Property markets naturally experience cycles, but history shows that both metropolitan and regional markets have delivered strong long-term growth.

Sydney

According to the Domain House Price Report, Sydney’s median house price has increased significantly over the past two decades:

• Around 20 years ago: approximately $523,000
• Around 10 years ago: approximately $1.124 million
• March 2026: $1,791,643

This represents approximately 242.6% growth over 20 years and 59.4% growth over the past decade (even inclusive of some years when prices dropped).

Strong Growth Across the Murray Region

The Murray region has also experienced impressive growth, demonstrating why it’s become an increasingly popular place to live, work and build.

According to the Domain House Price Report – March 2026:

• Albury recorded a median house price of $690,000, representing 15.0% annual growth and 70.4% growth over the past five years.
• Wodonga reached a median house price of $650,000, increasing 9.6% over the past year and 56.6% over five years.
• Wangaratta recorded a median house price of $570,000, with 1.8% annual growth and 46.2% growth over the past five years.

These figures highlight the continued appeal of regional centres, where buyers can enjoy affordability, lifestyle benefits and strong long-term market performance.

While past performance is not a guarantee of future growth, historical trends demonstrate that both Sydney and regional property markets have rewarded buyers who take a long-term view.

For many homebuyers, purchasing sooner rather than later can also help avoid rising land values and construction costs over time.

Interest Rates Are Closer to Historical Norms

Current interest rates may feel high compared with the exceptionally low rates experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s important to view them in historical context.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate currently sits at 4.35%, following a period of gradual increases from the emergency settings introduced during the pandemic.

During 2020 and 2021, interest rates were at historically unprecedented lows, with the cash rate reduced to just 0.10% to support the economy. Those rates were never expected to be permanent.

By comparison, Australians have experienced significantly higher interest rate environments in previous decades. During the early 1990s, mortgage interest rates reached well into the double digits, making today’s borrowing costs relatively moderate by historical standards.

Focus on the Long Term

Buying a home should always be viewed as a long-term decision rather than trying to perfectly time the market.

If you’ve found the right home, have stable finances and can comfortably afford your repayments, purchasing during periods of lower consumer confidence may offer advantages that simply aren’t available in highly competitive markets.

Rather than waiting until buyer demand returns and competition intensifies, consider whether today’s market conditions provide an opportunity to secure the home you’ve been looking for.

Is Now the Right Time for You?

Every buyer’s circumstances are different. Market conditions will continue to change, but your personal financial position, lifestyle goals and long-term plans should remain the most important factors in your decision.

If you’re ready to build, today’s market could offer greater choice, less competition and the opportunity to secure your ideal home before the next stage of the property cycle begins.

Whether you’re building in Sydney, Southern Highlands, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga or the wider Murray region, today’s market presents an opportunity to secure land and build a home that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Explore available Sundancer Homes House and Land Packages HERE

Disclaimer: Property values and market conditions are subject to change. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is intended as general information only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice before making property or investment decisions.

References

https://www.domain.com.au/research/house-price-report

https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/cash-rate

https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/historical-data.html