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Market Updates

Property market news, written to be useful.

Rate decisions, vacancy data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground market movement — updated regularly with cited sources.

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Featured17 Aug 2026

RBA Says Scheduled Mortgage Payments Are Near Their 2024 Peak

The RBA says scheduled mortgage payments are close to their 2024 peak as a share of household income, while new housing lending and auction conditions have softened.

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All updates

78 articles
News
16 Aug 2026·7 min

Australian Full-Time Adult Weekly Earnings Rose 3.7% to $2,083.70

ABS average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults reached $2,083.70 in May 2026. See what the figure measures and why it is not a borrowing-power benchmark.

News
15 Aug 2026·8 min

Australian New Home Loan Commitments Fell 5.4% in the June Quarter

ABS data show the number of new dwelling loan commitments fell 5.4% in the June quarter 2026. See the owner-occupier, investor and first home buyer results.

News
14 Aug 2026·7 min

Australia's Capital-City Property Listings Reach a Seven-Year High

Domain says total property listings across the combined capitals reached a seven-year high in July 2026. See what changed, the auction context and the limits of the data.

News
13 Aug 2026·7 min

2026 Census Housing Data: What Happens After Census Night

Australia held the 2026 Census on 11 August. See when housing, mortgage, rent and tenure data is planned for release, and what the figures will not show.

News
13 Aug 2026·7 min

RBA August 2026 Inflation Forecast: What the Outlook Says

The RBA expects headline and underlying inflation to ease to 2.4% by mid-2028. See the August forecast, housing context and limits for mortgage planning.

News
12 Aug 2026·7 min

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 4.35% in August 2026

The RBA held the cash rate at 4.35% on 11 August 2026. See what the decision means for mortgage repayment estimates, borrowing checks and the next meeting.

News
11 Aug 2026·8 min

ASIC Finds Banks Paid More Than $55 Million for Offset Failures

ASIC says eight reviewed banks paid more than $55 million in compensation for mortgage offset failures. See what went wrong, what customers can check and what the figures do not prove.

News
10 Aug 2026·7 min

Australian Home Values Fell 0.7% in July 2026

Cotality says its national Home Value Index fell 0.7% in July 2026 as declines widened beyond Sydney and Melbourne. See the city results and index limits.

News
9 Aug 2026·7 min

RBA Says Housing Market Eased More Than Expected

The RBA says established housing prices eased more than expected, with modest falls concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne while negative equity remained limited.

News
8 Aug 2026·7 min

RBA May 2026 Mortgage Rates: New Owner-Occupier P&I Reached 6.15%

RBA data now show new owner-occupier principal-and-interest housing loans averaged 6.15% in May 2026, up from 5.92% in April. See the investor rates, repayment example and data limits.

News
7 Aug 2026·8 min

NSW Passes Final Bill for 10-Year Apartment Defect Insurance

NSW has passed the final bill needed to bring 10-year decennial liability insurance for apartment defects to market. See what changed, what DLI may cover and what buyers still need to verify.

News
6 Aug 2026·8 min

Mortgage Interest Charges Rose 8.2% in the June Quarter, ABS Says

ABS living-cost data show mortgage interest charges rose 8.2% in the June quarter and employee-household living costs rose 1.5%. See what the figures measure and why they are not a personal repayment estimate.

News
5 Aug 2026·7 min

Australian Household Spending Rose 0.8% in June 2026

ABS household spending rose 0.8% in June and 6.0% over the year. See the category drivers, quarterly volume result and important housing-cost exclusions.

News
4 Aug 2026·7 min

2026 Census Housing Questions: Mortgage, Rent and Tenure

The 2026 Census is on 11 August. See which housing payments and tenure details are collected, what is excluded and when the first housing data is planned for release.

News
2 Aug 2026·8 min

Australian Housing Credit Grew 7.5% Over the Year to June 2026

RBA data show housing credit grew 0.6% in June and 7.5% over the year. See what outstanding housing credit measures and how it differs from new home lending.

News
1 Aug 2026·8 min

Australian House Construction Prices Rose 2.0% in June Quarter 2026

ABS data show house construction output prices rose 2.0% in the June quarter and 5.9% over the year. See input costs, state results and the limits of the index.

