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:
This week: the RBA held the cash rate at about 4.35% on 16 June, giving borrowers a breather and time to review pre-approvals. From 1 July, the ACT abolishes stamp duty for all first-home buyers, removing a major upfront cost. In Victoria, proposed auction reforms could change how and when homes are sold, with parts slated to start from 1 October if passed. Market conditions are split: Sydneys stale listings are rising, improving negotiation prospects, while regions like Warrnambool and Coffs Harbour posted strong clearance rates. Visit first-home-buyer.com.au for tools, lender comparisons, and grant guidance.
EPISODE 2148 | First Home Buyer Weekly News Podcast | Fri, 19th Jun 2026
23 Jun 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the First Home Buyer Weekly News Podcast, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 19 June 2026.
First, interest rates. On Tuesday, 16 June, the Reserve Bank kept the cash rate at about four point three five per cent. Repayments wont change this month, and lenders will use the same benchmark for borrowing capacity. If youre building your deposit or your pre‑approval is due to expire, use this pause to compare options across lenders and check your numbers before the RBAs next meeting on 11 August.
Next up, a big policy shift in Canberra. From 1 July, the ACT will abolish stamp duty for all first‑home buyers, with no income caps or price limits. That cuts a major upfront cost and could bring more properties within reach. If youre ACT‑based, line up your eligibility and contract timing early so your lender, solicitor and grant paperwork move together smoothly.
Meanwhile in Victoria, a proposed law would force reserves to be disclosed seven days before auction, aimed at stopping underquoting. Industry groups warn it could push more sales to private treaty and lengthen contract timelines, with some provisions flagged to start from 1 October if passed. If youre buying in Victoria, expect sales methods to shift; have your finance and conveyancing ready so you can act quickly when a fair price appears.
Finally, the market picture is mixed. New data this week shows more “stale” listings in Sydney as buyers step back and prices ease in some pricier pockets, which can open room to negotiate on older stock. But some regions are still running hot, with auction clearance rates around or above seventy per cent in places like Warrnambool and Coffs Harbour last month. Cast your net wide, compare suburbs, and use our calculators to stress‑test repayments before you commit.
Thats it for this week. For tools, lender options, and help with grants, head to first-home-buyer.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening.
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.
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Knowledgebase
Equity: The amount of (or that portion of) an asset actually owned. Equity is the difference between the market value and the current amount of money still owing on the loan. This is also referred to as the owners interest.
