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:
This week, Paige covers a cooler auction market with sub‑60% clearance rates in Sydney and Melbourne, what rising‑rate chatter means for buy‑now‑or‑wait decisions, and why sharp refinance deals still start with a five for strong borrowers. Listeners are encouraged to stress‑test budgets, compare options, and use a free eligibility check and broker support at mortgage‑refinance.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Mortgage Refinance Weekly Podcast with Paige Estritori for Monday, 20 April 2026.
First up, the auction market cooled further. Over the weekend ending Saturday, 18 April, Melbournes preliminary clearance rate was about fifty‑eight per cent. A week earlier, both Sydney and Melbourne slipped below sixty per cent. That tells us buyers are cautious after back‑to‑back moves from the RBA, the Reserve Bank of Australia, in February and March. If youre weighing a refinance, softer conditions can be a chance to negotiate and compare without the pressure of hot bidding.
Next up, many are asking whether to buy now or wait. With more rate rises still being discussed this year, some borrowers are considering fixed terms to cap repayments, while others prefer the flexibility of variable or split loans. The smart move is to stress‑test your budget, check your borrowing capacity, and line up pre‑approval so you can act quickly if the right property or rate appears.
Meanwhile, even with the recent hikes, sharp advertised refinance rates still start with a five for strong applications and lower loan‑to‑value ratios. Lenders are competing on features too, not just price. A quick eligibility check and side‑by‑side comparison can reveal meaningful savings, and an experienced broker can help you navigate fees and policy differences so there are no surprises.
Thats it for this week. For tools to estimate repayments, a free eligibility check, and expert support, head to mortgage‑refinance.com.au. Im Paige, thanks for listening, and Ill see you next week.
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
Prepayment Penalty: A fee charged by a lender if a borrower pays off their loan early.
