Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 18–22 July

To compile this list, not only do we consider the week’s most-read stories and the news that matter to you, but we curate it to include stories from our sister brands that also have an impact on the Australian property landscape.

Here are the biggest property stories of the week: 

Fixed rate volume lowest in a decade: AFG

Borrowers have ditched locking in fixed rates, as fixed rate loans top 5 per cent in some cases.

More Australians hesitant to get a mortgage: NAB data

The number of Australians who thought now was a good time to get a mortgage fell to 1 in 5 in Q2.

Could Qld’s new property tax laws spell the end of interstate investment?

The beginning of a new financial year often brings with it a string of legislative and economic changes, including the latest amendments to Queensland’s land tax system.

McGrath veteran skips across to Stone

The boutique real estate brand continues its rapid expansion with the addition of a property management heavyweight to its corporate team. 

 Independence wins: NSW overhauls property services commissioner

NSW has established an independent commissioner for the property industry in a move intended to support its professionals and strengthen regulation of the sector.

Rates to boost by 50 bps, pause by September: Westpac

The bank’s chief economist has pitched its latest Reserve Bank prediction, predicting another half-percentage hike next month, followed immediately by a freeze.

3 reasons to hold an auction even as clearance rates fall: Tom Panos

Clearance rates are dropping, but that doesn’t mean that going to auction shouldn’t be part of your strategy for netting a property’s best price.

Prospective renters lose $23,500 in agency email hack

Scammers who hacked into a Perth western suburbs’ real estate agency’s email account were able to steal thousands from two prospective tenants.

[Related: Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 11-15 July]