Melbourne Property Trends: Mid-Year Market Snapshot (2025)

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We are half-way through 2025, and Melbourne's property market is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself once more. From altered buyer habits to altered price trends and altered economic landscapes, this year alone has seen some big developments already - and if you are an owner, investor, or a seller, knowing about the market can help you make smarter, better-informed decisions.

As a real estate agent who has direct interaction with sellers and buyers across Melbourne's suburbs, I have seen firsthand how the scenario is impacting campaign strategies, demand, and property values.

Price Trends: Stabilisation With Pockets of Growth

After a couple of years of extreme volatility - hindered by rate rises, pandemic bounce-back, and inflation concerns - 2025 has thus far delivered a steadier price climate in Melbourne. The height of the peaks and lows of 2022-2023 is done and over, and it is replaced with nuanced and more persistent movements.

While growth has slowed compared to earlier peaks, certain inner-city and family-friendly suburbs are outperforming, particularly those with strong school zones, village-style amenities, or access to train lines. Apartments and townhouses have had a slower run, but in 2025, we're beginning to see a soft rebound in the unit market. Rising rental yields and lower purchase prices are drawing investor attention once again, particularly in areas like Footscray, Southbank, and Box Hill.

Moving Select

Buyer Demand: Confidence Is Returning - Cautiously

One of the highlights so far in 2025 is the return of cautiously optimistic buyer confidence. Buyers remain price-conscious, especially in relation to cost-of-living pressures, but open homes are more vibrant, and serious buyers are acting with more intent when they encounter a suitable property.

A lot of that can be credited to increased confidence when it comes to interest rates. With the banks in Australia having held back on rates for some months - and even hinting at possible cuts this year - potential buyers are subject to less stress but more security. That's resulting in longer campaign periods (especially for private sales), but better offers when they do come.

First-homebuyers are still active, especially in Melbourne's outer west and north, snapping up still-affordable prices and government subsidies. Downsizers are also back with force, typically seeking low-maintenance lifestyle houses near shops and transport.

Auctions are again having reasonable attendance, but they are hardly manic. Rather, more strategic, post-auction negotiations are being seen - a pattern that places even more onus on solid agent advice and pricing strategy.

What's Selling: Well-Presented Homes, Family Homes, and Smartly Priced Listings

2025 Buyers are appreciating presentation and functionality. Top-performing homes this year are move-in-ready open-plan layout family homes that include outdoor space and have factored in upgrades. Hard-to-beat homes that are reasonably priced are still attracting strong interest - often even multiple offers - despite a competitive market.

I always advise clients to invest in professional marketing, clean presentation, and clear pricing strategy. It can make a measurable impact on how quickly a house sells and what offers arrive at the front door

Investor Insights: Yield Is Back on the Radar

Having sat in the background for the majority of the past few years, property investors are once more coming into Melbourne's market, particularly in the townhouse and apartment segments. With vacancy rates clinging on and rents continuing to increase in much of the city, rental yields are on the return path and making some suburbs more appealing.

Units in well-connected metro areas are seeing the strongest resurgence, with suburbs like Brunswick, Preston, and Docklands gaining traction. There's also renewed interest in student accommodation as international enrolments rise across major universities.

What we're not seeing, however, is a return to speculative, short-term investing. Instead, today's investors are cautious, analytical, and focusing on long-term rental return and capital growth potential.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Second Half of 2025

If the first half of 2025 has taught us anything, it's that Melbourne's real estate market has matured. We've moved beyond pandemic-era volatility and sharp market corrections, and we're now operating in a more balanced, informed environment.

To sellers, this means success will increasingly become a question of strategy, pricing, and presentation. Momentum will no longer suffice on its own to put your sale price in the money - you will need to create it. And the good news is that there are serious buyers, and if you are willing to sell, there are still good outcomes to be realized.

For upgraders and first-home buyers, however, the balance of the year 2025 may be more in their favour. Reduced competition, interest rate stability, and increased number of listings on offer make room to purchase well - but most sought-after homes are continuing to sell quickly, so planning needs to be accurate.

And for investors, increasing yield, steady rental demand, and incrementally rising confidence should unlock new opportunities - particularly in those areas that have fallen behind the market in recent years.

Conclusion: Navigating the Market with Local Knowledge

Whether you're a buyer, seller, or simply observing the market, staying connected to real trends - not media hype - can place you well ahead. Working day in, day out with Melbourne buyers and sellers, I listen beyond the stats. I know what's effective at open homes, which questions buyers are asking, and where demand is bubbling next.

If you're thinking about making a move, or just want to know what your property is worth in today's market, I'd be happy to provide a free, obligation-free appraisal and talk through your options. The second half of the year is shaping up to be steady, strategic, and full of opportunity for those who approach it with clarity and confidence.

Feel free to contact me at any time - I'm here to walk you through the market and make the best move.


Reviews from MY CLIENTS

No hesitation in working with him again
Sam sold us our first home 7 years ago, so when it came to selling our property we knew in Sam we were employing a professional and hard working agent who genuinely loves what he does and would get us the best result possible. We would have no hesitation in working with him again.
Seller - St Kilda East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Performed above expectations!
Sam and Felicity performed above expectations again! Very professional and were able to negotiate to drive a great result. We couldn't recommend them highly enough!
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Beyond expectations!!!!!
Beyond expectations!!!!! Highly Recommended to all
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Would strongly recommend him!
Sam was extremely professional and personable, he was able to communicate with us fast, and have difficult conversations with my partner and I. Would strongly recommend him!
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Great service
Very professional service
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Absolute pleasure to work with
Sam was an absolute pleasure to work with, very personable and kept the lines of communication open.

