Your suburb’s 2025 property report card is in

You might’ve seen recent headlines that national property prices made another big jump this year. But do you know exactly how your suburb and property type performed? Well, today we’ll show you how to find out in just a few quick clicks.

Over the past year, home prices have risen 8.7% nationally, according to PropTrack. 

If you think that’s impressive, over the past five years, property values have jumped more than 50% nationally.

The question is, what’s the current market value in your neck of the woods? 

Here’s how to find out.

Does your neighbourhood top the table for price growth?

To discover what the average home is worth in your neighbourhood, and how much values have increased in the past year, head to Domain’s online property price calculator.

With any luck, you’ll be pleasantly surprised (note: you can toggle between ‘house’ and ‘unit’).

You could be among the home owners around Australia who have seen their place outstrip the national uptick (remember that’s 8.7% in the past year).

Domain data shows there have been some stand-out suburbs. 

Houses in Adelaide’s Blair Athol notched up 17% gains in 2025 to reach a median value of $802,500. 

Houses in Cabramatta, in Sydney’s south-west, jumped 18% to hit a median of $1.152 million. 

Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge (median value $830,000) recorded price growth of 13% in 2025.

Not far behind was the Perth suburb of Baldavis (median value of $720,000), where house price growth topped 11% this year. 

And in Melbourne, houses in beachside Frankston North racked up 10% price gains to reach a median value of $650,000.

Why have home prices climbed?

Australia’s housing market staged a surprise turnaround in 2025, thumbing its nose at affordability challenges and cost-of-living pressures, to achieve above-decade-average price growth.

Three rate cuts in 2025, an expanded 5% Deposit Scheme and low volumes of homes listed for sale helped drive values higher.

Put your home equity to work

A rise in your home’s value offers more than bragging rights over Christmas lunch. 

It could make you eligible for a lower-rate home loan, offer a source of funds to achieve personal goals in 2026, or be the key that lets you upgrade to your next home. 

Call us to find out how you could make the most of a rise in your home’s value.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

No Christmas rate cut – could rates rise in 2026?

Not so long ago plenty of economists were tipping a fresh round of rate cuts in 2026. But the picture’s not so clear anymore. There’s even talk of possible rate hikes next year. Here’s how you can prepare.

Talk about interest rates being unpredictable! 

We started 2025 with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) cash rate sitting at 4.35%. February saw the first rate cut in five years. After two further rate cuts, the cash rate is down to 3.60%. 

And thanks to the RBA keeping rates on hold in December, that’s exactly where the cash rate will stay – at least until February when the Reserve makes its next rate call.

The thing is, as recently as October, several of the big banks were predicting lower rates in 2026.

Today, the odds of a rate cut early next year – or any time over the next 12 months – are looking increasingly slim. 

Let’s take a look at why, and what you could do about it.

What’s stopping more rate cuts?

Three factors are keeping the cash rate in a holding pattern.

First, the Aussie economy is growing. It’s only managed growth of 2.1% for the year, but the direction is upwards.

In addition, the job market is strong. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in October, down from 4.5% in September.

The chief deal breaker for further rate cuts (for now) is rising living costs. 

Inflation is currently at 3.8%, well above the RBA’s target range of 2-3%. 

Following the December rate meeting, RBA Governor Michele Bullock told journalists “additional (rate) cuts are not needed”. Instead, she flagged the prospect of possible future rate hikes. 

Long story short: official rate cuts appear to be off the table. 

But that shouldn’t stop you from trying to make a rate cut of your own.

Let’s review your home loan

The mortgage market is highly competitive, with some lenders recently trimming their variable home loan rates. 

So there’s a chance you could score a lower rate, especially if you’ve had the same home loan for a while. 

Refinancing to a more competitively-priced loan could put money back in your pocket during in 2026 (and beyond), or help you enjoy loan features better-suited to your needs.

Contact us today for a home loan review – you could line yourself up with a rate cut in time for Christmas after all – or possibly even consider fixing it ahead of any more talk of rate hikes in 2026.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

2% deposit scheme ‘Help to Buy’ launches

Imagine being able to buy your own home with just a $12,000 deposit. That’s what the federal government’s new Help to Buy shared equity scheme can offer. But there are some pros and cons to be aware of. Let’s take a look.

Think back to 2022. That’s when the Labor government first proposed a new Help to Buy scheme. 

