Rising costs affecting vulnerable households

Pensioners and other recipients of government benefits have been the most affected by rising prices for goods and services, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Brisbane housing forecast to shine

The Aussie capital with the best-performing housing market over the next few years may not be the usual suspects of Sydney or Melbourne, but rather Brisbane, thanks to more affordable housing and strong jobs growth and interstate migration.

75% of Aussie capitals see dwelling values drop in January

The latest hedonic home value index from CoreLogic found that six out of the eight Australian capital cities experienced a drop in dwelling values over the first month of 2018, and unless something changes, the market may continue to soften over the course of the year.

Low CPI's effect on rents, interest rates

While the pace of Australian inflation remained steady over the December 2017 quarter, rental inflation dipped to a 25-year low over the same period. While some industry commentators forecast interest rates remaining on hold in the immediate future, others feel that these inflation figures could be a sign of rate hikes on the horizon.

ASIC accuses CBA of unconscionable conduct

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to the Federal Court over allegations of unconscionable conduct and market manipulation.

Perth prepared for 2018

The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) is forecasting steady and moderate improvement to the Perth property market in 2018, though we shouldn’t expect rapid growth in either the established housing or rental markets over the coming year.

HomesVic launched to support Victorian first homebuyers

The Victorian government recently launched HomesVic – a new housing affordability scheme intended to assist struggling first home buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder.

Adding up the back-to-school bills

As parents count down to the start of a new school year, they’re also counting up the growing costs of sending the kids back to school, thanks in part to the increasing emphasis on technology in the classroom.

Rents rising nationally

Rents are rising across Australia, according to CoreLogic, with the majority of capital cities as well as regional markets recording year on year increases in rental rates, though rental yields are flat.

Melbourne price growth drives first home buyers to regional suburbs

Melbourne experienced its strongest property market in seven years in 2017, with this price growth driving many first homebuyers out of CBD-adjacent areas and into the surrounding suburbs and regional areas.