Would highly recommend Sam for the sale of your property. 10/10!
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Purchased 2 properties from Sam
We have purchased property from Sam Maley on two occasions - both times we were impressed with his professional knowledge and acumen, his genuine and friendly nature, and going above and beyond for his clients.
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Great price!
Sam gave great advice on the market, and got us a great price!
Seller - Bentleigh, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Sam and the Buxton team - amazing
We’re a young family so this sale meant everything to us and our future. Choosing Sam was the best decision we made. He managed to transform our anxieties of selling a property into a positive process.
Sam and the Buxton team were Amazing as it got closer to Auction.
Seller - Malvern East, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Couldn't be happier!
Sam and Felicity were absolutely fantastic to work with. They were super proactive, kept us in the loop every step of the way, and really knew their stuff when it came to the local area. Thanks to them, we got a result we honestly didn’t expect and they did it all in no time.
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Happy with the price
Very professionally, very good communicator, happy with the price
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Went above and beyond
He went above and beyond to get us an inspection of the property at short notice we were hoping to buy and was transparent and professional through the whole process. He has been the best agent we have been involved with. I would recommend him to anyone.
Buyer - Brighton East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Very knowledgeable
Any questions I had regarding the property or the area, were answered clearly and promptly, and the negotiation was conducted in a professional manner. Sam is a very knowledgeable agent and certainly in the top-tier of real estate agents who I have dealt with.
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Very happy
Very happy with service.
Seller - Moorabbin, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
A big thank you
A big thank you to Sam and Felicity at Buxton Bentleigh for successfully guiding me through an emotional sale.
Seller - McKinnon, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Best & most professional
I just want to express my sincere thanks and appreciate to Sam for his amazing & excellent service. We’re on the journey to look for a property and have met a lot agents along the way. I’ve to say that he’s the best & most professional agent I’ve met.
Buyer - Bentleigh East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
A consummate professional
He’s a consummate professional who has a great business acumen. Above all he’s got a friendly nature and puts everyone at ease. At every step of the way, he made sure I was kept in the loop whether it was via phone calls, text messages or emails.
Buyer - Ripponlea, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
We cannot thank him enough
Sam was fantastic throughout the process of selling our home. He was professional, extremely prepared and knowledgeable. We could not fault him in any way. Sam is a great communicator and he is honest about expectations and our current interest in our property.
Seller - Frankston, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Simply outstanding
Sam Maley from Buxton is simply outstanding, His expertise and dedication made selling our house a breeze. With his guidance, we achieved a great sale price in no time. Plus, his friendly demeanor made the process enjoyable.
Seller - Bonbeach, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Consistent communication
His consistent communication was comforting at a stressful time of selling our property. He would find time to fit us in with our busy life schedules. It was our first time selling a house and he guided us throughout and believe he achieved the best result for our family.
Seller - Aspendale, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Excellent
Sam has been excellent in communicating with us from start to finish; we always have a clear picture of what is going on. Even when unexpected & uncontrollable external factors happened, Sam was able to calmly carry us through them and ultimately exceeded our expectation.
Seller - South Melbourne Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Great Agent
We highly recommend Sam. We can’t fault his knowledge, professionalism, communication and care. From organising viewings of the home outside of normal hours, to working late into the night to get our offer through and calling us with the great news, to meeting us on a Sunday to for taking a photo.
Buyer - Caulfield, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Perfect
Was perfect with everything.
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Love to deal with him again
Sam is very professional in dealing with both buyer and seller. Love to deal with him again.
Seller - Chadstone, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Great selling experience with Sam
He guided and supported us through the campaign. Sam is very knowledgeable and professional, kept us up to date and always made himself available for us. Would highly recommend Sam if you are looking to sell your property!
Seller - Bentleigh East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Down to earth
Throughout the process Sam was a down to earth and calming presence for us, buying our first home! So grateful to have someone firmly on our side and able to explain some of the nuances that were new, to help guide us towards a well-informed buying decision
Buyer - Brighton, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Very friendly
Sam is very knowledgeable of the market in the area. Very friendly & easy to deal with
Seller - Bentleigh East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Best real estate agent
The best real estate agent around; smart, professional and a great communicator.
Buyer - Bentleigh East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Recommended by a friend
Sam was recommended to us by a friend. Even though he is not the local agent; he has extensive knowledge on the property market and put our mind at ease.
Seller - Blackburn, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Great to deal with
Sam has been great to deal with.
Seller - Ormond, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Would 100% recommend
Was recommended Sam and Felicity from a good friend. And once meeting them, knew instantly they were the agents to sell my apartment. Sam worked tirelessly to get me the best price to start my new life in the country. Would 100% recommend working with them!
Seller - Bentleigh, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Champion in Sales!
Not just an Agent but a True Champion. Always gets the job done with excellence over and over again !!! Thank you Sam looking forward to working with you in 2021 :-)
Seller - Bentleigh East, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
The best agent!
The best agent! Did a fantastic job with selling my apartment in Elwood. He is very professional and knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone!
Seller - Elwood, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Thank you!
Sam was recommended to us through our Property Advisor. He is a great communicator, always maintained a professional approach, extremely knowledgeable and instilled confidence that he would be proactive in getting the best outcome for our property and out family. Thank you!
Seller - Chadstone, VIC Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
Accurate estimate, great work!
Sams assessment of the market was accurate and knew the area and it surrounds very well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anybody looking to sell their property.
Seller - Bentleigh East Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5
You will not be disappointed
Sam was the ultimate professional throughout the campaign period to sell our property. As our auctioneer Sam was calm , confident & his attention to detail was evident to all who attended . If you are selling your property I highly recommend Sam . You will not be disappointed
Seller - Parkdale, Vic Review star 1Review star 2Review star 3Review star 4Review star 5

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