Each week, we scan major outlets for the biggest stories in property, interest rates, regulation and the economy. Expect a clear, no-nonsense recap, context you can trust, and what it may mean for households across the country. Designed for time-poor Australians, it keeps you across market moves, RBA decisions and practical shifts that could impact your budget — all in under ten minutes.
This Week:
Paige covers a sharp drop in auction clearance rates, explains how new investor tax settings (CGT and negative gearing changes) may affect refinance decisions, notes banks mortgage and savings rate moves after the May RBA hike to about 4.35%, and highlights affordability pockets such as Ultimos sub-$750k unit median. Listeners are encouraged to run eligibility checks, compare loans, and use calculators before making changes, with a soft invite to visit mortgage-refinance.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Mortgage Refinance Weekly Podcast, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 5 June 2026.
First up, auctions are cooling fast. Clearance rates have slipped to around the low‑50s in Sydney, mid‑50s in Melbourne and near the high‑30s in Brisbane over the past week. That points to weaker buyer confidence and more sellers accepting pre‑auction offers. If youre refinancing or tapping equity, be mindful valuations can swing; a quick eligibility check and side‑by‑side comparisons can help you position your loan even if the market feels choppy.
Meanwhile, investor tax settings are shifting. The budget plan replaces the 50% capital gains tax discount with inflation indexation and a 30% minimum from 1 July 2027, and winds back negative gearing on existing properties bought after 12 May 2026, while new builds keep concessions. For borrowers with investment loans, that changes the maths on holding, renovating or pivoting to new stock. Use a refinance calculator to test repayments and buffers before you set your next move.
On rates, after Mays Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate lift to about four point three five per cent, banks have been moving both mortgage and savings rates. If youre still on a “back‑book” variable, there may be a gap to newer customer offers. A no‑obligation rate review, plus checking fees and features like an offset, can uncover savings without extending your term unnecessarily.
And a quick affordability pulse check. Even as houses soften at auction, some unit markets are offering entry points: in inner‑Sydney, Ultimos median unit price sits around seven hundred and forty thousand dollars, undercutting nearby suburbs. If youre considering using equity to buy or restructure, smaller loan sizes and stronger rental demand in unit hubs can improve serviceability—run the numbers and compare across lenders.
Thats it for this week. For calculators, comparisons and a free home loan refinance assessment, head to mortgage‑refinance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and Ill catch you next Friday.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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Knowledgebase
Fixed Income: A type of investment that pays regular interest or dividends, such as bonds or preferred stocks.
