Rental Sight Unseen Report | August 2025

In August 2025, Australia’s rental market experienced a modest decline in interstate and international demand. Interstate inspections decreased to 21.5%, while international interest dipped to 7.5%, compared to 24.1% and 8.5% in July. This slowdown reflects a period of adjustment following the heightened relocation activity earlier in the year.

Despite the cooling, Brisbane and Melbourne remained standouts for interstate appeal, recording 24.3% and 27.1% respectively. While the market shows signs of settling, demand remains strong in key regions, highlighting continued interest in Australia’s diverse rental options.

Here’s how your region performed:

• Sunshine Coast: Interstate inspections eased to 16.4% (−2.3%), extending the downward trend of recent months. International interest slipped to 5.4% (−0.9%), though the region continues to attract both local and overseas renters.
• Gold Coast: Interstate demand climbed to 23.7% (+1.8%), bucking the national trend with renewed cross-state interest. International inspections edged down to 5.4% (−0.3%), holding steady at a relatively low level.
• Brisbane: Interstate interest rose slightly to 24.3% (+1.0%), reinforcing the city’s consistent appeal to movers from other states. International inspections also lifted to 6.2% (+0.4%), showing stable overseas engagement.
• Melbourne: Interstate rental demand eased to 27.1% (−4.6%), though it remains one of the leading destinations for interstate renters. International interest held at 8.1% (−2.0%), reflecting the city’s ongoing appeal to global audiences.
• Sydney: Interstate inspections fell to 21.0% (−3.9%), marking one of the sharper monthly declines. International demand also eased to 9.3% (−2.3%), but Sydney continues to attract significant global attention.
• Perth: Interstate activity slipped to 16.7% (−1.9%), reflecting the national cooling trend. International inspections softened to 10.4% (−1.3%), though Perth remains comparatively strong for overseas renter interest.