If a picture paints a thousand words, then this collection of charts should do a pretty good job of painting the landscape as it affects our economy and our property markets. Each month the RBA summarises macroeconomic and financial market trends in Australia by providing a detailed chart pack. World Economy Australia’s economy doesn’t operate in…
Over the years, I’ve found that lending activity often reveals more about the direction of our property markets than price movements alone. And right now, the latest state-by-state mortgage lending report from Money.com.au reveals some fascinating insights. While Queensland continues to lead the charge with broad-based growth, Western Australia is showing signs of slowing after…
For decades, the biggest stumbling block for first-home buyers hasn’t been affording the mortgage; it’s been scraping together the deposit. In fact, many households faced the sobering reality of saving for close to a decade before they could even put their foot on the property ladder. But since October 1, a major expansion of the…
Governments love quick fixes, especially when it comes to housing. That’s why Victoria’s new “Airbnb tax” was hailed as a game-changer; a bold policy to push thousands of homes from short-term holiday lets back into the long-term rental market. However, here’s the uncomfortable truth: instead of freeing up housing, the levy has only added costs,…
National home prices rose 0.5% in September, extending the upswing to a ninth straight month and lifting values 6.2% higher than a year ago, according to PropTrack. PropTrack data shows that the housing market remains on a firm upward trajectory this spring selling season. National home prices rose 0.5% in September, extending the upswing to…
If you’ve noticed that “musty” smell lingering in homes or apartments this winter, you’re not imagining it. Mould is quietly becoming one of the biggest hidden risks to property and health in Australia, Airtasker data reported on realestate.com showed that Sydney and Darwin topped the tally sheet of the nation’s mouldiest cities, with 92.48 out…
Australian housing markets are gathering strength as we head further into spring, with September marking the strongest monthly gain for national dwelling values since October 2023. The Cotality Home Value Index (HVI) recorded a 0.8% increase in September, powered by robust growth conditions across the capital cities, where values rose 0.9% over the month. On…
After cutting interest rates by 75 basis points since February, the RBA has chosen the cautious path at the September board meeting, keeping the cash rate at 3.6%. The decision was widely expected, after the monthly inflation indicator hinted at some ‘upside’ risk to the inflation trajectory, especially from housing costs. However, the RBA is…
For generations, owning a home has been a deeply personal milestone in Australia: the great Australian dream. But today, we’re seeing a new twist on that dream, particularly among Gen Z homeowners. For them, property isn’t just about shelter or status. It’s about opportunity. A recent Great Southern Bank report reveals that younger Australians are…
Australia’s property market is full of contradictions. While affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing buyers, the so-called “affordable end” of the market is actually outperforming. Australia’s most affordable housing is experiencing significantly stronger price growth than typical properties, according to Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist at Ray White. The trend is consistent across most…
