne, will drive more buyer activity.

However, he said growth in markets such as Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra is likely to remain contained, with weakness in mining areas and Perth and Darwin likely to persist.

Mr Kusher also noted that with many lenders changing their lending policies, after consistent pressure from the Reserve Bank and APRA, accessing a mortgage may become more difficult over the next 12 months.

[Related: Sydney house price growth nears 20pc]