Worsening sentiment is combining with longer-term policy changes to deepen the decline, as treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledges the tax change’s role in the property downturn.

The Australian economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the June quarter as consumers spent more on electric vehicles as they deal with the fallout from the war against Iran.

Tax changes are also contributing to the downtown as Treasurer Jim Chalmers defends budget forecasts that predicted a 2 per cent drop in prices.