- New Victorian Auction Rules Put Price Transparency in Focus
Victoria’s new property sales and underquoting rules have moved from policy debate to live market test, with Consumer Affairs Victoria monitoring auctions as agents, sellers and buyers adjust to a more transparent pricing regime.
- Why Affordable Properties May Become More Competitive
Fresh property market commentary suggests competition is increasingly concentrating around the more affordable end of the housing market. While premium homes may move at a different pace, many buyers are turning their attention to units, townhouses and smaller houses that appear closer to reach.
- Why Home Insurance Is Now a Bigger First-Home Budget Item
Recent property and finance reporting suggests home insurance is becoming a more important affordability test for first home buyers, not just a post-settlement detail.
- Why Lower Savings Rates Could Slow Your First-Home Deposit Plan
Recent savings market reporting suggests Australian banks are continuing to adjust high-interest savings and bonus saver accounts as the interest rate cycle changes.
- Why the Home Loan Stress Test Still Matters for First Buyers
Australia’s home loan market is showing signs of renewed competition, with some lenders adjusting rates and sharpening offers for borrowers with strong applications. For first home buyers, that can sound like a welcome shift after a long stretch of affordability pressure.
- Rising Rents Are Making the First-Home Deposit Race Tougher
Fresh rental market commentary points to an uncomfortable reality for many aspiring first-home buyers: even when property price growth slows, high rents can still make the path to ownership feel harder.
- More First Buyers Are Taking Loans, But Budgets Still Matter
New housing finance data suggests first-home buyers are still finding ways into the market, even as affordability remains one of the biggest hurdles in Australia.
- New Home Loan Rate Moves Bring Cautious Hope for First-Time Buyers
Several Australian lenders have been sharpening their home loan pricing, with selected fixed and variable rate offers moving lower as competition for quality borrowers increases. For first home buyers, that is encouraging news after a long period of stretched affordability, higher repayments and tighter lending checks.
- More Low-Deposit Support Puts First-Home Buyers Back in the Race
A fresh release of Home Guarantee Scheme places has put low-deposit buying back in focus for Australians trying to move from renting or living at home into their first property.
- Why Cheaper Building Cost Growth May Not Mean Cheaper First Homes
Fresh housing market analysis points to a frustrating reality for Australians hoping to build their first home: construction cost growth is cooling, but the total price of getting into a new property is not necessarily becoming easier to manage.
- What Cooling Auctions and Tight Housing Supply Mean for First Home Buyers
Australia’s housing market is sending mixed signals, and for first home buyers that can feel both encouraging and confusing. The latest property commentary points to a market where buyer confidence has softened, auction clearance rates are well below last year’s levels, and some vendors may be more willing to negotiate.
- Could Falling House Prices Help First Home Buyers?
Australia's housing slowdown is no longer just a Sydney and Melbourne story. Fresh reporting on the property market points to falling national dwelling values in June, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the decline and growth cooling in several other capitals.
- Could Melbourne’s Softer Market Help First Home Buyers?
Melbourne may be moving into a rare window for first home buyers, with Domain’s latest forecast suggesting the city’s median house price could fall below $1 million within the next year.
- A Cooler Property Market Could Help Prepared First Home Buyers
Australia’s property market appears to be moving into a more cautious phase, and that could matter for first home buyers who have felt crowded out by investors, rising prices and fast-moving auctions.
- ACT Eliminates Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers
In a landmark move, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has announced the abolition of stamp duty for all first home buyers, effective from July 1, 2026.
- Tasmania's Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers Nears End
As the June 30, 2026, deadline approaches, Tasmania's first home buyers are racing to finalize property purchases before the expiration of the state's stamp duty exemption. This exemption, which has been instrumental in assisting first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, is set to conclude without extension.
- Interest Rate Increases: Challenges for First Home Buyers in 2026
Recent interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have introduced new challenges for first home buyers, affecting borrowing capacity and market confidence.
