How to save money around the home amidst the rising interest rates

9 July

With interest rates rising almost everywhere, including Australia, people have begun tightening their purse strings as best they can.   However, decreasing spending to ensure your expenses match your reduced budget could mean barely any savings or...[Read More]

Inflation-fuelling supply shocks under RBA microscope

9 July

Expect to hear more from the Reserve Bank as it grapples with how to navigate a world punctuated by more frequent supply shocks due to heightened geopolitical tensions and climate change. With shocks like the Middle East oil crisis and Donald...[Read More]

Longest stretch of weak growth since 1990s forecast

9 July

Australia’s economy is set to grow below two per cent for the longest period since the early 1990s, exposing a malaise long masked by population growth, a report has warned. Rarely has the economics advisory group adopted such a downbeat...[Read More]

Weak housing market could imperil Australia’s economy

2 July

The Reserve Bank is worried Australia’s economy could be weakened by a housing market slowdown accelerated by the federal budget, a readout of its last interest rates meeting shows. The central bank’s monetary policy board voted unanimously to...[Read More]

Freefall: home prices notch biggest drop in years

2 July

Home prices have recorded the biggest monthly fall in almost four years as tax changes accelerate Australia’s housing downturn. Sydney’s median home price fell 1.2 per cent to $1,265,608 in June, leading a nationwide decline of 0.4 per cent,...[Read More]

Treasurer responds after budget attack by ex-RBA head

1 July

The treasurer has hit back at attacks to budget tax changes from a former Reserve Bank governor after the contentious laws passed parliament. Ex-RBA governor Philip Lowe said changes limiting negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount would...[Read More]

Inflation lying in wait to strike another rate blow

25 June

Australia’s inflation pulse is strengthening despite easing prices at the fuel bowser, potentially adding to the case for another interest rate hike. A mixed consumer price report, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, was...[Read More]

RBA keeps rates on hold but leaves door open to hikes

18 June

Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has not ruled out hiking interest rates again if inflation keeps rising, after the bank left rates on hold for the first time in 2026. Following three consecutive rate rises, the central bank’s monetary policy...[Read More]

Fresh warnings migration cuts could make housing worse

18 June

Migration opponents are being warned big cuts to Australia’s intake numbers would cause havoc for the economy and impact housing targets. Immigration and housing numbers were out of balance with each other but dramatic cuts were not the solution,...[Read More]

Get back on the tools and fix housing, government urged

18 June

The Commonwealth must return to its historical role as a home builder rather than a protector of huge profits made by banks and developers. It’s advice that’s been overlooked but a warning that cannot continue to go unheeded, senators have been...[Read More]

Nation-first stamp duty cut gains federal endorsement

18 June

State governments have been encouraged to follow the lead of the ACT and abolish stamp duty, but it’s unlikely to happen without Commonwealth support. ACT Treasurer Chris Steel announced all first home buyers would be exempt from paying stamp duty...[Read More]

Big bank changes RBA rate call as cost pressures ease

11 June

The Reserve Bank’s next interest rate move is more likely to be down than up, economists at National Australia Bank say. NAB has joined Commonwealth Bank and ANZ in forecasting the cash rate to stay on hold at 4.35 per cent for the rest of 2026,...[Read More]

7 signs you are ready to downsize the home and take life a little easier

4 June

There comes a time when the family home that once felt full of noise, movement and memories can start to feel a little too big, too quiet, too expensive or simply too much work.   Downsizing is not just about moving into a smaller home. For many...[Read More]

Interest rate impact hits housing approval levels

4 June

Rising interest rates have been blamed for a downturn in housing approvals, but tax changes in the federal budget could lead to an uptick. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the total number of dwellings approved in April fell...[Read More]

Labor shrugs off claim tax shift will sink house prices

3 June

Contentious changes to taxes on property investments won’t be the main driver of expected falls in prices, the housing minister says. As auction clearance rates hit lows not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, Clare O’Neil said it was unclear how...[Read More]