I see your point LW and it would seem the more orthodox approach in most of the world - But Australian Housing is like USA Economics - defunct!
Job security around the country is in crises. I got screwed out of my job after I was used as an excuse to get rid of Contractors. Once they were gone - I was replaced by Koreans who use Backpacker visas to drive flashy cars and not stay in Backpacker Hostels.
Most people are not making a profit on their houses. All around the South Coast of NSW hardly any of those houses are being sold at a profit - more loss and many are not sold at all. Suddenly that house and extra houses have become an 'anchor' that is stuck at the bottom in a rough 6 metre swell.
I'm in a [For Sale] house and like 5 other houses in this Rural town street - none are being sold.
Everyone knows the Real Estate agents aren't making a boom rip-off surge like around the year 2000AD so they just potter along now on Agent fees for 'trying' to sell.
When the USA Economy crashes (because Obama's finger in the dyke won't work this time) - Australian Housing will crash. Housing in the USA is relatively cheap. The house I'm in via a similar town in the USA I could buy for 75% less.
3 doors down there is a similar 3 bedroom house selling for just $100,000, unlike the one I'm in for $180,000.
I bet you when everything does 'Crash' - the 1970's will be back !!!
you may learn one day that the entire housing market is not like your street in your rural town. there are certainly depressed areas and also the exact reverse. Im living in what was a cheap area when i bough and is now very sought after and no house for sale remains unsold - period. and im not alone. you need to take the ENTIRE market into account and the result there is that after a flat couple years where prices drops have been on average 5-7%, prices are on the move upward again. just because it isnt happening in your street dont mean it isnt happening.