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:
This week: the RBA kept the cash rate at about 3.6% on 9 December and banks have nudged some fixed rates higher, with talk of possible hikes in 2026. Queensland launched a rebate for landlords to install rooftop solar on rentals, easing bills for tenants who are saving a deposit. In Brisbane, one‑bed apartments are cracking $1 million in some areas, highlighting the need for flexibility on property type or location and to use available schemes. National vacancy edged up, offering renters a little more choice. Visit first-home-loan.com.au for an eligibility check and loan comparisons.
EPISODE 1000 | First Home Loan Weekly Property News Wrap Australia | Wed, 17th Dec 2025
17 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the First Home Loan Weekly Property News Wrap Australia, Im Paige Estritori, and its Wednesday 17 December 2025.
First up, interest rates. On Tuesday 9 December the Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate at about three point six per cent to close out the year, and the governor warned the board stands ready to move if inflation doesnt ease. Since then, several banks have lifted some fixed rates and analysts now see a risk of hikes in early 2026 rather than cuts. For first‑time buyers, that means borrowing power is steady for now, but plan with a safety buffer and compare options across multiple lenders before seeking pre‑approval.
Next up, a win for renters in Queensland that could help with deposit saving. A new state program offers rebates up to three and a half thousand dollars for landlords who install rooftop solar on rental homes, with typical bill savings of around seven hundred dollars a year. If youre renting, ask your property manager whether your place could be eligible; lower bills can free up money for your deposit while you get your first homebuyer loan eligibility assessed.
Meanwhile in Brisbane, one‑bedroom apartments are now selling north of a million dollars in some inner‑city pockets, with owner‑occupiers competing hard and stock still tight. That underscores the importance of being flexible on dwelling type or location, and checking what concessions or guarantees you can access on new builds or lower‑priced suburbs. A quick eligibility review can reveal low‑deposit pathways and government schemes you might qualify for.
And finally, rental conditions have eased a touch, with the national vacancy rate nudging higher in November. Its still a landlords market in many areas, but a little more choice can help renters negotiate or find better value over summer. Use any breathing room to tighten your savings plan and line up documents, so youre ready when the right listing appears.
Thats the wrap. For step‑by‑step guidance, a free eligibility check, and help comparing first homebuyer loans, head to first-home-loan.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—see 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
Credit Default Swap (CDS): A financial derivative or contract that allows an investor to "swap" or offset their credit risk with that of another investor.
