Property prices fell for the sixth straight month across almost all Australian capital cities in September, as reported by Cotality.
Cotality’s Home Value Index for the September quarter reflects a -3.7% decline in the national market, with Darwin the only capital city to record positive quarterly price growth at +0.5%.
Sydney saw the greatest decrease in the September quarter with prices down -4.9% closely followed by Brisbane and Perth at -4.7%, Melbourne at -3.4%, Canberra at -3.2% and Hobart at -1.2%.
So where does the Adelaide property market fit into the equation during this nationwide downturn?
Adelaide property prices have typically remained steadier than our east coast counterparts over the years, and this still rings true so far in 2026. Our median house price dropped -2.7% in the September quarter, a lesser decrease than all capital cities except Hobart and Darwin.
On an annual basis, Adelaide remains in growth for the year at +6.5%.
To put the recent price drop further into perspective, over a 5-year period Adelaide has seen the second highest property value growth in the county behind Perth, as reported in the Proptrack Home Price Index August 2026:
Five-Year Property Value Growth Rate
- Perth +85.9%
- Adelaide +71.5%
- Brisbane +71.0%
- Darwin +33.4%
- Hobart +12.4%
- Sydney +10.9%
- Canberra +5.4%
- Melbourne -0.2%
Adelaide median house prices to September 30th were the fourth highest in the country, according to the October 2026 Cotality Home Value Index. Only $270,000 separated the top four capital city dwelling values:
Capital City Median Dwelling Values
- Sydney $1,198,596
- Brisbane $1,048,880
- Perth $975,022
- Adelaide $928,560
- Canberra $861,744
- Melbourne $780, 550
- Hobart $741,496
- Darwin $633,431
The September price declines, continued low stock and increasing interest rates suggest Adelaide will continue to see a cooling spring market this year, with the greatest pricing corrections expected in the top end of the market.
If you’re thinking about selling your Adelaide property, why not have a chat with our friendly sales agents who are experts in Adelaide’s inner and outer northeast, north and east property markets? Contact the Boffo Real Estate Sales Team for a chat, a cuppa and a free property report today!
