House prices are falling. 69% of surveyed investors would borrow against Bitcoin to buy a home.

In a survey of 2,081 active Australian investors, 69% would borrow against some or all of their Bitcoin to help fund a home deposit rather than sell their entire holding. As house prices fall across Australia, here's why that choice is worth exploring.

Australian house prices just recorded their steepest quarterly fall in Domain's records. Bitcoin is also trading well below its previous highs. For investors holding Bitcoin and looking to buy property, there may be another option besides selling.

New figures released by Domain on 22 October 2026 show house prices fell across every Australian capital city during the September quarter. Combined capital-city house prices declined 4.7%, the steepest quarterly fall in Domain's records, to a median of $1,226,566. Perth recorded the largest fall at 7.4%. Brisbane declined 5.4%, Sydney 4.7% and Melbourne 3.3%.

For buyers, the significance goes beyond lower prices. It is the first time in 15 years that every capital has moved in the same direction at once.

Source: Domain September Quarter 2026 House Price Report

Consider what the latest quarterly fall means for a buyer targeting the median capital-city house. In June 2026, the median capital-city house price was around $1,286,436, putting a 20% deposit at roughly $257,287. By September it had fallen to $1,226,566, taking the same deposit to roughly $245,313. That's approximately $12,000 less required for a 20% deposit in one quarter.

These are illustrative calculations using Domain's combined capital-city median house prices. They exclude stamp duty, purchase costs and other expenses. Of course, lower prices don't automatically mean better affordability. The RBA cash rate is currently 4.60%, borrowing capacity has tightened, and buyers still need to qualify for a mortgage. A 20% deposit on the median capital-city house is still roughly $245,000.

But for investors with existing assets, weaker competition may create opportunities to negotiate on price and settlement terms.

While Australian property prices have declined, Bitcoin has also experienced a significant drawdown from its October 2025 peak. More than 330 days after that high, Bitcoin was holding approximately 62% of its peak value, according to Galaxy Research analysis cited in our 2026 Australian Hard Assets Report.

Do you sell Bitcoin to fund the deposit, or find another way to access the capital?

Selling Bitcoin means giving up exposure to any future price recovery. It also constitutes a disposal or potential loss depending on the investor's cost base and circumstances. Borrowing against Bitcoin provides an alternative.Instead of selling, eligible holders can use Bitcoin as security for an AUD loan, maintaining their exposure to future price movements.

That means retaining both the potential upside and the risk of further price declines, while taking on interest costs and repayment obligations. It's a trade-off worth understanding.

We explored this exact decision in the 2026 Australian Hard Assets Report. We asked 2,081 investors to imagine owning $200,000 in Bitcoin and wanting to purchase a $1 million home.

44% would borrow against their Bitcoin and use the loan for the deposit 26% would sell some Bitcoin and borrow against the rest 31% would sell all their Bitcoin for the deposit

Overall, 69% preferred borrowing against some or all of their Bitcoin rather than selling their entire holding.

Individual percentages are rounded. The combined result is calculated from underlying responses. This finding suggests considerable interest in using existing digital assets to access property finance without fully liquidating them. The survey reflects the Block Earner and Ainslie Bullion investor communities and is not nationally representative. It measures stated preferences, not actual borrowing demand or loan eligibility.

Sam Panebianco, Senior Credit Advisor at Century 21 Home Loans, described the changing conditions in our report:

"It's a buyer's market and sellers are struggling to attain the same robust buyer turnout and favourable selling terms."

The broader property data supports that assessment. According to Cotality's October 2026 Home Value Index, capital-city homes were taking a median of 39 days to sell, compared with 23 days a year earlier. For buyers with financing arranged, more time on market can mean greater scope to negotiate. That doesn't guarantee property prices have reached their lowest point. Further declines remain possible, and this is Australia's fifth national property downturn in 20 years.

But it changes the conversation from competing with multiple buyers to negotiating in a softer market.

Block Earner's Bitcoin Home Loans, developed in partnership with Century 21 Home Loans, provide a structured way for eligible Bitcoin holders to access AUD for a property deposit.

