First Home Buyer :: Podcasts

First Home Buyer Weekly News Podcast

Each week, First Home Buyer Weekly News Summary Australia Podcast delivers a clear recap of the biggest housing stories across the country. We sift market movements, policy updates, auctions, and building trends into plain English, spotlighting what matters if you’re planning your first place. Expect concise context, practical takeaways, and credible sources, so you can stay informed without the noise. A trustworthy, industry-focused news wrap you can rely on, every week.

This Week:

Paige recaps four items for first-time buyers: banks warn the RBA could lift rates in early February and some fixed rates are rising; 2026 price forecasts point to further gains with Brisbane and Perth leading; Help to Buy shared‑equity applications opened this month with income and price caps; and fresh apartment approvals in Brisbane and Canberra hint at more entry‑level choice in 2026. Listeners are urged to stress‑test budgets, compare loans, and check scheme eligibility without taking personal advice.

EPISODE 1028 | First Home Buyer Weekly News Summary Australia Podcast | Tue, 23rd Dec 2025

24 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori

00:00:00

Read Full Transcript:

Hello and welcome to First Home Buyer Weekly News Podcast, Im Paige Estritori, its Tuesday 23 December 2025. First, rate chatter is heating up. Two major banks now see a chance the Reserve Bank of Australia, the RBA, could lift the cash rate at its first meeting in early February. Lenders have been nudging fixed rates higher into Christmas. If youre eyeing a first home buyer home loan, stress‑test your budget for a small rise, keep your pre‑approval window in mind, and compare products across lenders so youre not caught short. Meanwhile, price forecasts for 2026 point to more growth, though likely slower. Nationally, analysts expect mid‑single‑digit gains, with Brisbane and Perth still out in front, and Sydney and Melbourne more modest. For first‑time buyers, that means deposit targets may drift higher. Widen your suburb shortlist, consider units or townhouses, and use a loan comparison to match features and fees to your budget. Next up, help thats actually live now. Applications opened this month for Help to Buy, the federal shared‑equity scheme. The government can contribute up to 40 per cent for new builds or 30 per cent for existing homes, with a minimum two per cent deposit and income and price caps that vary by state. Initial lenders are limited, with more to join next year. If youre unsure about eligibility or how a shared‑equity stake works, get guidance before you commit, and check how it sits beside 5 per cent deposit guarantees that avoid lenders mortgage insurance, or LMI. Finally, a small supply pulse before the holidays. New apartment projects moved forward in Brisbane and Canberra this week, and more launches are flagged for early 2026. Extra stock wont fix affordability overnight, but it can add choice at entry price points, especially for off‑the‑plan buyers who can pair construction timelines with grants and concessions. If thats on your radar, line up finance early and map milestone payments to your loan. Thats the wrap for this week. For personalised comparisons, eligibility checks on grants and schemes, and a clear path through the application process, head to first-home-buyer.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—talk soon.

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.

We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!

Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.

No news available under the category: finance.

Home Loan Articles

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

Your First Home: Steps to Saving for a Deposit

In today's rapidly evolving Australian housing market, many prospective homebuyers find themselves confronted with a daunting challenge. Home prices have been on the rise, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, creating a competitive environment for those looking to secure their first property. This situation can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and strategic saving, prospective homeowners can successfully navigate this landscape. - read more

Knowledgebase

Escrow:
An arrangement in which a third party temporarily holds money or property until a particular condition has been met.

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. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.