Plain-English articles to help you navigate schemes, grants, and the numbers behind buying your first home in Australia.
News and trends
PropTrack's 2026 Housing Affordability Report reveals only 14% of median-income households can now afford the median-priced Australian home, down from 43% in 2023. The price-to-income ratio is 8.2x nationally and it takes 11 years on average to save a 20% deposit. Here is what the data means and what first home buyers can do about it.
News and trends
The 2025-26 financial year closes on June 30, giving first home buyers using the FHSS scheme just 48 hours to top up voluntary super contributions and lock in the $15,000 annual cap. Unused concessional caps from FY2019-20 also expire on June 30. Here is what to consider doing before Tuesday.
News and trends
Australia's housing tax overhaul passed parliament on June 25, 2026. From July 1, 2027, negative gearing on established residential properties purchased after Budget night will be restricted, and the 50% CGT discount will be replaced. Here is what the confirmed law means for first home buyers right now.
Schemes & Grants
Australia's largest first home buyer grant sits in the Northern Territory. The HomeGrown Territory Grant pays up to $50,000 for new homes with no price cap, and stacks with the federal 5 percent Deposit Scheme.
News and trends
Domain's FY2027 Forecast Report predicts Sydney and Melbourne house prices will fall up to 8 per cent over the next 12 months, with Melbourne potentially dipping below $1 million. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are all tipped for record highs. Here is what first home buyers should take from the forecasts.
News and trends
From 1 July 2026, new anti-money laundering laws require Australian real estate agents and conveyancers to verify buyers' identity and the source of their deposit funds. Here is what first home buyers need to gather before their next property transaction.
News and trends
The combined capital city auction clearance rate fell to 47.4% for the week ending June 21, 2026 - the first time below 50% since April 2020. Brisbane at 33.3%, Adelaide at 40%. Here is what the historic shift means for first home buyers and how to act on the opportunity.
News and trends
On July 1, 2026, Queensland's $30,000 FHOG drops to $15,000, Tasmania loses both its $30,000 grant and stamp duty exemption, and the ACT introduces zero stamp duty for all first home buyers. Here is what each change means and what to do before the deadline.
News and trends
National home prices rose 0.4% in June according to PropTrack, rebounding from April's first monthly fall of 2026 and May's flat result. The rebound is uneven - Sydney and Melbourne remain soft while Brisbane and Perth stay firm. Here is how to read it for your buying timeline.
Schemes & Grants
South Australia has abolished stamp duty for eligible first home buyers on new homes, with no price cap. See the savings, state comparison, and a $600k worked example with Help to Buy.
News and trends
At least 11 lenders including ING and BOQ have independently cut variable home loan rates since May, with around 40 lenders now offering below 6%. Competition between lenders is creating real rate opportunities for first home buyers - no RBA cut required.
News and trends
The RBA unanimously held at 4.35% on June 16, the first pause of 2026. Three banks say cuts are coming in 2027. Westpac warns of two more hikes. Here is how first home buyers should plan.