As property prices hold, home loan research is even more crucial

By JP Pelosi · · 2 min read
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Photo: Getty

National home prices rose for a third consecutive month in March, as limited supply and strong demand continue to hold up the property market, according to the PropTrack Home Price Index.

The latest report shows that home prices were up a touch (0.13%) nationally in March, with all capital cities aside from Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin recording rises. 

Of course, for this reason, national indexes need to be kept in context: where the headline number suggests home prices have reversed their general downward trend, we need to remember that figure represents an average only. 

For example, the national average was led by Sydney (+0.27%), Perth (+0.24%) and Melbourne (+0.12%), the three largest jumps. But Adelaide and Canberra only saw marginal increases, while Hobart (-0.43%), Brisbane (-0.06%) and Darwin (-0.10%) each saw monthly declines.

These figures aside, an interesting view of current prices is that they are 30% above their pre-pandemic levels. This means there really hasn't been much of a price slump during interest rate hikes over the past year.

Furthermore, PropTrack notes that while interest rates have been the primary driver of price falls of late, the recent upturn has been influenced by the limited supply of properties for sale.

So tight supply together with fewer new listings has led to a pickup in competition among potential buyers. Proptrack says this has buoyed values in March. 

This type of scenario can also make it tough to pick up a deal, especially in in-demand suburbs. It means that prospective buyers need to be even more strategic about shopping around. 

With this in mind, here are a few tips for improving your chances of finding a better deal and possibly a more affordable home:

  • Consider looking one or two suburbs over where demand can be lower and the distance to transport links or the local shopping centre is a few minutes more.
  • Keep an eye out for smaller homes where limited floor space or less land might dissuade some buyers. 
  • If you can, scout suburbs that don't have popular schools in them because those areas tend to come at a premium price. 
  • Older properties that need a bit of work or repair usually draw smaller crowds. If you budget for some small repairs you'll often get a better overall asking price from the vendor. 

If you’re ready to start your property journey, browse our home loans comparison page where you’ll be able to filter your search by rate and type, or simply browse the selection below.

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Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
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Loan purpose
Buying or Refinancing
  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • First Home Buyer Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • For first home buyers
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    4.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.04 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,681
    Go to site
    • Competitive interest rate – 4.99% p.a. (comparison rate* 5.04% p.a.)
    • Offset account to reduce interest and save on repayments
    • No establishment or monthly fees, plus valuation fees waived up to $1,000 (limited time)

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.09 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.43 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,712
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Get up to $3,000 cashback when you apply online (T&Cs apply)
    • No paperwork or payslips required (see site for details)
    • Low variable rate

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months
Showing 6 results from 380 home loans. Use the filters to see more

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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