NEWS Archives - McGrath Central West - Orange, Bathurst, Molong - Real Estate

Oct 19

buyers

John McGrath – How the increase in new home numbers will help buyers

By NEWS

Recent promising data about the new housing market should help boost buyer sentiment in the current property correction, especially among those buying for the first time. The statistics may also help buyers slowly coming back to the market to purchase between now and Christmas. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics…

Oct 11

brisbane

John McGrath – Why Brisbane market will withstand the downturn

By NEWS

Brisbane’s property market is also feeling the impact of the national market correction, but its lifestyle appeal and 2032 Olympic Games preparations should ensure its resilience in the long term. Cotality’s October Home Value Index (HVI) noted that Brisbane’s value declines for September were the highest of all our capital…

Oct 06

buyers

John McGrath – Why smart buyers welcome a slower Sydney market

By NEWS

Sydney’s property market has undoubtedly softened this year due to the national market correction yet the city still offers plenty of opportunities for vendors and buyers. But first, to the latest data from Cotality’s September Home Value Index report. Sydney’s median dwelling price is just over $1.22 million, following a…

Sep 28

Prestige Market

John McGrath – Genuine prestige market defies property downturn

By NEWS

Australia’s most expensive homes are proving their worth even in a market correction and amidst warnings that high-end properties are now feeling the impact of this downturn. But high-end properties don’t take into account the true prestige market, which comprises sales in the price bracket upwards of $5 million or,…

Sep 21

Spring

John McGrath – Spring may bring light to this market correction

By NEWS

Another Spring season has begun, and for the first time in many years, this traditionally busy period is undergoing a market correction. I’ve experienced eight property market downturns in my career, but the current downturn’s sharp drop in consumer sentiment and confidence has surprised even me with its swiftness. What…

Sep 14

auction

John McGrath – Auctions’ potential for success in a changing market

By NEWS

After a cool auction market this Winter, it’s been promising to see volume numbers and clearance rates pick up in the past week or two. What’s also encouraging is that these gradual increases indicate that this market is returning to the usual Spring pattern for this time of year. In…

Sep 06

first home

John McGrath – First home buyers’ new position in today’s market

By NEWS

First home buyers are facing the same market correction as more experienced property purchasers. Federal Budget investment changes have impacted their situation, as has the national First Home Guarantee, which was expanded in October 2025. Most buyers also remain cautious as cost-of-living pressures including the ongoing Middle East conflict, continue. But…

Aug 30

regional

John McGrath – How some regional areas are outshining others

By NEWS

In a trend that began late last year, regional locations across Australia again outpaced capital cities in the three months to July, although the gradual slowdown noticeable in the first quarter continued. Cotality’s Regional Market Update this month, which examines the country’s largest regional areas, found that Western Australia recorded the…

Aug 23

John McGrath – How to navigate the property market downturn

By NEWS

The warmer months are traditionally the busiest time of the year for the real estate industry. But while Spring is now just a week away, the market correction has turned the usual seasonal rush on its head. In its place, we’re seeing cautious buyers who are unsure how to deal with…

Aug 17

home

John McGrath – Easy ways to ensure your home appeals to buyers

By NEWS

For sellers needing to list their home in this new property market, there are ways to attract more buyers. Presentation is everything when it comes to achieving a premium sale price, and more so than ever in this changing sector. Your house has to emotionally connect with multiple buyers, and where…

Aug 10

tasmania

John McGrath – Tasmania’s property strength defies national market slow down

By NEWS

It was encouraging to read this month’s data for Tasmania’s property market, with the Apple Isle’s quiet achievements continuing even as the national sector slows. Compared to Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, Hobart, Launceston and Devonport have performed quite strongly in the past year, and especially the past quarter. Cotality’s Home…

Aug 02

downsizing

John McGrath – Upsizing and downsizing: things to consider before making the move

By NEWS

It’s no secret that our population includes a large number of older Australians, with a Federal government report this month finding the number of people aged 65 years and over rose from 12% to 18% in the 20 years to 2025. Single-person households have increased significantly since the 1950s as well,…

Jul 26

John McGrath – Consumer Index gives buyers the edge

By NEWS

While the current property market may seem subdued, rising consumer confidence and cooler conditions present ideal opportunities for buyers, particularly in affordable and highly liveable cities like Melbourne, says John McGrath, Chief Executive Officer of McGrath Estate Agents. Our current property market is not entirely doom and gloom, according to…

