Property values: 10 numbers to know

The latest results from the RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index are, as usual, packed with useful information for property investors.

Here are 10 figures you should keep an eye on:

1. 1%
   
   With 1% capital growth for homes over the three months to June, Sydney was the best performing capital city last quarter.
   
   
2. -2.4%
   
   Melbourne has the dubious honour of taking out the bottom spot for capital growth, with homes falling 2.4% over the last quarter.
   
   
3. $328,250
   
   Hobart’s median dwelling price of $328,250 makes it the most affordable capital city market in the country.
   
   
4. 6.1%
   
   The highest rental yields for any capital city were found in Darwin, with a yield of 6.1% for houses and 5.9% for units.
   
   
5. 3.4%
   
   Despite dwelling values increasing by 23.1% since the end of May 2012, Sydney’s showed relatively modest long term growth. Its home values have only increased by 3.4% per year for the past 10 years. It’s the second lowest rate of annual growth of any capital city, just ahead of Hobart at 2.2%.
   
   
6. $468,000
   
   The median unit price for Melbourne is now $468,000.  Some commentators, including Observer Terry Ryder, think Melbourne’s unit market is plagued by oversupply, with property values to fall in the future. 
   
   
7. 4.3%
   
   Melbourne has the lowest yields of any capital city, with gross yields averaging 3.4% for houses and 4.3% for units.
   
   
8. 10.6%
   
   The middle 50% of the capital city market is showing the highest rate of annual change of any market segment, with 10.6% increase in dwelling values over the past year. Values for the lowest end of the market are up 8.8%, while the most expensive markets increased 10.3%.
   
   
9. 7.0%
   
   Brisbane home values have increased 7% in the past twelve months. RP Data says that after “relatively sedate” conditions in the city, values are now “gathering some pace.”
   
   
10. 5.6%
    
    Adelaide saw the smallest capital gain in the current growth cycle, with home values increasing just 5.6% since the most recent market trough.