The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 13 March.
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.
Supply crunch locks out new wave of first home buyers
New figures from a major bank have suggested that tight housing stock is increasingly dictating who gets a foothold on the property ladder.
Grants for first home buyers driving up prices and debt
A new white paper has warned that popular first home buyer grants are driving up prices and debt, even as they help more Australians into ownership.
Housing-rich retirees tap just 1% of equity pool
A new survey has revealed a vast reserve of untapped home equity, as older Australians cautiously expand their use of reverse mortgages.
Offset offsets: Young borrowers turbocharge NAB’s mortgage buffers
New figures have revealed younger home owners are rapidly embracing offset accounts to blunt rising interest costs.
Housing downturn looms for Sydney and Melbourne
While previously forecast to grow slowly and steadily, experts have warned that the Sydney and Melbourne markets would experience a downturn this year amid higher interest rates, inflation, and global challenges.
Units or houses? The great buyer dilemma
When considering which property type to purchase, buyers often face a dilemma between the affordability of units and the flexibility of detached houses, usually swayed by price.
Emerging markets to turn renters into home owners
In several Australian capital cities, rising rents have made buying a unit cheaper than renting, making ownership a better alternative to a crowded rental market.
The underused equity play available to older Australians
Older home owners can use their property to financially support their retirement rather than downsizing, according to a recent survey.
[Related: Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 2–6 March]
