Sydney home values are still falling, but well-presented Hills District homes are selling. Cotality’s latest index shows Sydney values dropped 1.6% in October and 4.7% over the past three months, with fewer sales than a year ago. Buyers are taking longer and negotiating harder, so realistic pricing and good presentation matter more than they have in years.
What the latest Sydney figures show
Cotality’s Home Value Index for October, released on 2 November, recorded a 1.6% fall in Sydney home values for the month and a 4.7% fall over the rolling quarter. Sydney sales over the past three months were about 30% lower than the same time last year, and Sydney values are now 1.5% below where they were in October 2021.
Nationally, values fell 1.2% in October, the seventh monthly decline in a row, and are 6.7% below the March peak. Cotality points to affordability and borrowing limits, four interest rate rises, low confidence and cost-of-living pressure as the main reasons buyers are holding back.
What this means for Hills District sellers
A falling market doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling. It means buyers have more choice and more time. Nationally, Cotality reports the median time on market has stretched to 39 days and the average vendor discount has widened to 4.7%, the largest since 2019.
In our day-to-day work, the homes that sell well are the ones priced in line with recent comparable sales from day one, presented properly, and marketed to the right buyer pool. Homes that start too high tend to sit, and a long time on market usually costs more than a sharper starting price. If you’re thinking of selling before Christmas or early next year, it’s worth getting a clear, evidence-based view of where your home sits now rather than relying on prices from early 2026.
What this means for buyers
For buyers who have their finance sorted, this is the most room to negotiate Sydney has offered in some time. There’s more stock to choose from, less competition at many inspections and more vendors open to sensible offers. Borrowing capacity is the catch, so speak to your lender or broker early and get pre-approval in writing before you make an offer.
Recent Guardian sales across the Hills
Here are some of our most recent sales with published prices. They show that buyers are still paying well for quality family homes and acreage, from new-release estates through to larger lifestyle blocks:
- 17 Foley Place, Castle Hill: 4 bedrooms, sold for $2,560,000
- 7 Telowie Court, Dural: 6 bedrooms, sold for $2,340,000
- 15 The Glade, Galston: 3 bedrooms, sold for $1,475,000
- 3 Porrima Street, Box Hill: 4 bedrooms, sold for $1,350,000
- 55 Greenbank Drive, Glenhaven: 5 bedrooms, sold for $1,985,000
- 21 Sedger Road, Kenthurst: 5 bedrooms, sold for $4,230,000
- 1 Nicholi Place, Cherrybrook: 5 bedrooms, sold for $2,838,000
- 4 Cattai Ridge Road, Glenorie: 7 bedrooms, sold for $2,615,000
You can see the full list on our recent sales page.
Quick answers
Are Hills District house prices falling?
Sydney-wide values are falling, down 4.7% over the three months to October according to Cotality. Individual suburbs and property types vary, so recent comparable sales are the best guide for any one home.
Should I wait for the market to recover before selling?
Nobody can reliably time the bottom. If you’re also buying, you’ll usually be selling and buying in the same market, so the timing that suits your family often matters more than the headline figures.
Is now a good time to buy in the Hills District?
Buyers currently have more choice and more negotiating power than they’ve had in years. It can suit buyers with secure finance who plan to stay put for the long term.
Source: Cotality Home Value Index, October 2026 results (released 2 November 2026). Sale prices are from Guardian Realty’s recent sales.
Want to know where your home sits in today’s market? Book a free market appraisal with the Guardian team.