Jul 19

buy

John McGrath – Buying and selling in a cooling market

By NEWS

Weekends have always been a busy time for real estate agents, with auctions as well as open homes for prospective buyers and tenants. At the same time, we have been experiencing not only a traditionally quieter Winter season but also a market correction and auction clearance rate declines, which have impacted…

Jul 13

John McGrath – A property correction to be expected not feared

By NEWS

Real estate has always been a favourite topic of conversation around the dinner table or at coffee catch ups. With so much property noise out there now, these discussions have become even more intense. Wherever you are in the property cycle, you should know one thing: real estate changes invariably…

Jul 05

market

John McGrath – End of financial year market review

By appraise.works NEWS

As we enter a new financial year, it’s a good time to reflect on what the property market has experienced in the past 12 months, and especially in the first half of 2026. Real estate conditions have undoubtedly softened, with this slowdown beginning in late 2025. Key to this change…

Jun 28

Millennial

John McGrath – Top tips for Millennial family buyers

By NEWS

Depending on where you live, Winter school holidays are either fast approaching, or have already begun. With our young families now able to relax for the next few weeks, I want to explore their position in our property market. This especially applies to the Millennials generation – or 30 to…

Jun 22

Gold coast

John McGrath – Gold Coast apartment market flourishes

By NEWS

The prospect of living on the Gold Coast usually brings to mind the possibility of enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, close to the beach. But the Gold Coast also presents an extraordinary opportunity for property growth, especially when it comes to the apartment market. Driving this area’s popularity even higher is the…

Jun 15

renovations

John McGrath – High demand for home renovations continues

By NEWS

For the fifth year in a row, we’re seeing a strong appetite for home renovations, with property owners clearly prepared to wear the cost of shifting construction costs, including labour and materials. NAB data released this month shows the demand for renovation loans rose 16% in the year to April 30.…

Jun 08

winter

John McGrath – No need to freeze your plans this Winter

By NEWS

Winter has now officially begun and with the new and chillier season comes a traditionally slower time for real estate overall. But this doesn’t mean you should wait until Spring to sell your home. In fact, contrary to what many people believe, Winter is the ideal time for property vendors. It’s…

Jun 01

market

John McGrath – What to expect in our changing market

By NEWS

As I’ve noted several times recently, Australia’s property market is shifting. But this isn’t bad news, and nor should it cause you to panic. I say this for one key reason: the bricks and mortar you live in, or rent out, is one of the greatest wealth-building assets you’ll ever own. This…

May 25

regional

John McGrath – Regional Market Update: country homes continue to attract city buyers

By NEWS

As I’ve noted several times recently, Australia’s regional and rural areas are enjoying an extended moment in the sun. By extended, I mean six years of continued popularity, after the appeal of such locations first began to thrive in the COVID years. The latest Regional Movers Index found the number…

May 17

homeowners

John McGrath – Homeowners’ strong position will help in softer conditions

By NEWS

When you’ve been in real estate for as long as I have, the latest Cotality data isn’t surprising. After all, property is a long-term game where the market is subject to several cycles along the way. That being said, I empathise with property owners’ uneasy time right now. Not only has…

May 12

orange

The Federal Budget 2026: What does it mean for Orange investors?

By appraise.works INVESTORS, NEWS

For investors in Orange, NSW, the key takeaway is that property remains a strong long-term asset class, however strategy and timing will become increasingly important.

May 11

melbourne

John McGrath – Melbourne: delving beyond the data

By NEWS

I have previously talked about Melbourne and what it offers to our country’s many eager buyers. As I said then, this capital city can give buyers key opportunities that other, more popular, cities can’t, such as a strong property supply. At the same time, Melbourne has experienced far slower price growth in…

May 04

homeowner

What is driving the modern Australian homeowner? – John McGrath

By NEWS

Today’s property market presents a great divide between us and our grandparents. But are the reasons and motivations for buying property today still the same as they were 10, 20, or 30 years ago? While Cotality’s Women and Property 2026 report shows that today’s potential property buyers are a mixed…

Apr 27

Investor

The importance of being a disciplined investor – John McGrath

By NEWS

It’s not surprising that for several years now, renter and investor issues have been a popular conversation at dinner tables and get-togethers. After all, one in five Australians now own an investment property, according to the latest data from Westpac. In other promising news for investors, this year’s PropTrack Westpac…

Apr 19

Auction

Auction or private treaty: what’s the better option for you? – John McGrath

By NEWS

If you’re planning to sell this Autumn, you and your agent will need to decide whether you’ll sell via auction or private treaty. Some agents will advise you that an auction’s competitive atmosphere guarantees the best price. Others will say a private treaty sale is the more effective way to…

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