The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for the March 2025 quarter on 30 April 2025 (for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025).
Both landlords and tenants may wish to:
- check their leases to see whether a CPI rent review is due using the March 2025 quarter CPI number; and
- if a CPI rent review is due, apply the correct CPI number for that review.
We highlight the key areas of interest for landlords and tenants.
Key areas of interest
All groups - Brisbane
The new All Groups CPI number for Brisbane for the March 2025 quarter is 142.9. The CPI number for the March 2024 quarter was 139.2, so the new CPI number equates to an increase of 2.7% over the corresponding quarter for the previous year.
All groups - Perth
The new All Groups CPI number for Perth for the March 2025 quarter is 138.6. The CPI number for the March 2024 quarter was 134.8, so the new CPI number equates to an increase of 2.8% over the corresponding quarter for the previous year.
All groups - Weighted average of the eight capital cities
The new All Groups weighted average CPI number for the eight capital cities for the March 2025 quarter is 140.7. The weighted average CPI number for the March 2024 quarter was 137.4, so the new CPI number equates to an increase of 2.4% over the corresponding quarter for the previous year.
All groups - Capital cities comparison
In relation to All Groups CPI for each capital city, Perth has recorded the largest increase (2.8%) over the corresponding quarter for the previous year, followed by Brisbane (2.7%), then Sydney and Melbourne (both 2.3%). Hobart recorded the lowest increase (1.4%). The other three capital cities ranged from a 1.7% increase (Darwin) to a 2.2% increase (Adelaide and Canberra).
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.9% this quarter. Over the last twelve months to the March 2025 quarter, the Consumer Price Index rose 2.4%. This has spurred on the interest rate cut announced by the Reserve Bank on 20 May 2025.
The most significant price rises this quarter were Housing (+1.7), Education (+5.2%), and Food and non-alcoholic beverages (+1.2%).
A summary of the percentage increases for the eight capital cities is provided below:
| City | CPI for March 2024 | CPI for March 2025 | Annual Percentage Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 137.7 | 140.9 | 2.3 |
| Melbourne | 137.5 | 140.7 | 2.3 |
| Brisbane | 139.2 | 142.9 | 2.7 |
| Adelaide | 138.1 | 141.2 | 2.2 |
| Perth | 134.8 | 138.6 | 2.8 |
| Hobart | 138.1 | 140.0 | 1.4 |
| Darwin | 132.4 | 134.6 | 1.7 |
| Canberra | 135.6 | 138.6 | 2.2 |
A detailed breakdown of the CPI figures is available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.