News
31 July 2026·9 min

Australian Dwelling Approvals Rose 7.2% in June 2026

ABS data show Australian dwelling approvals rose to 18,328 in June 2026, led by multi-unit approvals. See the national, dwelling-type and state results and their limits.

News
30 July 2026·8 min

Australia CPI June 2026: Housing Costs Rose 6.8% Over the Year

Australian CPI rose 3.8% over the year to June 2026 while the Housing group rose 6.8%. See the rent, new dwelling and electricity figures and what they do not tell you about a mortgage.

News
29 July 2026·8 min

Productivity Commission Housing Supply Report 2026: What It Says and What Has Not Changed

The Productivity Commission has released draft findings on planning, approvals and housing infrastructure. See the proposals, consultation dates and why no current calculator rule has changed.

News
28 July 2026·7 min

June Jobs Data: What 4.4% Unemployment Does and Does Not Say About Home Loans

Australia’s unemployment rate held at 4.4% in June 2026. See the employment, participation and underemployment figures, plus the limits of using national data in a home loan estimate.

News
27 July 2026·7 min

WA Prefab Pod Warning: Why “No Permit Required” Claims Need Checking

WA regulators have warned that prefab pods, tiny homes and outbuildings may still need council approval, a building permit and registered installation.

News
26 July 2026·9 min

NSW Smart Rental Bonds Rollout: $25 Fee and Transfer Rules

NSW Smart Rental Bonds are due to begin a phased rollout in August 2026. Check the $25 fee, four-week timing rule, eligible moves and claim process.

News
25 July 2026·8 min

Victoria Stamp Duty Ruling 2026: When Vendor Tax Payments Can Affect Duty

Victoria has issued ruling DA-070 on when purchaser-paid vendor tax amounts form part of a property transfer. See the 17 August start date and calculator limits.

News
24 July 2026·7 min

ASIC Mortgage Broker Review 2026: What Borrowers Can Check Now

ASIC is reviewing mortgage broker compliance with the best interests duty. The findings are not out yet. See what borrowers can ask and compare now.

News
23 July 2026·7 min

Housing Australia Future Fund Audit: What the 1,432-Home Figure Means

The ANAO has audited the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord Facility. See the 1,432 completed homes, 40,000 target and delivery caveats.

News
22 July 2026·7 min

Proposed PEXA Transfer Fee Cuts in 2026: What the IPART Draft Says

IPART has proposed lower PEXA transfer fees from July 2027. Current fees have not changed. See the draft figures, timing and limits for property buyers.

News
21 July 2026·8 min

RBA Housing Rate Channel: What Mortgage Holders Should Know in July 2026

The RBA says housing is the strongest domestic channel for interest-rate changes. Here is what that means for repayments, spending and dwelling investment.

News
20 July 2026·8 min

NSW Property Tax Notices 2026-27: Payment Dates and Rate Check

Revenue NSW began issuing 2026-27 First Home Buyer Choice property tax notices on 1 July. Check the payment dates, land use, rate and 4% cap.

News
20 July 2026·7 min

AUSTRAC Real Estate Rules 2026: What Buyers and Sellers May Notice

Australia's expanded AML/CTF rules apply to certain real estate services from 1 July 2026. Here is what the change may mean for property buyers and sellers.

News
19 July 2026·8 min

NSW Rental Reforms One Year On: What the First Impact Report Found

NSW Fair Trading's first rental reform analysis found active rental bonds rose 1.1% to 988,603 by March 2026. The early data do not prove the reforms caused the change.

News
19 July 2026·6 min

RBA Housing Lending Rates: April 2026 Data Released in July

The RBA's latest lender-rate release shows new owner-occupier principal-and-interest housing loans averaged 5.92% in April 2026, compared with 6.09% for new investor principal-and-interest loans.

News
18 July 2026·7 min

South Australia Land Tax Thresholds Changed for 2026-27

RevenueSA has published the South Australian land tax thresholds effective from 1 July 2026. The thresholds changed while the marginal rates stayed the same.

News
17 July 2026·7 min

Australian Household Wealth Rose 1.2% as Property Values Increased in March Quarter 2026

ABS data show Australian household wealth rose by $224.9 billion in the March quarter 2026, led by higher land and dwelling values while superannuation assets fell.

