Core Insights - The luxury property market in Melbourne shows a significant disparity, with high-end properties maintaining their value despite overall declines in certain suburbs [1][5][10] Price Trends - Toorak experienced a dramatic annual price drop of 26.7%, with the median house price now at AUD 4.25 million [4] - Other suburbs like South Yarra (down 18% to AUD 1.8 million), Armadale (down 16.7% to AUD 2.1 million), and Brighton (down 10% to AUD 2.75 million) also saw notable declines [4][3] - The Mornington Peninsula also faced significant price drops, with Sorrento down 23.9% to AUD 1.75 million and Blairgowrie down 15.7% to AUD 1.34 million [3][4] Market Dynamics - The luxury market remains active, with high-value transactions continuing, such as the sale of the Coonac estate for between AUD 115 million and AUD 150 million, setting a new record for Victoria [7][10] - The top-tier market is characterized by limited buyer pools, and while the lower end of the market has weakened, savvy buyers are seizing opportunities in the high-end segment [5][8] - The shift from a seller's market to a buyer's market is evident, influenced by rising land taxes and changing buyer sentiment [8][10] Transaction Characteristics - High-end transactions often occur privately, making them less visible in public data, which tends to reflect lower-end market activity [12] - The presence of both affordable and ultra-luxury properties in areas like Toorak creates a unique market dynamic, allowing for a wide range of buyer options [12]