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Property Clock: Which Property Markets Are Rising, Peaking, or Falling?

Thomas Roberts
Written By Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts Founder, Which Real Estate Agent
Thomas Roberts founded Which Real Estate Agent in 2011. Since inception over 44,000 Australians have used its services to navigate one of life's most significant emotional and financial decisions.
Founder, Which Real Estate Agent Updated Sep 2, 2025

Timing the property market can make a big difference to your buying or selling results. That’s where the property clock comes in, a simple tool that shows whether markets are rising, peaking, falling, or bottoming out. In Australia, Herron Todd White’s monthly Property Clock report tracks more than 50 markets across capital cities and regions, helping buyers, sellers, and investors understand where each sits in the cycle. In this guide, we’ll explain how the property clock works, reveal which markets are on the move in 2025, and share tips for making the most of these insights.

What Is the Property Clock and Why It Matters

The property clock is a simple yet powerful visual mapping of where property markets sit in the cycle:

  • Think of a clock face: 12 o’clock = peak, 6 o’clock = bottom, rising and declining phases lie in between.
  • Herron Todd White (HTW) publishes monthly reports tracking 50 major markets based on current trends and forecasts, categorising them on this clock
  • It’s a valuable guide for different stakeholders:
    • Buyers can identify recovery zones or rising markets for entry.
    • Sellers can target peak markets for optimal timing.
    • Investors benefit from spotting turning points and avoiding downturns.

How the Property Clock Maps to the Property Cycle

Far from arbitrary, each clock quadrant reflects real-world dynamics:

  • Boom (Rising): Strong demand, accelerating prices, sometimes tight supply.
  • Peak: Price growth slows, supply catches up, affordability becomes a concern.
  • Downturn/Falling: Prices stabilise or fall, slowing buyer interest.
  • Bottom/Recovery: Oversupply absorbed, interest begins to return, price rises resume
    Macroeconomic forces such as interest rates, migration, and supply—drive these shifts.

Which Markets Are Rising, Peaking, or Falling?

Understanding where a market sits on the property clock can help you decide whether it’s the right time to buy, sell, or hold. Rising markets often mean prices are increasing and competition is growing. Peaking markets suggest values are at their highest, while falling markets may see prices dip before recovery begins. Herron Todd White’s June 2025 Property Clock gives a snapshot of more than 50 Australian markets so you can see exactly where yours stands.

Markets on the Rise (Recovery or Growth Phase)

These markets are moving upwards, with prices gaining momentum and buyer confidence improving. Interest rate cuts, limited housing supply, and population growth are driving much of this activity.

As of June 2025, HTW places the following in the rising phase:

  • Sydney (houses)
  • Canberra (houses)
  • Newcastle
  • Bathurst
  • Central Coast
  • Perth
  • Adelaide

Earlier in March 2025, Perth and Adelaide were joined by:

  • Gold Coast
  • Cairns
  • Townsville
  • Emerald
  • Gladstone

These areas may offer good buying opportunities before they reach their peak.

Peaking Markets

Peaking means prices are near their highest point. Demand is still strong, but growth is slowing, and affordability is becoming an issue.

  • Brisbane (houses) is currently at peak.
  • Brisbane units are not far behind and may soon reach this stage.

If you’re a seller in a peaking market, this could be the moment to act.

Falling or Bottoming Markets

Falling markets see prices decline as demand softens, while bottoming markets are at the lowest point before recovery starts.

Right now, HTW reports very few markets in decline. The majority are still on the rise, but some areas particularly parts of Melbourne could see softer conditions ahead. Sellers here may choose to wait, while buyers could look for bargains.

PhaseKey Markets
RisingSydney (houses), Canberra, Newcastle, Bathurst, Central Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Emerald, Gladstone
PeakingBrisbane (houses), Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Ipswich, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Dubbo, Mildura, Mount Gambier
Falling/BottomingSydney & Melbourne (softening), Port Macquarie, Hobart, Illawarra, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Geelong, Southern Highlands

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Your RoleStrategyWhy it Works
BuyerLook to rising/recovery markets like Perth and AdelaideGrowing markets often offer good entry points with future upside.
SellerConsider selling in peak zones like Brisbane housesYou may capitalise on maximum price momentum.
CautionMelbourne & some Sydney housing markets may underperformThese areas could be at or near a plateau, tread carefully or seek valuations.

How to Use the Property Clock Wisely

The property clock is a great guide, but it’s not a magic predictor. Markets can move quickly, and local conditions often differ from the national picture.

  • Don’t rely on it alone: Combine with local suburb data, interest‑rate trends, migration figures, and dwelling supply.
  • Micro‑market differences matter: Inner suburbs may behave differently than outer metro areas.
  • Dive into our monthly wrap to see exactly where your market sits right now:

The property clock is a compass, not a crystal ball. Use it for direction, not as definitive timing.

FAQs

Which markets are projected to grow the most in 2025?

Perth and Brisbane are leading the way. Adelaide and parts of regional Queensland also show strong momentum, with projections ranging from 3–10% growth depending on forecasts 

How does a change in interest rates shift the property clock?

Lower rates boost affordability and demand, push markets into the rising/recovery phase. Higher rates suppress buying, potentially stalling prices or shifting markets toward peaking or decline.

Can regional markets be in different phases than capital cities?

Absolutely. Local factors shape timing: employment, infrastructure, migration, and supply dynamics can vary widely between regions.

When is the best time to buy according to the property clock?

Typically during the recovery or early rising phase, when prices are improving but not yet peaking.

Are all property types (houses vs units) aligned on the clock?

No. HTW produces separate clocks for houses, units, and combined residential types, each can move on different cycles

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