The latest Real Property Report 2025, released by Real Insurance, reveals Australians are battling unprecedented challenges in the housing market, with both renters and buyers experiencing significant emotional and financial pressures.
Nearly four in five rental applicants (77%) feel compelled to make their applications stand out in today’s hypercompetitive market. More than half (57%) report feeling pressured to offer above the asking price, with many offering up to $124 more per week—adding a staggering $6,448 to annual housing costs.
The average renter spends about eight hours weekly searching for accommodation, with half needing to attend at least four inspections before finding suitable housing. For pet owners, the situation is even more dire, with search times exceeding nine hours weekly and one in four (25%) considering keeping pets without landlord notification.
“For anyone out there looking for a property, my advice would be to just make sure you’ve got all your paperwork and documentation ready to go so you can apply quickly and easily,” said Joel Dignam, executive director of tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting.
The emotional toll is substantial, with 70% of renters reporting negative experiences during the process and nearly half (49%) feeling stressed or anxious. Adding to these woes, almost two in five renters (39%) have experienced multiple rent increases over the past two years, leading to reduced savings (48%) and increased financial stress (45%).
The situation isn’t much better for buyers, with three in five (60%) encountering significant property issues after purchase despite conducting inspections. Structural damage, unexpected repair costs and misleading property descriptions top the list of complaints.
Two in five buyers (40%) report feeling stressed and anxious during the purchasing process, with over three in five (66%) believing real estate agents misled them about key details. The auction environment compounds this stress, with 59% feeling pressured to bid beyond their comfort level and 78% suspecting they’ve encountered dummy bidders.
Gender disparities are evident throughout the market, with women reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety than men—often linked to managing family responsibilities alongside housing concerns.
The report highlights concerning trends across Australia’s property landscape, with affordability remaining a significant barrier. Nearly half of buyers (51%) have compromised on location due to skyrocketing house prices, while many express concerns about future mortgage payments and long-term financial security.
What are your thoughts on the challenges highlighted in the report? Share your insights below.
