Housing bubble warning as deposit scheme fast-tracked
House prices could surge and mortgage defaults rise when a government scheme to help first home buyers begins ahead of schedule, experts warn.
House prices could surge and mortgage defaults rise when a government scheme to help first home buyers begins ahead of schedule, experts warn.
The cash rate has been cut to its lowest level in more than two years, as the Reserve Bank resisted the temptation to wrong-foot analysts twice in two months.
The "Trumpification" of the US Federal Reserve provides an unsettling backdrop to the Reserve Bank's August meeting, where it is expected to cut interest rates.
Economists await key quarterly data that could put the odds firmly in favour of an August interest rate cut, as the Reserve Bank sheds light on its shock hold.
With markets all but assured the Reserve Bank board will cut interest rates at its upcoming meeting, the bigger question for traders is what they say next.
The central bank has defied expectations of an interest rate cut as it keeps its sights on inflation and jobs figures, but relief might not be far away.
More rate cuts might be needed to boost Australia's fragile economy with soft household consumption figures contributing to stalled growth.
Two regional centres either side of a state capital recorded the highest dwelling value increases so far in 2025, as capital cities reverse a decline.
Uncertainty, both known and unknown, surrounding Donald Trump's tariffs and their economic impact could spur the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates on Tuesday.
Workers have enjoyed their sixth consecutive quarter of pay packet growth as all eyes turn to the Reserve Bank's upcoming decision on interest rates.
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Mortgage-holders are poised to bank an interest rate cut within weeks despite the latest inflation reading coming in slightly higher than expected.
As rate-cut bets see-saw, the Reserve Bank governor says Australia is well placed for overseas shocks in her first speech since Donald Trump's tariff thump.
"Almost nobody" is expecting an interest cut, the treasurer says as the Reserve Bank's new rate-setting board meets with an election campaign in full swing.
Another interest rate cut is firmly on the table with analysts expecting the Reserve Bank to seriously consider the move on the back of fresh inflation data.
Australians raiding their super balances for housing could boost home ownership but may result in a jump in prices, economists say.
Two capital cities are leading the housing market higher as buyers look to get ahead of a wave of demand as interest rates finally fall.
Economists say a major reduction in mortgage rates this year is unlikely, even though the Reserve Bank board is widely tipped to deliver a cut on Tuesday.
Anthony Albanese remains coy on when Australians will head to the polls, after the Reserve Bank delivered cost-of-living relief for mortgage holders.
Australians saddled with student debt who want to enter the housing market will be given a helping hand, under changes to lending requirements.
Strong retail spending figures are not expected to deter the Reserve Bank from cutting rates at its next meeting as one big bank lowers fixed-rate loans.
A decline in spending on household goods has bolstered hopes of an RBA rate cut, which would help boost dour consumer sentiment.
Affordability constraints have many turning to the bank of mum and dad but parents have been urged to consider their finances carefully before lending.
Two new faces will serve on the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate-setting board, with the government defying calls from the coalition for continuity.
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
Easing lending requirements so more first homebuyers can get a mortgage has received mixed reviews, with warnings more borrowers would face crippling debt.
After iron ore prices plunged by more than a third since the start of the year, Chinese stimulus measures spell good news for the Australian budget.
The economy is stuck in the slow lane and Treasurer Jim Chalmers says that's by design, with higher interest rates necessary to tame inflation.
Australia's economic forecasts might not be as positive as hoped but there are still signs of strength in the economy, an expert says.
Surprisingly strong inflation has resurrected the possibility of another interest rate hike in an unsettling development for squeezed borrowers.