This latest cut has spurred a surge in property market activity, as evidenced by preliminary auction results over the weekend, showing that 75.0% of homes taken to auction were sold. This figure represents a 3.4% increase from the previous week and marks the highest rate since early April last year.
The rise in auction clearance rates was noted across all capital cities. Melbourne achieved a preliminary clearance rate of 75.5%, a 4.6% increase from the previous week and the highest figure since late July. Sydney also recorded a high clearance rate at 75.0%, marking its strongest performance since mid-July.
According to Cotality's daily dwelling values index, property values, particularly in Sydney, are witnessing an upward trend. Market analysts predict a further three 0.25% rate cuts by mid-2026, which would lower the cash rate to 2.85%.
The potential reduction in rates, alongside the Albanese government's initiative that allows first-home buyers to secure properties with a 5% deposit starting 1 January 2026, is anticipated to amplify buyer demand and push property prices higher.
Published:Monday, 18th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() |
RBA Rate Cut Spurs Property Market Surge 18 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made its third rate cut this year, lowering the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.60%. Historically, such rate reductions have been linked to a significant rise in Australian home values, with double-digit growth expected within two years of the start of a rate-cutting cycle, according to the Australian Financial Review. - read more |
![]() |
BFG Faces 44% Profit Decline Amid Strategic Transformation 15 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent financial disclosure, Bell Financial Group (BFG) announced a notable 44% drop in half-year net profit after tax as it navigates challenging market conditions. While the company's overall revenue declined by 12.5% to $121.5 million, its Technology & Platforms and Products & Services units showed resilience with a combined revenue increase of 12% to $46.3 million. This contrasts sharply with the 23.5% revenue dip in its broking division, which totalled $69.4 million. - read more |
![]() |
Self-Directed Investors Urged to Assume Greater Responsibility 14 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori The evolving landscape of private credit funds in Australia necessitates greater responsibility from self-directed investors, according to Darren Connolly, the Chief Executive of Investment Markets. As the landscape of fixed income investments becomes increasingly complex, investors are being urged to take ownership of their decision-making processes. - read more |
![]() |
Reserves Bank's Rate Cuts: Impact on Australian Housing Affordability 14 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently made a pivotal decision to cut the official cash rate (OCR) by 0.25%, bringing it down to 3.60%. This move marks a total reduction of 0.75% from its peak of 4.35%. Economists and financial markets anticipate further cuts, potentially two more by mid-2026, reflecting a cautious easing policy by the RBA. - read more |
![]() |
Costly Glitches Plague Fee Disclosure Under New DBFO Legislation 13 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori As financial planners await forthcoming updates to the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) legislation, many are grappling with significant challenges arising from the first tranche, specifically concerning fee consent requirements. These issues, unfortunately, seem to require legislative amendments as they fall outside the scope of regulatory fixes, amplifying the compliance burden on financial advisers, especially regarding breach reporting. - read more |