News
16 July 2026·6 min

Australia Recorded 1.60 Million Overseas Arrivals in May 2026, but It Is Not Migration Data

ABS data recorded 1.60 million international arrivals and 1.69 million departures in May 2026. The figures count border crossings and should not be used as a housing-demand or net migration measure.

News
15 July 2026·6 min

Australian Housing Costs Rose 6.5% in the Year to May 2026

ABS data shows the housing group rose 6.5% over the year to May 2026, with electricity, new dwellings and rents contributing to the increase.

News
14 July 2026·9 min

SMSF Property Borrowing Changes from 10 August 2026

New SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangements for real property will generally need to involve business real property from 10 August 2026.

News
13 July 2026·7 min

Australian Dwelling Starts Fell 11.2% in the March Quarter 2026

ABS data shows seasonally adjusted dwelling commencements fell in the March quarter, while the less volatile trend series still rose.

News
12 July 2026·7 min

Queensland First Home Buyer Changes 2026: $30,000 Grant and New Residency Rule

Queensland has continued the $30,000 first home owner grant and will add a residency test to home duty concessions from 1 August 2026.

News
11 July 2026·8 min

Victoria Property Tax Changes Now Law: What Buyers and Home Builders Need to Know

Victoria has legislated changes to the off-the-plan duty concession, land tax treatment for homes under construction and the emergency services fixed charge.

News
10 July 2026·6 min

Australian Dwelling Approvals Fell 1.1% in May 2026

ABS data shows total dwelling approvals fell in May 2026 as apartment and other multi-unit approvals declined, while private house approvals rose.

News
3 July 2026·8 min

WA First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Changes 2026: What Buyers Should Check

Western Australia has announced higher first home buyer transfer duty thresholds for 2026-27. This guide explains what changed, what is still pending, and how buyers should model settlement cash.

News
24 May 2026·10 min

Help to Buy vs 5% Deposit Scheme: Which First Home Buyer Path Is Better in 2026?

A practical comparison of Help to Buy and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme in 2026, including deposits, ownership, income caps, repayments, price caps and hidden trade-offs.

News
24 May 2026·9 min

Does HECS or HELP Debt Affect Borrowing Power in 2026?

How HECS and HELP debt affects mortgage borrowing power in 2026, including the new marginal repayment system, the $67,000 threshold, lender serviceability and whether paying it off before buying can help.

News
24 May 2026·10 min

Should You Fix Your Home Loan in 2026 After the RBA Rate Hikes?

A practical 2026 guide to fixed, variable and split home loans after the RBA rate hikes, including repayment certainty, offset access, break costs, refinancing and when each option may suit.

News
22 May 2026·10 min

Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme 2026: Eligibility, Price Caps and Real Costs

A practical 2026 guide to the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme: who qualifies, current price caps, how much deposit you need, LMI savings, stamp duty, repayments and the traps to check before you apply.

News
22 May 2026·9 min

How Much Can I Borrow After the 2026 RBA Rate Hikes?

How the 2026 RBA rate hikes, APRA serviceability buffer and lender assessment rules affect Australian borrowing power, with worked examples by income and practical ways to protect a pre-approval.

News
22 May 2026·9 min

Victoria Off-the-Plan Stamp Duty Concession 2026-27: Who Qualifies and What You Could Save

A buyer-friendly guide to Victoria's temporary off-the-plan stamp duty concession, including the 2026-27 Budget extension, eligible properties, how savings are calculated, worked examples and key risks.

News
15 May 2026·4 min

CGT Reform from 1 July 2027: Why Simple Examples Can Mislead

Why post-2027 CGT estimates need acquisition timing, a 1 July 2027 transition value or apportionment, indexation and minimum-tax checks.

News
15 May 2026·3 min

Negative Gearing Reform and Housing: What Modelling Can Show

A cautious explanation of why modelled price and rent effects are scenarios rather than forecasts of the enacted 2026 tax reforms.

News
15 May 2026·3 min

Property Tax Changes from 2027: Questions for Investors to Check

A non-prescriptive checklist for reviewing the enacted negative gearing and CGT changes with a registered tax adviser.

News
14 May 2026·6 min

Negative Gearing and CGT Reform: What the 2026 Act Does

A corrected guide to the enacted 2026 negative gearing and CGT changes, including the different transition rules that apply to each measure.