1. Bitcoin-backed deposit loan You use Bitcoin as security to borrow AUD, subject to the approved loan-to-value ratio (LVR), lending assessment and loan terms. The deposit loan is interest-only over a five-year term, with the principal repayable at the end of that term.

At a maximum 50% LVR, $200,000 worth of Bitcoin could support up to $100,000 in borrowing, before fees and subject to approval.

This amount may cover some or all of the required deposit, depending on the property price, the Bitcoin held and other available funds.

Century 21 Home Loans arranges a separate mortgage provided by a third-party lender. That loan undergoes its own credit assessment and approval process. The result is a potential pathway to buying property while maintaining Bitcoin exposure. You don't need to sell Bitcoin simply to explore whether this approach is suitable.

Bitcoin-backed lending introduces risks that ordinary cash deposits don't carry.

Bitcoin can fall further. If Bitcoin's value declines, your loan-to-value ratio increases. You may need to provide additional security or repay part of the loan. If the applicable default conditions aren't resolved, Bitcoin held as security may be sold.

A holding in drawdown lends you less. Borrowing limits are based on what your Bitcoin is worth at assessment, not what it was worth at its peak. The same fall that makes selling costly also reduces the loan that holding can support, and leaves less headroom if Bitcoin declines further.

Borrowing costs matter. Interest, origination fees and other applicable charges increase the total cost of purchasing a home. The Bitcoin-backed deposit loan and traditional mortgage have separate costs and repayment obligations.

Your borrowing capacity matters. Even if your Bitcoin holdings are substantial, approval depends on credit assessment, income, expenses and the mortgage lender's requirements.

Your repayment plan matters. An interest-only loan does not reduce principal over its term. You need a realistic plan to repay the outstanding balance when it becomes due, whether from cash, refinancing or the sale of Bitcoin security. Using Bitcoin as security may suit some borrowers, but it isn't automatically better than selling Bitcoin or using cash savings.

Australia's housing downturn has created a different environment for prospective buyers. At the same time, Bitcoin holders have new access to financing structures that weren't widely available through traditional property lending.

For someone who already owns Bitcoin and wants to enter the property market, the important question may no longer be which asset to sell.

It may be whether their existing assets can help fund the next purchase.

Considering buying property while maintaining your Bitcoin exposure?

Speak with our Sydney-based lending team about how Bitcoin-backed deposit finance works, the costs involved and whether you may be eligible.

*General information only, not financial or credit advice. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. The 2026 Australian Hard Assets Reports findings are based on 2,081 responses from the Block Earner and Ainslie Bullion investor communities and are not nationally representative. This report is for general information only, not financial product advice. Investing involves risks, including loss of capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. *Approved applicants only. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Web3 Loans Pty Ltd ACN 668 516 952 and managed by Web3 Ventures Pty Ltd trading as Block Earner (ACN 655 090 869) under Australian Credit Licence 542689. Registration, application or pre-approval does not guarantee final approval or funding. Borrowing amounts, security requirements, property values, estimates and calculations displayed are indicative only and may change following assessment. Bitcoin used for a Block Earner Home Deposit Loan is held as security. Bitcoin prices can fluctuate significantly. If the value of your Bitcoin falls, your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) may increase and you may be required to provide additional security or make a repayment. If you do not restore your LVR in accordance with your loan agreement, some or all of your Bitcoin security may be sold. The mortgage is a separate credit product arranged through Century 21 Home Loans and provided by a third-party lender. Mortgage eligibility, borrowing capacity, interest rates, fees, LMI requirements, approval and other terms are determined by the relevant lender and are subject to its assessment and lending criteria. Using a Block Earner Home Deposit Loan does not guarantee mortgage approval or that LMI will be reduced or avoided. Information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Amounts and digital assets held with Block Earner are not protected by the Australian Government Financial Claims Scheme. Before applying, consider the applicable Terms of Use, Credit Guide, Target Market Determination and FAQs. Awards relate to Block Earner and/or its broader product suite and are not necessarily specific to the Bitcoin Home Loan product.