South Australia continues to lead the nation in property growth, but with rising prices, affordability challenges and a slowdown in building approvals, there are important implications for conveyancing. This month we take a closer look at the numbers and what they mean for buyers, sellers and the settlement process.

Property values continue to climb

Adelaide’s property market remains one of the strongest in the country. Home values have risen by around 9.4 per cent over the past year, with the median now sitting at approximately $845,000. That is an increase of about $75,000 compared to the same time last year. Regional South Australia is also showing impressive performance, with values up more than 12 per cent year on year. Areas such as the Barossa, Yorke, Mid North and the South East have recorded double-digit growth, with medians now sitting between $470,000 and $520,000.

For conveyancers, this level of growth is translating into busy settlement activity. Vendors are keen to secure contracts quickly, and buyers are often under pressure to move fast to secure finance and meet their contractual obligations.

Affordability challenges reshape the buyer profile

While the market remains strong, affordability is becoming an increasing concern. There is now just one suburb in Adelaide, Elizabeth North, with a median house price below $500,000. Only two years ago there were around 200 suburbs under this threshold, and even in 2023 there were still 33.

This shift is driving more first-home buyers and young families towards units, townhouses and off-the-plan developments. From a conveyancing perspective, these types of transactions often involve additional considerations such as reviewing developer-prepared contracts, ensuring clients understand cooling-off rights, and managing staged settlements.

Building approvals point to supply pressures

The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that South Australia was the only state to record a fall in private sector house approvals in July, down 6.1 per cent. This decline suggests that the already tight housing supply may continue in the coming years.

For conveyancers, slower approvals can mean fewer brand-new homes reaching the market and potential delays linked to occupancy certificates or land registration. Clients may need to allow longer settlement periods, particularly when purchasing newly built or off-the-plan properties.

What this means for conveyancing

With property values rising and affordability shrinking, the role of conveyancers in guiding clients through complex contracts is more important than ever. Settlement timelines can be tight, particularly in a competitive market, so it is essential to prepare thoroughly and communicate clearly with all parties. Buyers considering units or off-the-plan developments should be encouraged to seek advice early to avoid unexpected surprises at settlement.

Conclusion

South Australia’s property market remains strong, but affordability and supply-side challenges are creating new complexities in conveyancing. Staying proactive and helping clients navigate contracts, approvals and settlement planning will ensure smoother outcomes in this fast-moving environment.

Sources:

• PropTrack Home Price Index, Realestate.com.au, August 2025 
• Realestate.com.au, “$75,000 more than last year: SA home value growth best in nation” 
• Adelaide Now, “SA’s frightening number of sub-$500k suburbs revealed” 
• Australian Bureau of Statistics, July 2025 Building Approvals