AN aggressive interest rate cut failed to halt a 1.4 per cent plunge in capital city residential values in May, according to researcher RP Data-Rismark.
For the year, residential values dropped 5.3 per cent, with Melbourne contributing the worst performance, given its property prices dropped 2.7 per cent in May. Darwin dwelling values slid 2.4 per cent.
Apartment prices fared better than houses and the premium market suffered more than most.
"Premium dwelling values have fallen by 6.1 per cent over the 12 months ending April 2012 while dwelling values at the affordable end of the spectrum are down by just 1.5 per cent,'' Tim Lawless, senior economist with RP Data, said.
"Unit values across the combined capitals increased in May and they are up 1.3 per cent over the first five months of the year."
Sydney property prices slumped 1.2 per cent in May to record a median dwelling price of $555,000.
Of the capitals, Adelaide was the best performer with a 1.2 per cent increase in prices to a median of $370,000.
The trend in house prices suggested there was more room for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates, Mr Lawless said.