First-home buyers
The gold-star system driving dodgy property developers out
New home buyers are shunning unit blocks by developers who have been refused a quality rating – and they’ve found out where to look instead.
- by Sue Williams
Latest
The $1,351,000 Newtown unit that ticked all the boxes for first home buyers
Five buyers – almost all first timers – registered to bid on the home that last sold for $855,000 in 2018, records show.
- by Tawar Razaghi
How home sellers made 10 per cent more money than the highest offer
The premium has hovered in a range of about 10 per cent to 11 per cent in recent years, and pushed above 12 per cent in 2021.
- by Elizabeth Redman
Shocked woman buys hoarder house, but it’s not full of junk
A first home buyer who bought a condemned hoarder’s house has shared her surprise at what she discovered inside.
- by Emily Power
Exclusive
Big four
The big four bank boss who says there’s more room for risk
ANZ boss Shayne Elliott has been grappling with several challenges at the bank. But one societal issue he has his eye on is taking a disproportionate toll on younger generations.
- by Millie Muroi
‘It’s not good’: How home buying hopefuls got knocked out of the market
Australian home buyers are taking on less debt when compared to their income, despite rising property prices across the country.
- by Jim Malo and Elizabeth Redman
The type of home that’s more than twice as profitable as its neighbour
The gap highlights the “haves” and “have nots” even among those fortunate enough to be able to buy their own home.
- by Elizabeth Redman
Analysis
Home loans
Why first-time buyers are finding it harder to get a mortgage
More first home buyers are struggling to get their mortgage applications over the line with lenders.
- by John Collett
Explainer
Housing crisis
‘A diabolical mess’: How did we get into this housing crisis, and how do we get out?
Hard-won deposits, soaring rents, crippling mortgages, capital gains, negative gearing … What’s to blame, and how do other countries do housing?
- by Angus Holland and Josh Gordon
How to turn your $2000 tax cut into $28,000
Workers will have extra cash in their pay packets from next week, but beware the siren song of “lifestyle creep”.
- by Jemimah Clegg
Crisafulli opens door for first home buyers to rent out a room
An LNP government would buck the current rules and allow first home buyers to rent out a room in their new home to help pay their mortgage.
- by Cameron Atfield