Plain-English articles to help you navigate schemes, grants, and the numbers behind buying your first home in Australia.
News and trends
Annual inflation eased to 3.8% in the June quarter with the trimmed mean steady at 3.6%, the last major reading before the Reserve Bank's 11 August cash rate decision. Here's what the numbers could mean for your mortgage rate.
News and trends
The Productivity Commission's new interim report recommends letting three-storey homes be built as-of-right on almost all residential land, arguing planning red tape is the biggest handbrake on housing supply. Here's what the proposal covers and what it means for your future home search.
State Guides
Stamp duty abolished on new homes, a $15,000 FHOG still on the table, Help to Buy live, and Adelaide entry suburbs still $400-600k. How the South Australian first home buyer stack actually works in 2026, with a worked example on a $580,000 new build.
News and trends
Domain's June Quarter report shows combined capital city house prices fell for the first time in over three years, led by Sydney and Melbourne, while Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane kept climbing. Here's what the shift means if you're saving for your first home.
News and trends
The national share of listings going to auction has fallen from almost 45% to just over 30% since late 2025, while vendor discounts have risen to around 3.6%. Here is what the shift toward private treaty sales means if you're negotiating your first purchase.
News and trends
Roy Morgan data shows mortgage stress has risen for five months running to reach 1.61 million Australians, with views on further rate rises genuinely split among economists. Here is what it means if you are trying to buy your first home.
News and trends
New Equifax data shows Australian mortgage demand fell 14% in June 2026, with first home buyer applications down 17.2% nationally, the steepest fall of any group. Here is what the pullback means if you are still working toward a purchase.
Schemes & Grants
Queensland first home buyers can potentially stack $100,000+ in combined government support on a new build under $750,000. How FHOG, stamp duty exemption, Help to Buy and FHSS actually combine, with a worked example.
News and trends
Domain forecasts Brisbane's median unit value could overtake Sydney's during the 2027 financial year as Sydney's house-to-unit price premium compresses. Here is what the shift means if you are counting on a unit as your affordable entry point.
News and trends
New industry data shows Australia completed around 173,000 homes in 2025, well below the 240,000 a year needed to hit the National Housing Accord target. Here is why the ongoing shortfall matters for anyone saving for their first home.
News and trends
National home values fell further in the month to 17 July 2026, led by Sydney and Melbourne, while auction clearance rates swing between weak and stronger weeks. Here is what the softening market means if you are trying to buy your first home.
News and trends
SQM Research figures show Australia's national vacancy rate has edged up to 1.3% in June 2026, though every capital city remains below 2%. Here is what the small easing means for renters trying to save a deposit.