Monthly listing numbers are substantially up in capital cities compared to the slow January holiday period . Hobart has recorded the smallest change , up five per cent this month yet still slightly behind last year ’ s results . Despite Darwin ’ s strong increases this month , it too is yet to hit last year ’ s results . Across total capital cities , the monthly improvement is 34 per cent - or 24 per cent over the year . Canberra has had the greatest monthly improvement , up 78 per cent . Sydney and Melbourne have both recorded a 42 per cent increase with the listing volume in Melbourne exceeding that of Sydney .