Economic updates

As 3 May election nears, housing has become a battleground with both major parties unveiling policies for first home buyers. After months of neglect, weekend announcements have thrust housing affordability to the campaign forefront.

Global markets are currently experiencing significant disruption from Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. As economic uncertainty grows and share markets display considerable volatility, is residential property a safe haven?

Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs impose a 10 per cent tax on Australian exports, creating challenges for industries like beef while potentially slowing global trade and causing contradictory pressures on inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates on hold today, maintaining its cautious approach. This decision reflects growing uncertainties in the global economy, particularly stemming from US trade policies and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Australia is one of the safest places to live, yet one suburb nearly ranks among the world’s top 10 most dangerous - and it’s not where you’d expect.

Australia’s housing market rose 0.3% in March 2025, marking three months of growth. A February rate cut helped, but undersupply drives prices. Perth leads with 14% annual growth, while Melbourne lags at 0.6%.

Controlling rental growth is one of the most persistent challenges facing policymakers and housing markets. Unlike other economic indicators that respond predictably, rental prices are influenced by a range of factors that often work against each other.

Australia's 2025 budget expands Help to Buy, funds prefabricated housing, and introduces trade apprenticeship incentives. Measures discouraging foreign investment could hinder housing supply, with limited solutions to address housing challenges.

With the 2025 Budget approaching, the property and construction industry have key priorities requiring government attention and support. The following wish list outlines critical areas where strategic allocations could strengthen the sector.

After a remarkably swift recovery in January 2025, Australia's property market faces several possible paths as global economic uncertainties continue to evolve.

As south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales recently grappled with cyclone Alfred, questions arise about how these disasters impact property markets.

Australia's housing market has recorded its second consecutive month of price growth in February 2025, with the latest data showing momentum building across both houses and units nationwide.