House prices jumped in a string of relatively affordable suburbs in 2025 as middle- and higher-income buyers priced out of unaffordable neighbourhoods looked further afield.

First-home buyer Lilly Mackay has joined a new wave of young Melburnians rushing for pre-approval, with Loan Market Group figures showing finance approvals are up to sixfold in parts of the city this spring.

With interest rates falling and auction clearance rates sitting at their highest in two years, spring buyers are re-entering the market at full speed – but they’re not all looking in the same two suburbs.

Melbourne’s property market is shaking off its winter lull, with auction numbers steady on last year and a flood of first-home buyers reshaping the city’s spring selling season.

For two Victorian single mums, a novel approach to property investment is helping to ensure their financial future.