About this episode

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates discuss the implications of rising interest rates and the worsening housing shortage in Australia.

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack the RBA’s latest rate hike, what higher mortgage rates could mean for borrowing power and sentiment, and why Australia’s housing shortage is still intensifying. They move from the macro picture into the real pressure points on the ground: tighter rental markets, a split housing cycle, and the conditions that may create both risk and opportunity over the next 12 months. Together, they discuss: - RBA lifted rates and could do so again if inflation persists - Oil s reigniting inflation risk, feeding into rate expectations and dampening buyer confidence - The hidden costs of moving house in Australia - First-home buyers still active but adjusting budgets; upgraders slowing, especially in key markets - Market turning K-shaped: premium softening while entry-level demand stays strong via 5% deposit schemes - Rental pressure intensifying: how long will shortages last? - Structural challenges: dwelling numbers, demographic shifts, and mismatched supply - Development conditions are constrained: what can builders do? - Listener Q&A Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove…

People in this episode

Hosts: Pete Wargent, Chris Bates

Topics covered

• interest rates
• housing shortage
• mortgage rates
• rental markets
• first-home buyers
• market trends
• development conditions

Keywords

• interest rates
• housing shortage
• mortgage rates
• rental pressure
• first-home buyers
• K-shaped market
• development conditions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RBA, Alcove mortgage broking, Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency

Places: Australia, Melbourne

More episodes of Australian Property Podcast

• What tax reforms mean for the housing market · April 25, 2026 · 50 min
• Sydney and Melbourne’s property downturn: how long will it last? · April 18, 2026 · 47 min
• How to retire on $3,000 per week - the property playbook · April 11, 2026 · 57 min
• Fuel shock inflation and higher rates are pushing Australia’s housing to a tipping point · April 4, 2026 · 42 min
• Fuel prices are surging and Australia's property market is entering a harder phase · March 28, 2026 · 44 min
• Oil shock swings markets but Aussie property supply still tight · March 14, 2026 · 48 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Australian Property Podcast podcast page.