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An international property leader explores the US trends foreshadowing changes in Australia’s property market.
Ahead of his appearance at the REB Innovation Summit, Google’s former head of industry, automotive and real estate (US), Dan Siegler, said Australian real estate professionals should look to US property trends to anticipate local market conditions and stay ahead of the competition.
The US house prices are expected to rise by 3 per cent in 2025 as the higher-for-longer interest rate backdrop shows no signs of easing, according to J.P. Morgan Research.
While mortgage rates are expected to ease slightly to 6.7 per cent by year-end, housing inventory across the US remains well below historical averages.
“Similar to the US, Australia is experiencing elevated mortgage rates that impact affordability and create a ‘lock-in’ effect where home owners hesitate to sell due to low existing mortgage rates,” Siegler said.
This “lock-in” effect reduces inventory and adds upward pressure on property prices, according to Siegler, as an undersupply of properties is expected to persist for some time.
Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia recently implementing its third rate cut this year, seller hesitancy remains high – limiting market activity and driving up property prices.
In fact, the average property value across Australian capital cities has grown by 7 per cent over the past year, according to SQM Research.
Regulatory and structural reforms in the US are also influencing global real estate trends – with Australia likely to follow.
“The US settlement on real estate agent commission disclosure and anti-trust lawsuits targeting exclusivity and pocket listings set precedents for transparency and could reshape agent-buyer dynamics,” Siegler explained.
Despite some differences in the agent/broker model, Siegler said that Australia can anticipate or adopt similar transparency trends.
He added that adaptability is one of the key traits real estate professionals need to remain competitive in evolving market conditions.
“Be willing to disrupt your own business and traditional practices before competitors do it for you,” he advises Australian real estate professionals.
“Focus on transparency and a consumer-centric approach in advance of potential regulatory changes and before changing consumer behaviours reach critical mass,” he added.
“Australian RE leaders who proactively integrate digital technologies, embrace changing consumer expectations, and anticipate regulatory shifts will position themselves ahead of the curve,” he concluded.
To hear Dan Siegler speak further on how US property trends are reshaping the Australian market, come along to the REB Innovation Summit.
Run in partnership with principal partner, LockedOn, the summit will take place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at Ilumina, Sydney. Click here to buy tickets.
To learn more about the event, including speakers and agenda, click here.
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