Each week, First Home Loan Weekly News Wrap Australia brings a clear, independent recap of Australia’s housing headlines. We sort the noise into need‑to‑know stories on property market movements, policy changes that affect first‑time buyers, regional and city trends, and practical implications for your plans. Expect plain‑English context, quick takeaways, and links to trusted sources, so you can stay informed and confident about your next steps — in under ten minutes.
This Week:
Australian home prices finished 2025 at record highs, with Melbourne back at a peak, Perth joining the million‑dollar club and Brisbane units surging. Fixed home loan rates rose at a major bank ahead of the RBAs early‑February meeting, highlighting the need to compare options and consider rate‑lock features. A Tasmanian buyers experience shows shared‑equity and other schemes can add time and complexity, especially for new builds. Takeaways for first‑home buyers: consider units and nearby suburbs, check eligibility for low‑deposit support early, run fixed vs variable repayment scenarios, and allow extra time when using schemes. Visit first-home-loan.com.au to start a free eligibility assessment.
EPISODE 1190 | First Home Loan Weekly Property News Wrap | Sun, 25th Jan 2026
31 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hi and welcome to the First Home Loan Weekly Property News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Lets start with prices. Australias housing market ended 2025 with momentum still building. National medians hit fresh records, Melbourne rebounded to its highest level in four years, Perth joined the million‑dollar club, and Brisbanes unit prices jumped by about sixty thousand dollars in one quarter. For first‑time buyers, that means entry‑level stock is moving quickly and units are often the better-value path in several cities. If youre aiming to buy with a five to ten per cent deposit, widen your search to apartments and nearby suburbs, and check your eligibility for the five per cent deposit guarantee early so you can move when the right place appears.
Next up, fixed mortgage rates. One of the big four banks lifted fixed rates late this week, and markets are now weighing the chance of a move at the Reserve Bank of Australias, or RBAs, meeting in early February. Lenders adjust fixed rates ahead of central bank decisions, so the offer you see today may not be there next week. If youre choosing between fixed and variable, run repayment scenarios and ask about a rate‑lock option if available; a quick, free eligibility check can help you compare across multiple lenders without the run‑around.
Meanwhile, a real‑world reminder on government schemes. A Tasmanian first‑home buyer described repeated setbacks using a state shared‑equity program, with long processing times and valuation hurdles. Schemes can be powerful, but they add steps and deadlines; new builds in particular can face extra checks. If you plan to use any scheme, allow more time, line up documents early, and keep a plan B for established homes in case timing or valuations change.
Thats the wrap. For plain‑English guides, calculators, and to start your free first home loan eligibility assessment, head to first-home-loan.com.au. Im Paige, thanks for listening and talk to you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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Knowledgebase
Default: The failure to repay a debt, including interest or principal, on a loan or security.
