Finance News from First Home Buyer

First Home Buyer is pleased to present the latest financial news headlines.

To read an entire news item, simply click on the headline.

News items on this page are prepared by our editorial team as summaries of publicly available news reports and official announcements. See linked news sources where available. The following news items are for informational purposes only and are not independent journalism.

Finance News

Apartment approvals rise, but the new-home signal is mixed

04 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s new housing pipeline has delivered a mixed signal for first-home buyers, with the ABS reporting a September lift in total dwelling approvals but a fall in private house approvals. The 2 November 2026 release suggests future supply may be leaning more heavily towards apartments and other higher-density homes, a shift that could matter for buyers weighing affordability, location and loan size over the next year. - read more

Why falling house prices still need careful loan planning

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s spring property market has shifted sharply, with Domain’s September Quarter 2026 House Price Report, released on 22 October 2026, pointing to a broader downturn across the capitals. Combined capital city house prices fell 4.7 per cent over the quarter, while unit prices fell 3.5 per cent. For first-home buyers, that may sound like welcome relief after years of affordability pressure, but lower purchase prices are only one part of the home loan equation. - read more

Why Rate Uncertainty Still Matters Before Your First Home Loan

16 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Interest rate uncertainty is again shaping the home loan conversation for Australian first-home buyers, with recent finance and property market reporting pointing to a cautious mood among borrowers, lenders and sellers. Even where headline price growth has moderated in some areas, the cost of borrowing remains one of the biggest practical hurdles for buyers trying to move from saving a deposit to securing approval. - read more

What Renewed Price Growth Means Before You Buy

02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s housing market is again showing signs of upward price pressure, with recent property reporting pointing to renewed gains across several capital cities and regional markets. For first-home buyers, the message is not simply that homes are becoming harder to reach. It is that every moving part of the purchase needs to be checked before making an offer. - read more

Click for more Finance News

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Home Loan Articles

How to apply for a first home buyer home loan in Australia

Applying for your first home loan can feel complicated, but the process is easier to understand when broken into clear stages: preparation, pre-approval, finding a property, formal approval, loan documents and settlement. - read more

Understanding How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Loan Payment

Interest rates might seem like just a number, but they play a crucial role in determining how much you ultimately pay for your home. Simply put, the interest rate on your home loan is the cost you incur for borrowing money from a lender. - read more

First home buyer grants and government schemes in Australia explained

First home buyer grants, concessions and government schemes in Australia may help with upfront costs, deposit planning or loan access, but eligibility depends on where you buy, what you buy and your personal circumstances. - read more

Why Your Credit Score Matters When Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone in life, especially for young Australians. The journey from dreaming about home ownership to holding those keys can feel both thrilling and daunting. With property prices fluctuating and the market offering numerous opportunities, understanding the dynamics of purchasing a home in today's Australian housing market is crucial. - read more

Knowledgebase

Mortgage Insurance:
Insurance that protects a lender in case a borrower defaults on their mortgage.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. First Home Buyer publishes general educational information, tools and resources about first home buying and home loans in Australia.

IMPORTANT: This website provides general information, tools and resources only. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not personalised financial, credit or insurance advice. We do not accept applications, quote requests or borrowing enquiries, assess personal eligibility, refer or match visitors to providers, or recommend or arrange products for individuals. Consider seeking advice from an appropriately licensed professional before acting on the information. You should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.