The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 16 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:
Spending surge adds fuel to February rate hike calls
The amount of money being spent by households continues to grow ahead of expectations, with new ABS figures showing strong rises in services and goods spending.
Trump wants US to buy $200bn in mortgage bonds
The US President wants the government to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds to push mortgage rates down, in one of several measures focused on the housing market.
Government and banks offer support for Victorians impacted by bushfires
Victorians affected by the ongoing bushfires may be able to access a range of financial, mental health, and practical support measures, with governments and banks rolling out disaster relief.
From 76k to 880k: The rise of Australian home values
Investors who entered the Australian property market decades ago have reaped strong long-term growth, as the market trended upward over the last 40 years despite occasional dips and economic shocks.
Mortgage stress falls to 3-year low
The risk of mortgage stress among Australian borrowers is at its lowest level since January 2023, but analysts have warned that this won’t last should interest rates increase.
From vacancy to value: The rise of office-to-residential conversions
An unorthodox housing solution converting obsolete office space into niche residential products has created new listing opportunities, attracting motivated downsizers and unlocking transaction flows by encouraging movement within established suburbs.
40 years of growth: How Australia’s property market defied the odds
Over the past 40 years, Australia’s property market has generally trended upwards, weathering economic shocks and policy changes, with long-term growth far outpacing occasional minor downturns.
What’s Making Headlines – What 2026 has in store for mortgages
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
[Related: Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 5–9 January]