It sparked plenty of interest back then. But three years is a long time to wait for anything, and chances are plenty of would-be home buyers have now forgotten about it ahead of its December 5 launch date.

Below we explain how Help to Buy works, and weigh up the potential benefits and drawbacks. 

How Help to Buy works

Help to Buy is unlike any other scheme currently available. 

It doesn’t offer a cash handout like the First Home Owner Grant.

And it goes beyond the 5% Deposit Scheme, which sees the government guarantee a first home buyer’s mortgage, so they can buy with a small deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance.

Instead, Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme. 

Eligible home buyers only need a 2% deposit. From there, the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home and up to 30% for existing homes, in exchange for an equity stake in the property.

Here’s an example.

Olivia is a first home buyer. Using Help to Buy, she purchases an established home costing $600,000. 

Olivia pays a 2% deposit of $12,000, and takes out a home loan for $408,000.

The government chips in $180,000 (30% of $600,000). 

In this way, Olivia is able to pay the full $600,000 purchase price. 

Help to Buy may benefit Olivia in two key ways.  

First, it takes less time to save a 2% deposit than a 5% or 20% deposit. So Olivia can bring forward her home buying plans. 

Secondly, because the government pays 30% of the purchase price, Olivia can take out a smaller home loan, which lowers her regular loan repayments, making home ownership more affordable. 

Who is eligible for Help to Buy?

While Help to Buy is chiefly pitched at first home buyers, it’s also available to those returning to home ownership.

Along with the need to have at least a 2% deposit, income limits apply. Singles can earn up to $100,000 annually, or up to $160,000 for single parents and couples combined. 

There are caps too on the value of properties that can be purchased under the scheme. These vary between states and territories as well as between metropolitan centres and regional locations.

Talk to us to find out if you’re eligible. 

What to weigh up with Help to Buy

As we’ve noted, Help to Buy offers an opportunity to buy with just a 2% deposit, pay zero lenders mortgage insurance, and get started on the property ladder with a smaller home loan.

No rent or interest is owed on the government’s equity stake, though home buyers still pay upfront purchase costs such as stamp duty and legal fees.

The chief downside is that at some stage the government expects to get its money back. 

Home owners using Help to Buy can repay the government’s 30% or 40% equity stake through either voluntary repayments, or from profits on the sale of the property, or when they have the money to do so at some future date, for example, by borrowing the funds.

But it’s important to know the fine print.

Home owners aren’t just expected to repay the government’s initial contribution. 

The government’s share of a home is linked to the value of the property at the time of paying out the government’s stake. 

Put simply, the government scores a slice of any profits made on the sale of a home in line with its equity stake. 

Completing renovations can be more complicated too.

For any major home improvements, Housing Australia (which oversees Help to Buy) will organise a valuation both before and after the renovation. 

While this ensures the home owner – and not the government – pockets any value-add from renovation spending, it does mean more hoops to jump through.

One further drawback – for now at least, is that very few lenders are participating in the scheme. More are expected to join from early 2026.

Talk to us to find out more

Help to Buy is currently limited to 10,000 home buyers each year.

As a new and very different way of helping home buyers, time will tell how Australians feel about sharing equity in their home with the federal government.

In the meantime, if you’re a first home buyer or returning to home ownership, talk to us about the various options to help you get started in the market.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Why now may be the time to buy a rental property

2025 has been a big year for property investors. But the rapid growth of investment lending has fuelled speculation about a possible crackdown on loans to property investors. We explain what’s happening, and why it might be worth considering bringing forward your plans. 

The past year has been a cracker for property investors. 

The tightest vacancy rates on record have seen a pick-up in rental growth.

Interest rates on investment home loans are at their lowest since late 2023. 

And to top it off, property price growth nationally has hit the fastest pace in over two years.

No wonder investors are buying up property in record numbers.  

But as lending to investors hits the fastest pace in a decade, our bank regulator – the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) – is watchful. 

Some commentators are even suggesting APRA could clamp down on investment lending in a bid to cool property price growth. 

Here’s what you need to know if buying a rental property is on your wish list.

Investment lending outstrips mortgages to owner occupiers

There’s no doubt about it, investors have been a driving force in the property market this year.

The September quarter alone saw a 13.6% rise in the number of new investment loans. 

That’s 57,624 new investment home loans in the space of just three months – the highest number since early 2022. 