- WA's 2026 Budget: A Game-Changer for First-Home Buyers
Western Australia's 2026 state budget has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to support first-home buyers and address housing affordability challenges. Central to these reforms is a substantial overhaul of stamp duty thresholds, alongside increased funding for affordable housing projects.
- Gen Z Home Buyers Embrace 5% Deposit Scheme
The expansion of Australia's 5% Deposit Scheme in October 2025 has significantly influenced the property market, particularly among Generation Z buyers. Recent analysis indicates a 22.
- Surge in First-Home Buyer Loans Amid Scheme Expansion
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports a 6.8% increase in first-home buyer owner-occupied loans during the December 2025 quarter, totaling 31,783 loans. This growth is largely attributed to the expansion of the federal Home Guarantee Scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to first-time buyers.
- Exploring the 2026 Federal Budget's Impact on First Home Buyers
The Australian Government's 2026 Federal Budget has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at addressing housing affordability and providing support to first home buyers.
- Understanding the Emerging Correction in Australia's Housing Market
Recent data indicates that Australia's housing market is entering a phase of correction, with property prices beginning to decline in several regions. This shift is largely attributed to consecutive interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and ongoing affordability challenges faced by buyers.
- RBA's Cash Rate Hike to 4.35%: Implications for Home Buyers
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced an increase in the national cash rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it to 4.35%. This marks the third consecutive rate rise this year, returning interest rates to levels last seen in February 2025 before the RBA's rate-cutting cycle began.
- Is the Home Guarantee Scheme Affecting Entry-Level Property Prices?
Recent analyses indicate that the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, introduced in October 2025, may be inadvertently contributing to rising prices in the lower segment of the housing market.
- Debate Arises Over Excluding Non-Citizens from First Home Buyer Scheme
The Coalition's recent proposal to restrict access to the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme exclusively to Australian citizens has ignited a contentious debate among policymakers, economists, and multicultural organizations.
- Tasmania's Ambitious Plan to Build 4,000 New Homes
The Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments have recently announced a collaborative housing package designed to address the state's housing shortage and improve affordability. This initiative aims to construct approximately 4,000 new homes across Tasmania, with more than half—up to 2,101 dwellings—specifically allocated for first-home buyers.
- April Sees Minimal Growth in National Home Prices
Recent data indicates that national home prices in Australia experienced a modest increase of 0.3% in April, marking the slowest growth rate since January 2025. This deceleration is primarily attributed to price declines in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, where house prices fell by 0.6% during the month.
- Increased Competition in Entry-Level Housing Market Amid 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion
The expansion of the federal government's 5% deposit scheme has significantly influenced Australia's housing market, particularly within the entry-level segment. Recent analyses reveal that this initiative has intensified competition among first-home buyers and investors, leading to notable price increases for affordable properties.
- Impact of Home Guarantee Scheme on Entry-Level Property Prices
Recent analysis by property analytics firm Cotality indicates that the federal government's expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, introduced in October 2025, has inadvertently contributed to a surge in prices for entry-level properties. This development raises questions about the scheme's effectiveness in enhancing housing affordability for first-time buyers.
- Success of the Help to Buy Scheme in Assisting First-Time Homeowners
Since its launch on 5 December 2025, the Australian Government's Help to Buy Scheme has made significant strides in facilitating homeownership for Australians facing financial hurdles.
- ACT's Commitment to Providing Affordable Homes for First-Time Buyers
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has entered into a partnership with the federal government to deliver approximately 4,900 new homes, including over 1,700 designated exclusively for first-time buyers. This collaboration aims to address housing affordability and support individuals striving to enter the property market.
- Expanded 5% Deposit Scheme Opens Doors for First Home Buyers
The Australian Government has expedited the launch of its expanded 5% Deposit Scheme, now effective from October 1, 2025, to assist first home buyers in entering the property market sooner.
