Every state is experiencing a slowdown in property market momentum. Leading the decline in market confidence is the residential sector, as the recently announced capital gains tax and negative gearing changes are putting downward pressures on property prices. The outlook for the commercial sectors is mixed, with industrial continuing to show resilience while retail and office are in cautious territory.

  • The API Property Market Outlook Index has fallen for the third straight quarter to 5.1 in Q3 (from 7.3 in Q4 2025).
  • The interest rate outlook continues to put downward pressures on property prices across residential, commercial and agricultural sectors.
  • There is no consensus among property professionals surveyed that the CGT and negative gearing reforms will increase new housing supply.
  • Over 60% of survey respondents believe housing affordability for renters will worsen as a result of the tax reforms.

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The Q3 post-budget edition of the Australian Property Market Outlook report has landed strong national media coverage. Take a look at some of the major media highlights below.

  • National coverage

Two prominent placements nationally included API Chief Economist Dr Sherman Chan in discussion with Ross Greenwood on Sky News Business Now, and with the hosts of ABC News Breakfast.

The results were further amplified through extensive syndicated radio coverage, taking API’s insights to audiences across metropolitan, regional and community markets nationwide.

  • New South Wales and the ACT

The report achieved 95 media placements across NSW and the ACT, including the Sky News interview with Ross Greenwood and widespread radio coverage across stations including 2MCE, 2MCR, Yass FM, River FM, VOX FM and Sounds of the Mountains.

  • Victoria

Victoria recorded 38 placements, including coverage on ABC News Breakfast and radio stations such as Smart FM, 3SER, Radio Mansfield, 3MBS, Alpine Radio and Phoenix FM.

  • Queensland

The findings generated 41 placements across Queensland, with pickup across regional and community stations including Fraser Coast Community Radio, Bay FM, Valley FM, Rainbow FM and 101.5 FM Caboolture.

  • Western Australia

Western Australia recorded 26 placements, including coverage in The West Australian, as well as ABC and radio stations including Triple M Goldfields, Hit97.9 Goldfields and Triple M Karratha. Coverage in WA also highlighted the report’s agricultural property findings and the relative resilience of the sector despite broader tax reform concerns.

  • South Australia

The report generated 18 placements across South Australia, with coverage through stations including Gulf FM, Encounter FM, Triple B, 5CC and 5RM.

  • Tasmania

Tasmania recorded 14 placements, including pickup across ABC Northern Tasmania, Triple M Hobart, Way FM, Tasman FM, Star FM and City Park Radio.