Zooming out a little further, the past year has seen lending for investment properties outstrip growth in home buyer loans, according to ABS data. 

So what’s the problem?

What’s worrying APRA are potential signs of a pick-up in riskier lending, in particular what it describes as “high debt-to-income borrowing by investors”.

Here’s the red flag for would-be investors.

In a recent report, APRA warned it is “ensuring banks are prepared to implement additional macroprudential tools where required to reinforce lending standards”.

In plain English, APRA is reminding banks that as the industry regulator, it can, and may, change the rules around lending to property investors – a step it has taken in the past. 

The lessons of 2014–2018

2014 might seem like a lifetime ago.

However, seasoned property investors may recall 2014 as the year APRA aimed to gently cool the property market by limiting annual lending growth to property investors to 10%.

APRA further tweaked the rules by imposing a 30% limit on interest-only loans, which are typically favoured by investors.

The regulator eventually relaxed its investment lending restrictions in 2018. 

Could history repeat?

Property market conditions back in 2014 were similar to those we see today. 

Values were rising fast, interest rates were on a downward trend, and household income growth was sluggish. 

This has fuelled speculation that APRA may introduce new regulations for today’s generation of property investors. 

What it could mean for your investment plans

The decision to buy an investment property should never be rushed. 

That said, if APRA does tighten lending policies, investors who delay their decision could find they have missed the boat due to changes to their borrowing power or lender restrictions. 

So, somewhat ironically, APRA’s latest warnings may just spur some investors to bring forward their buying plans. 

If you’re keen to become a property investor or expand your portfolio, get in touch with us today.

We can help you assess your borrowing capacity as it currently stands, and provide insights into the different funding options that could help you invest.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

5-year goal: 1-in-3 Gen Zs planning to buy a first home

Gen Z may be known for being tech savvy, but they’re also showing their smarts when it comes to home buying, with a surprisingly large number preparing to buy their first home before the end of the decade. Here’s how Gen Zs are making their home-buying plans happen.

They don’t call it the ‘great Australian dream’ for nothing. 

Owning a home remains a leading goal for many Australians and a recent Westpac survey found more than one in three (35%) Gen Zs – that’s chiefly people aged in their 20s – plan to buy their first home in the next five years.

That’s a 5% increase since the start of the year, and signals a growing wave of confidence among Gen Z home buyers. 

What’s driving the jump in home-buying optimism?

Let’s take a look. 

Why more Gen Zs are determined to buy a home

First and foremost, almost two in five (37%) say they want to be more independent. Fair enough too – years of living in the family home, or answering to a landlord, can make a place of your own very attractive. 

More than one in three (34%) Gen Zs are keen to buy a home as a way of feeling more financially secure.

About the same proportion (32%) simply want to get off the rental treadmill. Makes sense. Why pay rent when you could be paying off your own home?

What they’re doing to meet their goal

The overwhelming majority of Gen Z buyers – about eight in ten – are boosting their deposit by fine-tuning their lifestyle, making fuss-free changes such as cutting back on food deliveries and other non-essentials to save money.

Faced with a shortage of homes listed for sale, Gen Zs are also playing it smart by broadening their search. Four in five (80%) say they’re happy to consider suburbs they hadn’t previously thought of.

Gen Zs are also keeping their options open when it comes to the type of home they’ll buy. 

Plans to buy an apartment, which can have an affordability edge, have jumped 2% since the start of the year, while interest in buying a house has cooled slightly.

More than half (55%) of Gen Z buyers are even considering rent-vesting – making their first property an investment, while choosing to rent where they want to live. 

What deposit are Gen Zs aiming for? 

There’s no getting around the fact that today’s high property prices can be a hurdle when it comes to saving the traditional 20% deposit.

So Gen Z buyers are leaning towards a different solution: buy with a smaller deposit. 

Over half (53%) of 20-something first home buyers are moving ahead with plans for a deposit of 10% or less.

The good news is that this has become a lot easier thanks to the newly expanded Australian government 5% Deposit Scheme. It lets eligible buyers get into the market with as little as a 5% deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance. 

Let’s develop your first home strategy

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be a pipedream. 

With a clear savings strategy, the backing of government support schemes, and a home loan that is a great match for your needs, home ownership can be achievable. 

Contact us today to start the path forward to buying your first home. You could be in a place of your own sooner than you think!

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.