From deciding when to buy property to finding a better deal on your next car, timing can make a big difference. Discover where the opportunities lie and what to watch out for with this month’s stories:
Could waiting for lower rates cost you an opportunity?
102,000 first home buyers benefit from expanded scheme
What the RBA has revealed about mortgage holders
December car deals – why dealerships may be keen to sell
Keep reading for all the news.
Buy now or wait for lower rates?
Waiting for interest rates to fall might sound sensible, but it could mean missing an opportunity in today's property market. The Reserve Bank has increased the cash rate by a full percentage point in 2026, and further rises remain possible. For prospective buyers, that raises an important question: is it better to purchase now or wait for borrowing costs to come down?
The case for buying now
Property prices have softened in many markets, giving buyers more choice and potentially greater negotiating power. Buying now could mean securing a suitable home without as much competition. The downside? Higher interest rates mean larger repayments and potentially less borrowing power.
The case for waiting
Waiting could give you more time to build your deposit and strengthen your finances. And if rates eventually fall, your borrowing power may improve – although there's also a risk rates could rise further. But lower rates could also bring more buyers back into the market, increasing competition.
Ultimately, the decision should depend on your circumstances, not predictions about interest rates.
Buying now and waiting both have their advantages. A conversation about your borrowing power and potential repayments could help you decide which approach makes more sense for you.
First Home Buyers Save Thousand Upfront
Saving a 20% deposit can take years, but a federal government scheme is helping thousands of Australians buy sooner. The expanded 5% Deposit Scheme has helped about 102,000 first home buyers since October 2025, according to new government figures. Under the scheme, eligible buyers can purchase a home with a deposit as small as 5%, without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). For someone buying a national median-priced home, the estimated LMI saving is $23,700.
More buyers can now qualify
The government expanded the scheme last October by:
Removing income limits.
Removing the cap on places.
Increasing property price caps.
That means more first home buyers may qualify than previously.
But there's an important catch.
A smaller deposit means borrowing a larger proportion of the purchase price, which generally means higher repayments and more interest over the life of the loan. Buyers must also meet lender requirements and have enough money for other purchasing costs. The expanded scheme could bring home ownership closer than you think. Find out whether you're eligible and what purchasing a property with a 5% deposit might look like.
Most Mortgage Holders Remain On Solid Ground
Higher interest rates and falling property prices are putting households under pressure, but most mortgage holders remain in a relatively strong financial position.
That's the encouraging finding from the latest Financial Stability Review from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
Despite this year's challenges, the RBA estimates:
Less than 1% of borrowers owe more on their mortgage than their property is worth.
Around 2% of variable-rate owner-occupier borrowers don't have enough income to cover mortgage repayments and essential expenses.
Most borrowers in that 2% group have savings that could cover their shortfall for at least six months, provided they reduced spending to essentials.
Your position matters more than the averages
These figures suggest most borrowers have some protection against financial setbacks, thanks partly to savings buffers and earlier property price growth.
But national averages don't tell you how resilient your own finances are. It's worth considering how your household would cope with another repayment increase, an unexpected expense or a temporary loss of income. If you're unsure how your finances would cope with another rate rise or unexpected expense, a home loan review could help you understand your position and identify opportunities to create more breathing room.