Distressed property listings jump 42pc as unsold homes pile up

Distressed property listings have climbed more than 40 per cent in a year as homes take longer to sell and buyers gain the upper hand in a move a leading property analyst has described as “concerning”. New figures from SQM Research reveal the number of distressed properties advertised for sale nationally jumped 10.2 per cent in October to 5,368 — the highest level since late 2024. Distressed property listings have risen 40 per cent in a year, according to new research. Picture: Seb Haggett. That represents a 42.3 per cent increase on a year ago, with every state and territory recording a rise. The figures come as the number of homes for sale across Australia climbed above 300,000 for the first time in more than five years, raising concerns about weakening buyer demand and mounting pressure on sellers. Queensland recorded the highest number of distressed listings of any state, with 1,904 properties — up 71.2 per cent annually. South Australia recorded the sharpest annual increase, up 84.9 per cent, followed by Western Australia at 75.8 per cent. Distressed listings have risen 40 per cent in a year. Source: SQM Research. SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said the rise ...