02/10/2026
Home values fell again in September. Down 1.1% nationally, the sixth monthly fall in a row, according to Cotality.
Why this matters if you're looking at a house and land package:
When the market softens, bank valuations can come in under the contract price. If that happens, the gap usually has to come from your own pocket, or the loan doesn't go ahead as planned.
The flip side: homes are taking longer to sell (39 days in the capitals, up from 23 a year ago). Slower sales can mean more room to negotiate.
Either way, know what the package is really worth before you sign.
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Source: Cotality Home Value Index, released 1 October 2026. General information only. Not credit, tax or financial advice.