Market Update Edition 21
The Australian property market remains steady this Spring, with 3,236 homes going to go to auction for the week ending 26 October 2025.
In this fortnight’s market wrap, we’ll unpack the latest movements in the rental market and highlight emerging backyard design trends that are transforming Australian outdoor spaces.
Emerging Trends Inspiring Backyard Oasis Designs
In 2025, Australian homeowners are reimagining the backyard — transforming simple lawn spaces into private resort-style sanctuaries that blend elegance, sustainability, and functionality.
The Journey Garden
A standout trend, the journey garden uses curved pathways, wooden arbors, and layered plantings to create distinct “destinations” — from cozy lounges and dining zones to wellness corners and play areas. This design encourages exploration and flow throughout the space.
Layered Planting for Privacy
Homeowners are increasingly using plants of varying heights — from low groundcovers to tall screening hedges to add depth, texture, and seclusion. For a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant garden, choose native species suited to your local environment.
Sensory Gardens
Still a favourite in 2025, sensory gardens engage all the senses through fragrant plants, textured foliage, water features, and fire pits, creating a truly immersive outdoor retreat. To further enhance the vibrancy of your garden, consider incorporating a veggie patch.
Sydney Property Market Insights
Sydney Market Snapshot
According to Cotality, 1,043 properties were scheduled to go under the hammer in Sydney for the week ending 26 October 2025. This represents a 3.3% decrease compared to the previous week (1,079 auctions) but a 6.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Sydney’s auction clearance rates remain stable at around 68.2% (for the weeks ending 12 and 19 October 2025). This stability is a positive sign for both vendors and prospective sellers.
Nationally, 3,236 homes are set to go to auction this week, marking the busiest week since the Easter period.
In the North Sydney to Hornsby subregion, 134 properties went under the hammer for the week ending 19 October 2025, achieving a 59.4% clearance rate. This slight dip in both auction volume and clearance rate suggests a touch of buyer hesitancy in the area.
Rental Market Snapshot
Australia’s rental market is heating up, with prices increasing, and national vacancy rates reaching a new record low of just 1.47% - less than half the pre-COVID average.
According to Cotality’s latest Quarterly Rental Review, this supply shortage has driven a sharp acceleration in rental growth, with national rent prices rising by 43.8% or $204 per week nationally over the past five years. Sydney is leading the pack as the most expensive rental capital, with dwellings leasing for an average of $807 per week.
While investor participation has increased, this hasn’t yet translated into a significant rise in available rental stock. In Sydney, vacancy rates remain exceptionally tight at 1.35% for units and 1.64% for houses thus creating fierce competition among renters.
What's on in the Community?
Looking for something to do this November? Here are some great local events:
Halloween trick or treat trail – $5 kids trick or treat trail experience throughout the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Friday 31 October – Sunday 2 November; Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives.
Bare Creek Trail Run 2025 – This fun event has something for the whole family with courses including the 2km dash and 6km family walk/run, as well as more challenging courses for the long-distance runner such as 12km and 20km. Sunday 2 November 7:00am-11:30am; Acron Oval, Acron Road, St Ives.
Gordon Markets – Held on the 2nd Sunday of each month, the Gordon train station car park will host 50 merchant stalls featuring woodworks, jewellery, plants, food, and collectables. Sunday 9 November & Sunday 14 December 8:30am – 2:00pm; Gordon train station car park, 1 Wade Lane, Gordon.
Remembrance Day – The Ku-ring-gai Council will be holding a Remembrance Day service to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by the 3 November on the Ku-ring-gai Council website. Roseville Memorial Park 62 Pacific Highway, Roseville; Tuesday 11 November 225; 10:40am-12:00pm.