When it comes to understanding the Australian property market, few do it better than Cameron Kusher. With years of experience in economic research roles at CoreLogic, REA Group, and more, Cameron is known not just for his data brain, but for his ability to break complex trends into language everyday Australians can understand.
In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, host Aaron Christie-David sits down with Cameron to unpack where the market is headed, what affordability really looks like, and what homebuyers and investors should be thinking about right now.
The Affordability Squeeze Isn’t New – But It’s More Intense
Housing affordability has always been a headline topic in Australia, but Cameron argues it’s become more pronounced in recent decades. Decades ago, single-income households could afford to buy and raise a family. Now, most families rely on dual incomes just to manage basic living expenses, let alone a mortgage.
Rising costs of childcare, private schooling, and everyday living mean that for many, property feels increasingly out of reach. And while it’s easy to blame interest rates or house prices, Cameron reminds us the problem is broader: wages simply haven’t kept up.
Many households earning what once would have been considered strong incomes now find themselves with little left at the end of the month. This shift has created a sense of disillusionment, particularly among younger buyers, who feel that homeownership is no longer attainable. But as Cameron points out, this mindset, though understandable, can be limiting.
Has the Horse Bolted?
Cameron believes that we’re now living in a high-price property environment. While future growth may not mirror the wild jumps of the past, that doesn’t mean prices are coming down significantly any time soon.
What’s keeping the market afloat?
- Strong population growth, driving demand
- Rental stress pushing people to buy
- Limited housing options in desirable areas
Buyers today are battling more than just prices – they’re fighting against stock shortages, changing credit rules, and tighter borrowing conditions. If you’re waiting for a market crash, Cameron says you might be waiting forever.
And while there may be price fluctuations across different cities and property types, the general trend is upward, especially in areas with strong fundamentals and limited new supply.
The Three Big Factors Limiting Market Growth
While Cameron isn’t a doom-and-gloom analyst, he’s also not blindly bullish. He points to three major forces that could slow future property price growth:
- Interest Rates Won’t Fall Like They Used To: Rates hit record lows during COVID, but we’re unlikely to see that again. Future rate cuts may be smaller and more volatile. In the past, large rate cuts fueled rapid price booms. Now, the RBA is more cautious, which means slower, steadier movements.
- Household Income Growth Has Stalled: Workforce participation has peaked, meaning we won’t see the same dual-income household boost we once did. Most households have already maximised their earning capacity, and rising living expenses continue to erode discretionary income.
- Access to Credit Is Stricter Than Ever: With serviceability buffers, lending caps, and increased scrutiny on expenses, borrowing is harder than it’s ever been. Cameron goes as far as calling a mortgage approval an “asset” in today’s market. Banks now look at everything from school fees to strata to health insurance before approving a loan.
Despite all that? The market continues to grow.
The Real Value of Investing for Your Kids (and Yourself)
Cameron and Aaron both touched on a topic that hits home for many parents: how will their kids afford to buy property?
The answer: start now. Whether that means buying an investment in an affordable city like Melbourne or Darwin, or simply using equity to secure assets today, the Bank of Mum and Dad is now the 5th biggest lender in the country.
If you can’t contribute financially? Cameron says at least offer your kids confidence. Talk about possibilities, encourage small first steps, and help them understand how to play the game rather than sit on the sidelines.
He also encourages parents to look at how their own investment strategies could benefit their kids. Buying an apartment now in a city your child may want to live in later could be a smart long-term play. Even modest investments made today could make a big difference 10 or 20 years down the road.
Where Is the Smart Money Going?
Top performers:
- Perth and Adelaide continue to outperform thanks to low supply and high demand. Population growth, affordability, and job availability are fuelling these markets.
- Darwin is emerging from a long slump with high yields, a tight rental market, and growing infrastructure investment.
Undervalued opportunities:
- Melbourne has seen softer growth in recent years and is currently out of favour. But with low prices and long-term fundamentals, Cameron believes it could be a smart contrarian play.
Strong but pricey:
- Sydney remains a capital growth market but carries low yields and affordability challenges. It continues to attract overseas migration and high-net-worth buyers, but investors must be prepared to wear short-term losses in exchange for long-term gains.
Regional movers:
- Coastal towns and regional hubs are becoming more desirable thanks to remote work and lifestyle-driven migration. Locations like Newcastle, the South Coast, and parts of regional Queensland continue to attract buyers priced out of capital cities.
The Emotional Side of Property Decisions
Beyond the data, Cameron highlighted something more human: quality of life. More Australians are reassessing whether the high-stress, high-cost metro lifestyle is worth it.
With remote work, rising living costs, and AI reshaping job security, moving to a regional area or downsizing isn’t just a financial decision, it’s a lifestyle one. And in many cases, it can deliver financial peace, more family time, and lower stress.
Cameron and his wife have even considered moving to a city like Hobart to cash in on their Brisbane equity and create more freedom. It’s a sentiment that many families share but don’t act on until something forces a change: burnout, health issues, or an unexpected financial reset. Why wait until then?
So… What To Do Next?
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy, invest, or pivot your property strategy, don’t wait for the perfect moment. As Cameron says, opportunities exist for those who understand the drivers behind the market, not just the headlines.
Take stock of your situation:
- Are you making the most of current equity?
- Are you thinking long-term, not just about the next 12 months?
- Are you ready to help your kids, or secure your own retirement?
Book a free 15 minute strategy session with our team to explore your options and start planning your next smart move.
👉 Click here to book your strategy call
Or listen to the full episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast for more insights from Cameron Kusher and other experts.
The sooner you start, the more options you create.