News
5 May 2026·8 min

RBA Hikes Cash Rate to 4.35% — Third Consecutive Rise as Inflation Re-Accelerates

The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35% on 5 May 2026, the third hike of the year. Big Four banks have all confirmed full pass-through. What it means for repayments, the inflation backdrop, and what comes next.

News
22 Apr 2026·9 min

First Home Super Saver Scheme 2026: How to Pull \$50,000 Out of Your Super for a Deposit

The FHSS lets first home buyers save for a deposit inside super at the 15% concessional rate instead of their marginal rate. Caps, eligibility, tax treatment, timeline, and the five traps that catch most applicants.

News
21 Apr 2026·8 min

EOFY 2026 Property Investor Tax Checklist: What to Do Before 30 June

The Australian financial year ends 30 June 2026. Four moves before then that actually reduce your 2025-26 tax, plus the traps that catch property investors every year.

News
21 Apr 2026·7 min

Mortgage Stress in Australia (April 2026): 1.4 Million Households at Risk and What to Do About It

Roy Morgan forecasts 26.6% of Australian mortgage holders are at risk after the March rate rise. What the numbers mean, which states are hit hardest, and seven moves that actually help.

News
19 Apr 2026·7 min

Sydney and Melbourne Auction Clearance Rates Crash to Post-Pandemic Lows: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Sydney's final auction clearance rate hit 48.8% at Easter — the weakest since April 2020. Melbourne, national data, the drivers behind the slump, and what it means if you're buying, selling, or refinancing in 2026.

News
17 Apr 2026·6 min

Big Four Banks Pass Through RBA March Hike: What Homeowners Need to Know

CBA, NAB, Westpac and ANZ have all passed on the RBA's March 0.25% rate rise in full. Effective dates, the repayment impact, and what borrowers should do now.

News
13 Apr 2026·8 min

Australia's Housing Construction Shortfall: Why 1.2 Million Homes Won't Be Built on Time

Australia needs 1.2 million new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord, but construction is falling well short of target. What is going wrong, what it means for prices and rents, and what buyers should know.

News
11 Apr 2026·7 min

Downsizer Contributions: How Selling Your Home Can Boost Your Super

The downsizer contribution lets Australians aged 55+ put up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation. How it works, eligibility rules, and whether it makes sense for you.

News
10 Apr 2026·8 min

Australia's Rental Vacancy Crisis: Why Finding a Rental Has Never Been Harder

Rental vacancy rates across Australia have hit historic lows. What is driving the crisis, which cities are worst affected, and what it means for tenants, landlords, and investors.

News
9 Apr 2026·7 min

Regional Property Markets Outperforming Capital Cities in 2026

Why Australian regional property markets are outperforming capital cities in 2026: affordability, lifestyle migration, infrastructure investment, and what it means for buyers and investors.

News
9 Apr 2026·7 min

Understanding Comparison Rates: Why the Advertised Rate Isn't the Full Story

What an Australian comparison rate is, how it is calculated, why it matters when comparing home loans, and its limitations. Use our Loan Comparison Calculator to compare the true cost of loans.

News
9 Apr 2026·8 min

Off-the-Plan vs Established Property: Pros, Cons & Financial Comparison

Comparing off-the-plan and established property in Australia: stamp duty differences, depreciation advantages, settlement risks, and a financial breakdown to help you decide.

News
8 Apr 2026·8 min

Best Home Loan Rates in Australia (April 2026): How to Find the Cheapest Mortgage

Compare the cheapest home loan rates in Australia as of April 2026. Big four bank rates, smaller lender deals, fixed vs variable, and how to get the best rate.

News
8 Apr 2026·8 min

How the Middle East Conflict Is Affecting Australian Property Markets in 2026

The Middle East conflict is pushing up oil prices, inflation, and interest rates. What this means for Australian property prices, construction costs, and mortgage holders.

News
4 Apr 2026·8 min

Australia's Housing Supply Crisis (2026): Why We're 380,000 Homes Short

Australia faces a projected 380,000 dwelling shortfall over the next five years. Why construction can't keep up with demand and what it means for prices and rents.

News
4 Apr 2026·8 min

Auction Clearance Rates Australia 2026: What They Mean and Current Trends

Understanding auction clearance rates: how they work as a market indicator, current trends across Australian capitals, and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

News
4 Apr 2026·7 min

How Record Migration Is Reshaping Australia's Housing Market in 2026

Australia's population grew by 423,600 in one year, reaching 27.7 million. How migration-driven demand is outpacing housing supply and what it means for prices and rents.

