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RPM report: townhome purchases hold at 10% as annual lot sales fall 24%

Developers sold 4,048 vacant lots across Melbourne's growth corridors in the June quarter, down 11% on Q1 and 24% on the same period last year, according to RPM Group's Q2 2026 VIC Greenfield Market Report.

Buyers stay locked into diverse dwelling types

RPM Group's buyer survey found:

  • 70% of purchasers bought land only.
  • 20% opted for house and land packages.
  • 10% chose townhomes.
  • First home buyers made up 59% of activity.
  • Owner-occupiers accounted for 73% of purchases.
  • Most buyers (74%) are still opting for single storey homes.
  • 54% plan to start building within three months of settlement.

Rates and costs add uncertainty

RPM Group's outlook flagged a tougher second half of 2026, with the cash rate at 4.35% and the ABS recording building materials costs up 3.8% over the year to June, the fastest pace in three years.

Even so, Melbourne's greenfield market retains a genuine affordability edge over established housing, with government incentives continuing to support entry-level demand.

Northern corridors lead the pullback

The Western corridor recorded 1,023 sales, down 24% on Q1, and the Northern corridor fell 15% to 1,070.

The South East barely moved, up 1% to 873 sales, the steadiest result of any Melbourne corridor this quarter.

By share of total activity, the Northern corridor led with 26%, ahead of the Western on 25% and the South East on 22%.

Melbourne price holds, regions diverge

Melbourne's median lot price held at $385,550, up 0.1% for the quarter and 2.8% annually.

Geelong crossed $400,000 for the first time since late 2023, up 5.3% on the quarter, while Ballarat remained the cheapest option within reach of Melbourne at $280,000 - even as new lot releases there surged 178%, the sharpest supply increase of any corridor.

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