- Surge in First Home Buyer Loans Reflects Effective Government Support
The Australian housing market has witnessed a significant surge in first home buyer activity, with the number of new loans rising by 6.8% to 31,783 in the December quarter of 2025.
- Major Housing Initiative to Benefit First Home Buyers in South Australia
In a significant move to address housing affordability, the Australian and South Australian governments have announced a partnership to construct 17,000 new homes across the state.
- Rising Age of First Homebuyers Highlights Affordability Challenges
Recent data reveals a notable shift in the demographics of Australian first homebuyers, with the average age now standing at 34. This trend underscores the growing challenges associated with housing affordability and the complexities of entering the property market.
- Mortgage Brokers Expand Market Share in Westpac's Home Loan Portfolio
Mortgage brokers are playing an increasingly significant role in the Australian home loan market, particularly within Westpac's portfolio. Recent figures indicate that brokers now account for 55.6% of the bank's home loan originations, up from 52.7% the previous year.
- South Australia's Initiative to Abolish Stamp Duty for Senior Downsizers
The South Australian government has announced a proposal to eliminate stamp duty for residents aged 60 and over who choose to downsize to newly built homes. This initiative aims to encourage seniors to move into more suitable housing, thereby freeing up larger family homes and increasing housing availability.
- Western Australia Experiences Significant Rise in First-Home Buyer Loans
Western Australia has witnessed a substantial increase in new home loans, with a 26.6% rise in the December 2025 quarter compared to the previous three months. This growth is largely attributed to first-home buyers taking advantage of expanded federal government support schemes.
- Brisbane's First-Home Buyers Turn to Rentvesting Amid Housing Challenges
In the face of escalating property prices and limited housing availability, Brisbane's first-home buyers are increasingly adopting a strategy known as 'rentvesting.' This approach involves purchasing more affordable properties in less expensive areas while continuing to rent in their preferred locations.
- First Home Buyer Loans See Significant Uptick with Government Initiatives
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates a notable increase in first home buyer loans, with a 6.8% rise in the December quarter of 2025, totaling 31,783 new loans.
- Victorian First Home Buyers Drive National Market Growth
Victoria has emerged as a frontrunner in Australia's first home buyer market, accounting for nearly one-third of the nation's new first home buyer loans. In the December 2025 quarter, the state experienced a 3.5% increase in these loans, totaling 10,283.
- 5% Deposit Scheme Drives Significant Uptake Among First Home Buyers
The federal government's 5% Deposit Scheme, launched on October 1, 2025, has experienced a remarkable 75% increase in uptake, with 22,921 guarantees issued in the four months following its implementation. This surge underscores the scheme's effectiveness in facilitating homeownership for first-time buyers across Australia.
- Major Housing Initiative to Benefit First Home Buyers in South Australia
In a significant move to address housing affordability, the Australian and South Australian governments have announced a partnership to construct 17,000 new homes across the state.
- Challenges Persist for First Home Buyers Amid Rising Affordability Concerns
Despite the implementation of supportive government schemes, first home buyer affordability in Australia has continued to decline. According to Domain's First Home Buyer Report for 2026, the time required for a young couple to save a 20% deposit for an entry-level house has increased across all capital cities.
- Surge in First Home Buyer Loans Amid Expanded Government Support
The Australian housing market has witnessed a significant uptick in first home buyer activity, with the number of new loans rising by 6.8% to 31,783 in the December quarter of 2025.
- Perth Property Market Poised for Growth Amid Enhanced First-Home Buyer Support
Perth's property market is on the brink of significant growth, driven by expanded state and federal incentives aimed at first-home buyers. These policy changes are expected to intensify competition, particularly in the sub-$850,000 price bracket.
- Understanding APRA's New Lending Restrictions for Homebuyers
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced new measures to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from 1 February 2026.
- RBA's Interest Rate Hike: What It Means for Homebuyers
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% in its February meeting, responding to a resurgence in inflation during the latter half of 2025.
