CommBank still expects the housing downturn to eventually run its course, with prices forecast to stabilise and begin recovering during 2027.
National dwelling prices are forecast to rise around 2% over 2027, and that forecast relies partly on CommBank’s expectation that the RBA will cut interest rates in May and August next year.
If the cash rate instead remained at 4.60% throughout 2027, CommBank estimates national dwelling prices would be broadly flat over the year.
“The modest growth in our baseline forecast over 2027 relies on the expected rate cuts,” Saunders said.
There are also factors that should eventually provide some support.
Falling prices should improve affordability and increase rental yields, drawing some buyers back into the market, while housing supply remains tight. The national rental vacancy rate was at a historically low 1.8% in August.
For now, however, the combination of weaker momentum and higher borrowing costs means CommBank expects the housing adjustment to continue through the first half of next year.