“The number of buyers looking to build or purchase a new home has surged, with activity reaching the highest levels seen in four years,” Anne Flaherty, senior economist at REA Group, writes on realestate.com.au.

The measurable shift in buyer sentiment was reflected in searches on the New Homes section of realestate.com.au, which rose in January to their highest level since January 2022.

The Australian Government’s Help to Buy scheme launched on 5 December 2025.

This is a shared equity program for up to 10,000 eligible homebuyers per year, where the government contributes:

• Up to 40% of the property price for new homes
• Up to 30% for existing homes

If eligible, you’ll only need to save 2% of the purchase price as a home deposit.

With the government’s contribution you’ll be borrowing less from the bank, which means lower mortgage repayments.

Home buyers – check with your mortgage broker to find out if this changes your borrowing capacity or anticipated repayments.

Home owners – check with your lender to see if the rate cut will be passed on to you.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has reduced the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60% following its most recent board meeting on 12 August 2025.

From turning on the heater to settling down in front of the television when the cold weather hits, energy costs generally tend to rise.

If you’re keen to save money – and who isn’t, here are our top tips for staying warm without breaking the bank! Some suggestions cost nothing, and some are more expensive, but might be something to think about for next year, especially if you intend to stay in your home for a long time.

Energy-efficient home assessments.

The second term of the Albanese Government will continue and expand their first term housing initiatives aimed at homebuyers and building new homes.

First home buyers have received much of the attention.

Eligible first home buyers will only need a 5% deposit, while 100,000 homes available exclusively to first home buyers are planned.