- Anticipated 5% Rise in Australian House Prices: What Buyers Need to Know
Australia's housing market is poised for continued growth in 2026, with economists forecasting a 5% increase in house prices over the next 12 months. This projection follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, marking the strongest annual growth since 2021.
- Australian Home Prices Hit Record Highs Following Rate Reduction
In March 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a significant milestone, with national home prices reaching a new peak. This surge was largely influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to cut interest rates in February, which reignited buyer demand across the country.
- First-Home Buyers Navigate Record-Low Affordability to Achieve Homeownership
Australia's housing affordability has reached unprecedented lows, with typical first-home buying households able to afford only 17% of properties sold last year. This stark reality is primarily due to the surge in mortgage rates between 2022 and 2023, which has significantly impacted purchasing power.
- Surge in First-Home Buyer Guarantees Reflects Growing Demand
In October 2025, the Australian housing market witnessed a significant uptick in first-home buyer activity, with 5,778 guarantees issued under the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme.
- New Builds Gain Popularity Among First-Home Buyers Facing Market Pressures
In response to recent interest rate cuts and escalating property prices, Australian first-home buyers are increasingly turning to new builds as a viable pathway to homeownership. The Reserve Bank's decision to lower the cash rate to 3.
- Australian Housing Market Poised for 5% Growth in 2026
Australia's residential property market is projected to experience a 5% increase in house prices over the next 12 months. This follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, marking the strongest annual growth since 2021.
- APRA Introduces Caps on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced new measures to cap high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026.
- NAB Raises Fixed Home Loan Rates in Anticipation of RBA's February Decision
In a move that signals potential shifts in the Australian mortgage landscape, the National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced an increase in its fixed home loan rates by up to 0.40 percentage points.
- Australian Home Prices Poised for Continued Growth in 2026
Australia's housing market is set to experience further growth in 2026, with economists forecasting a 5% increase in home prices. This follows an 8.6% rise in 2025, marking the strongest annual growth since 2021.
- Sydney and Melbourne Property Markets Show Signs of Cooling
In December 2025, both Sydney and Melbourne property markets experienced a slight decline of 0.1%, marking a potential shift in the momentum of Australia's housing market. This downturn comes after a period of consistent growth, raising questions about the sustainability of recent price increases.
- Australian Rental Market Faces Tightening Conditions
Australia's rental market is experiencing tightening conditions, with vacancy rates dropping to 1.6% in December 2025, close to record lows. This tightening has led to a 5.2% increase in rents over the year, posing significant challenges for tenants across the country.
- First-Home Buyers Drive Surge in Affordable Housing Market
The Australian housing market is experiencing a significant shift, with first-home buyers increasingly entering the affordable housing sector. This surge is largely attributed to the government's expanded 5% deposit scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to a broader demographic.
- Rentvesting: A Strategic Approach for First-Home Buyers
In the face of escalating property prices and intense competition, Australian first-home buyers are increasingly turning to 'rentvesting' as a viable strategy to enter the property market. This approach involves renting a residence in a preferred location while simultaneously purchasing an investment property in a more affordable area.
- Investor Activity Intensifies Competition for First-Home Buyers
The Australian housing market is witnessing a significant surge in property investor activity, leading to intensified competition for first-home buyers. Over the year leading up to June, property investors borrowed a record sum of nearly $130 billion to purchase homes, marking a substantial increase supported by recent interest rate cuts.
- First Home Buyer Guarantee Now Available with 5% Deposit
In a significant move to assist first-time homebuyers, the Australian government has expedited the commencement of the First Home Buyer Guarantee, now effective from October 2025.
- APRA Sets New Limits on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a new measure to cap high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026.
- CBA Warns of Unsustainable Home Loan Demand
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has raised concerns over the current high demand for home loans, suggesting that such levels are unsustainable and could pose risks to long-term financial stability.
