Media coverage is missing the point

What is important to understand, however, is that when you take the time to look at the data behind the stories you realise that some reporters have spent a great deal of time trying to ‘cherry-pick’ the figures in order to make a headline that is high on dramatic impact but low on realistic accuracy.

Here’s an example…we took a look at the median price data for suburbs in our part of Melbourne which reports on price movements to the end of June 2026, (as reported by Corelogic and published in the Herald-Sun on Saturday July 18th).

These figures might surprise you:

CHANGES IN VALUE, YEAR ENDING JUNE 2026

HOUSES:

Doreen Up by 4 percent.

Epping Up by 5 percent.

Lalor Up by 5 percent.

Mernda Up by 4 percent.

Mill Park Up by 3 percent.

Reservoir Up by 2 percent.

Thomastown Up by 4 percent.

Wollert Up by 2 percent.

UNITS:

Epping Up by 9 percent.

Lalor Up by 10 percent.

Mernda Up by 11 percent

Mill Park Up by 7 percent.

Reservoir Up by 7 percent.

Thomastown Up by 10 percent.

Wollert Up by 6 percent.

As you can see, every single suburb mentioned above in our part of Melbourne has recorded an increase in value over the past year, with units recording some particularly satisfying growth. And yes, some of these areas have shown a slight downturn in the last quarter, as has most of Melbourne, but that correction over three months is still outweighed by the more substantial annual figure.

The message from statistics like these is simple.

!. Don’t make the mistake of relying on figures from the media without fully understanding what’s behind them; and

1. Be sure to talk with someone who knows and understand your local property market before you make any decisions on your own property plans.

Our team at Barry Plant Thomastown is always happy to assist, so feel free to get in touch this week if you’d like. The number is 9466 3233.

Regards,

Con Constantinou

Barry Plant Thomastown