5 Things You Need to Know About the Property Market Right Now (November 2025)

If you've been following the property Market this year, you've probably felt the tug-of-war — rising prices on one side, tight affordability on the other. From my desk here in the Illawarra, I'm seeing the data, the sentiment, and the street-level reality all collide.

Here are the five things worth knowing right now — the insights I'm sharing with clients to help them buy smarter.

1. Growth is back… but not everywhere

Let's start with the obvious: prices are rising again. KPMG forecasts roughly 4–5% growth in 2025, and the latest CoreLogic data show momentum building in most markets.

But don't be fooled — it's not the wild boom of a few years ago. Some pockets are powering ahead, others are stalling. In the Illawarra, I'm seeing steady buyer competition for coastal homes, while certain inland suburbs remain more negotiable.

What it means for you: timing and location are everything. Buyers who act early, with clear criteria and good preparation, are the ones who get results.

2. Affordability is the new battleground

We've hit the point where affordability shapes everything. Stock levels remain tight, and many first-home buyers are being squeezed out of traditional "family suburbs."

At the same time, investors are circling — not because yields are high, but because they see long-term scarcity.

For buyers, that means strategy is more critical than ever. Know your budget, but also recognise where value still lies: in emerging pockets, off-market stock, or homes that need a fresh vision.

3. Townhouses and units are back in favour

Ten years ago, most clients wanted a detached house. Now? Many are asking about townhouses and boutique apartments.

It's a practical shift — affordability, lifestyle, and low-maintenance living all play a part. Developers are finally responding with more innovative designs, and well-located stock is performing strongly.

For first-home buyers and downsizers alike, this category deserves attention. Think "walk-to-the-beach" living without the upkeep — and often with stronger rental demand.

4. Regional and coastal lifestyle still wins

The "sea-change" trend isn't fading. If anything, it's evolving. Buyers aren't just chasing a view — they're seeking balance, including a sense of community, quality schools, and an easier commute.

That's why places like Woonona, Thirroul, and Kiama continue to appear on buyer wish lists. I've seen Sydney families spend weekends down here, fall in love, and make the move six months later.

Remote work, improved transport, and lifestyle value are keeping the Illawarra in high demand — and rightly so.

5. Smart, efficient homes are the next premium

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it is a fundamental principle. Buyers are inquiring about energy ratings, solar capabilities, insulation, and future-proof design. In some cases, a solar-powered home with good orientation can add 5–10 % more value compared to similar stock.

As energy costs rise, running costs matter — and so does long-term resilience. When I assess properties, I now weigh the "cost of ownership" alongside price and potential.

Final Thoughts

The Illawarra Market is maturing — less frenzy, more focus. If you're buying in 2025, don't rely on headlines. Look at supply, timing, and lifestyle value, and partner with someone who reads both the data and the street signs.

That's where local insight makes the difference.