News
4 Apr 2026·7 min

Your Fixed Rate Is Expiring in 2026: What to Do Before It Rolls Over

Billions in fixed-rate mortgages are rolling over in 2026. If your fixed rate is expiring, here is what to do to avoid the revert rate shock and potentially save thousands.

News
3 Apr 2026·7 min

How RBA Interest Rates Affect Your Property Costs in 2026

Understand how the RBA cash rate flows through to your mortgage repayments, borrowing power, and property costs — and what strategies can help.

News
3 Apr 2026·7 min

Housing Affordability in Australia (2026): Key Challenges & Solutions

The state of housing affordability in Australia: deposit barriers, income-to-price ratios, government assistance, and practical strategies for buyers.

News
3 Apr 2026·7 min

Australian Rental Market 2026: Vacancy Rates, Trends & What It Means

The state of Australia's rental market: historically low vacancy rates, rising rents, and what it means for tenants and investors.

News
3 Apr 2026·7 min

Stamp Duty Reform in Australia (2026): State-by-State Progress

The state of stamp duty reform across Australia: the ACT's ongoing abolition program, reform discussions in other states, and what it means for property buyers.

News
3 Apr 2026·8 min

Investment Property Tax in Australia (2026): Negative Gearing, CGT & Depreciation

Current Australian tax rules for investment property: negative gearing, capital gains tax discount, depreciation deductions, and the ongoing policy debate.

News
3 Apr 2026·6 min

First Home Buyer Programs Australia 2026: What to Verify

A current verification checklist for grants, duty relief, guarantee and shared-equity programs without assuming eligibility.

News
3 Apr 2026·7 min

RBA Raises Cash Rate to 4.10% in March 2026: What It Means for Property

The RBA increased the cash rate to 4.10% on 17 March 2026 — the first rise since November 2023. What this means for mortgage holders, borrowers, and the property market.

News
3 Apr 2026·8 min

Help to Buy Scheme 2026: How It Works, Eligibility & How to Apply

The Australian Government Help to Buy shared equity scheme launched in December 2025. How it works, who is eligible, participating lenders, and how to apply.

News
3 Apr 2026·8 min

Australia's Two-Speed Property Market: Perth & Brisbane Lead While Sydney & Melbourne Stall

Australian property in 2026 is a tale of two markets: Perth and Brisbane surging with double-digit growth while Sydney and Melbourne face affordability constraints.

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Australian property news on this site is narrowly scoped on purpose. The brief is monetary policy, lending regulation, tax policy, and market data — the inputs that actually move mortgage repayments, borrowing capacity, and after-tax property returns. Auction clearance gossip, celebrity sales, and developer press releases are out of scope. If a story does not change a number on a calculator or a paragraph in a guide, it is not covered.

Coverage centres on four sources. RBA monetary policy decisions and the Statement on Monetary Policy are reported the day they are released, with the cash rate trajectory and the implied repayment impact on a standard $600,000 and $1,000,000 loan. APRA prudential changes — most importantly any movement in the 3% serviceability buffer or macroprudential lending limits — are covered when announced, with borrowing-power impact modelled against the borrowing power calculator. ATO and Treasury announcements affecting property tax (CGT, negative gearing, depreciation, foreign investor rules) are covered in plain English with links to the underlying ruling or bill. State budget announcements affecting stamp duty, land tax, and first home buyer schemes are covered per jurisdiction.

Every news item carries a published date and a last-reviewed date in the header. This is not cosmetic. Property finance content goes stale fast — a guide to stamp duty thresholds written in 2022 is actively misleading by 2024, and a piece on serviceability buffers from 2021 was wrong within months. Dating everything visibly lets readers triage what is current and what is historical context.

The audience this is written for is owner-occupiers refinancing or upgrading, investors managing portfolios across multiple states, mortgage brokers needing a citable source for client conversations, and buyer's agents tracking regulatory shifts. The reading level assumes familiarity with terms like LVR, DTI, P&I, and marginal tax rate — there is a glossary for everything else. The full feed is below, sorted newest first. Older items remain accessible and dated rather than being deleted, so the historical record of how the regulatory and rate environment evolved is preserved.