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Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 5–9 January

By Annie Kane• 05:40 AM, 9 Jan 2026•6 min read

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The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 9 January.

To compile this list, not only do we consider the week’s most-read stories and the news that matter most to you, but we also 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:

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Apartments help deliver 15% lift in dwelling approvals

Building approvals jumped 15.2 per cent in November, with economists noting that a surge in apartment projects has pushed the monthly figure to its highest level since early 2022.

Help to Buy launches in WA

Eligible home buyers in Western Australia are now able to access the federal government’s shared equity home buying scheme.

WA brokers warn of limitations of Help to Buy scheme

Help to Buy has now launched in Western Australia, but brokers are warning that limited lenders, unrealistic price caps, and reduced broker access could restrict its impact.

Construction costs continue to stifle housing supply

Soaring construction costs and red tape have restricted housing supply and pushed prices higher in 2025, leaving a generation of renters at risk of being locked out of ownership, with pressures set to intensify in 2026.

Property price growth to stumble and slow in 2026

According to Cotality’s latest Home Value Index, property values grew by just 0.7 per cent nationally in December, recording the lowest level in the last five months.

Investors urged to think twice before buying in 2026

While the past couple of years have been fruitful for investors, a property professional has warned against growing portfolios in 2026, deeming the year not fit for investment.

Key trends shaping Australia’s commercial market in 2026

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by Knight Frank’s chief economist Ben Burston to explore what 2026 holds for Australia’s commercial property market.

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Annie Kane

AUTHOR

Annie Kane is the managing editor of Momentum's mortgage broking title, The Adviser.

As well as leading the editorial strategy, Annie writes news and features about the Australian broking industry, the mortgage market, financial regulation, fintechs and the wider lending landscape.

She is also the host of the Elite Broker, New Broker, Mortgage & Finance Leader, Women in Finance and In Focus podcasts and The Adviser Live webcasts.

Annie regularly emcees industry events and awards, such as the Better Business Summit, the Women in Finance Summit as well as other industry events.

Prior to joining The Adviser in 2016, Annie wrote for The Guardian Australia and had a speciality in sustainability.

She has also had her work published in several leading consumer titles, including Elle (Australia) magazine, BBC Music, BBC History and Homes & Antiques magazines.

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