According to industry property platform, Cotality, home buyers shrugged off the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold interest rates steady, with auction clearance rates holding firm as buyers try to get in amid early signs of renewed price growth.
Preliminary figures from Cotality show a national auction clearance rate last weekend of 72.2 per cent, just below the 73.1 per cent recorded a week earlier and not far from the year-to-date high of 74.5 per cent achieved four weeks ago. The clearance rate has remained above 70 per cent for five consecutive weeks.
Although the vast number of sales in the Highlands are private sales in comparison to auctions, buyer confidence remains constant and steady, in line with the national real estate climate.
Belle Property Southern Highlands Principal, Henry Capel, concurs with current industry sentiment.
“Despite falling inflation and a softening economy, the Reserve Bank decision went against the predictions of major banks and most economists.” said Henry.
“We [Belle Property] remain confident in the local property outlook.”
“Locally, we have seen growing confidence from buyers. The stability, and short-term predictability of the RBA’s decision, will allow buyers and investors to purchase with greater certainty.” Henry commented.
According to industry mortgage comparison platform, Smart Search Finance, the RBA has made it clear that this is a pause, not the peak, and that the Board wants to see more consistent signs that inflation is heading back toward the 2–3% target. That means the next few months will be critical, with August and September meetings shaping the trajectory for the rest of 2025.
For borrowers, this means:
- Stay alert to rate announcements and economic data.
- Review your loan structure to make sure it still suits your financial goals.
- Don’t wait until the next rate move – refinancing, fixing, or restructuring now could save you in the long term.
For many mortgagee, investors and renters the August decision can’t come soon enough. For potential property buyers in the Highlands – now is the time to invest with an amount of short-term confidence.
Many thanks to Belle Property’s Henry Capel for his insight into the local market.
Properties On The Market
Visit The Fold Property to view properties on the market throughout the Southern Highlands.
177 Lackey Road Moss Vale 
- Guide $895,000
373 Sallys Corner Road Exeter
- Sale Guide $4,900,000
33 Phillip Street, Burradoo
- $2,375,000
26 Carisbrooke Row Bowral
- For Sale - Price Upon Request
32 Charlotte Street Burradoo
- Contact Agent
7 Hoddle Lane Robertson
- Sale Guide - $800,000
4 Merilbah Road, Bowral
- $2,600,000
20/3 Victoria Street, Bowral
- For Sale - $875,000
22 Kimberley Drive Bowral
- Expressions of Interest