Behind The Numbers: Property Wrap

The RBA’s latest rate decision was anything but straightforward. A 5–4 split has pushed the cash rate higher, at a time when households are already facing rising fuel costs and ongoing pressure on affordability. So what problem is this rate rise actually trying to solve? In this episode, we unpack the growing divide in economic thinking. Is inflation being driven by demand, or by global forces beyond our control? Are we moving too early, or doing what’s necessary to stay ahead? We also explore what this means on the ground. Consumer confidence, spending behaviour, borrowing capacity, and the early signals in the labour market. And with the RBA acknowledging that a recession is a risk, we ask the question many are starting to consider. How far does this tightening cycle go, and what does the economy look like on the other side?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January has confirmed what many already felt – Australia’s property market is moving, but not in one direction. In this January Behind the Numbers wrap, we unpack a highly diverse market. National home values lifted modestly, but growth varied sharply by location. Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra recorded slower conditions, while Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin continued to outperform. Several regional markets also posted stronger growth than their capital city counterparts. We explore why Melbourne unit prices are now rising faster than houses, driven largely by first home buyers seeking affordability and proximity. We also discuss investor behaviour, rental yields, and why Melbourne is increasingly viewed as a value market. On lending, higher prices are translating into larger loan sizes, with average settled loans up around 11 per cent year on year. With inflation back in focus and interest rate expectations shifting, we look at how borrowers are responding, particularly around serviceability, pre-approvals and timing. Migration, supply constraints and tight rental conditions continue to shape outcomes across the country, keeping vacancy rates low and rents under pressure. As always, this episode focuses on what the data is really telling us – and how Australians are navigating the market right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November delivered one of the clearest market signals of the year, and in this episode we break it all down with three experts who see the market from every angle. National home values continued to rise, but the pace has started to shift. Affordability is now at record levels. Auction volumes surged then fell away. Lending remains tight. And buyer behaviour is changing as conditions become more complex. I’m joined by economist Cameron Kusher, lending specialist Alya Manji, and buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos to unpack what the November numbers really mean for buyers, sellers, investors and agents heading into 2026. We cover the markets that are still running hot, where the slowdowns are emerging, how credit tightening will shape the year ahead, why first home buyers are feeling the squeeze, and what to make of the Victorian Government’s proposal for sellers to disclose their auction reserve a week out. If you want a clear, grounded view of the property market as we close out the year, this episode takes you inside the data and the decisions shaping the road ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is here, and so is the heat in Australia’s property market. In this month’s episode, we are joined by Cate Bakos and Cameron Kusher to unpack the impact of the new First Home Buyer Scheme, the surge in investor activity, and the market movements across every capital city — from Darwin’s double-digit growth to Melbourne’s quiet comeback. Plus, Aussie Home Loans joins the conversation for the first time, with mortgage broker Anya sharing what’s really happening with borrower behaviour, refinancing, and lending policies on the ground. Will the mix of incentives, sentiment, and stability push prices higher as we head into summer? Tune in for the data, the debate, and the insights you need to stay ahead of the market. 🎧 Presented by REIP and Aussie Home Loans.   PIPA 2025 Report See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this month’s episode, I’m joined by economist Cameron Kusher and buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos for a conversation that goes far beyond prices and predictions. Yes, we talk market movements — but we also tackle the hard truths behind Australia’s housing shortfall, why the building pipeline isn’t keeping up, and how investor sentiment is shifting under the weight of tax reform, policy uncertainty, and supply pressure. From stubborn listings to the social housing gap, Cate and Cameron bring sharp insights and bold truths that every property watcher needs to hear. 🎧 Listen now for a timely pulse-check on what’s really shaping the market — and what lies ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election outcomes, policy shifts, and price surges—April delivered it all.In this episode of Behind the Numbers – Property Wrap, I am joined by Cate Bakos and Atom Go Tian to unpack the key market movements: rising stock levels, affordability reforms, and Southeast Queensland’s rise as a property powerhouse. From Sydney’s luxury resilience to Darwin’s investor spike, we explore what’s driving price gaps, regional booms, and where buyers are heading next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we’re joined by Cate Bakos and Jordan Tormey, two of the sharpest minds in property analysis. Cate dives into the impact of recent rate cuts, exploring whether buyer urgency is being driven by opportunity—or just fear of missing out. She breaks down the markets within markets, looking at where things are heating up, where they’re cooling, and what investors are paying attention to right now. Jordan takes us behind the data, revealing the trends that are shaping the Australian real estate landscape. From auction timing and competition shifts to how local brands are competing against international players, his insights challenge traditional thinking and offer a fresh perspective on where the market is heading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Behind the Numbers, the podcast that helps you make sense of the Australian real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or working as an agent, we break down the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the property landscape with confidence. I’m your host, Sadhana Smiles, and with over 30 years in real estate, I’ve seen how tricky it can be to keep up with fluctuating prices, clearance rates, and market shifts. That’s why we’re here—to cut through the noise and give you clear, actionable insights. So, whether you’re planning your next move or just curious about what’s driving the market - let’s dive into the numbers shaping Australian property with a team of experts in the know. Reach out at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.