Perth overtakes Melbourne in home values for first time in a decade | Australian Broker News
In a historic shift, Perth has overtaken Melbourne in median home values for the first time in a decade, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index for May. Perth’s median home value now stands at $787,000, surpassing Melbourne’s $782,000, marking an end to Melbourne’s long-standing lead.
A mix of affordability, supply constraints, and increasing investor interest has fuelled Perth’s rise. While Melbourne saw a strong monthly gain of 0.79% in May, its economic headwinds and regulatory challenges have left it lagging over time. Perth, once 40% cheaper than Melbourne, has benefited from:
Melbourne contends with the highest property taxes in the country, compounded by new rental standards increasing landlord costs. These factors, along with higher interest rates, have led many investors to reconsider their positions, resulting in less than 20% price growth over five years compared to a 60% average in other capitals.
Although Perth’s rapid growth is expected to moderate, robust fundamentals like tight rental markets, strong migration, and a resilient labor market are poised to support continued demand well into late 2025.
Don’t let these shifts catch you unprepared. Market conditions are dynamic, with new opportunities emerging in places like Perth. Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers are here to guide you through these changes with:
Stay ahead in this evolving market by contacting Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers. Call us or visit our website today to safeguard your investments and financial future.
Be proactive and informed as the real estate landscape transforms. Reach out to Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers for all your financing needs. Your action is your power!
Trump’s tariffs send ripples through the Australian property market | Australian Broker News
The recent “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed by the United States, with a 10% levy on Australian exports, might seem small since only 4% of our exports head there. However, the global economic ripples are significant, impacting our local property market in unexpected ways.
Despite the upheaval, economists suggest these tariffs could have a silver lining for Australia. Anticipated interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could provide much-needed relief. Financial markets have already responded with a rate cut in May, and up to three more reductions are expected by the end of the year, potentially bringing rates as low as 2.6% by February 2026.
Lower interest rates will:
The announcement of these tariffs has led to a dip in consumer confidence. Concerns over global economic slowdown, especially in major economies like the US and China, are making Australians cautious about big financial commitments. Westpac’s latest survey reveals a significant fall in consumer sentiment post-tariff news, with potential softening in buyer demand and auction clearance rates in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
While lower interest rates could broadly benefit the market, regional variations will occur. First home buyers might still face challenges as increased demand pushes prices upwards. It’s crucial to act now to position yourself advantageously.
While you can’t influence global economic policies, you can take proactive steps to secure the best borrowing terms and minimize repayment costs. Here’s where Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers can make a difference:
Don’t let global uncertainties dictate your property investment strategy. Contact Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers to optimize your financial standing and secure your future. Call us or visit our website today and take control of your investments.
Stay informed and proactive in the face of these sweeping changes. Reach out to Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers and take charge of your property investment journey. Your action is your power!
In recent years, Australian homebuyers have shown a clear preference for using mortgage brokers when securing their home loans. According to the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), this shift is driven by brokers’ ability to provide expert guidance, access a wide range of lenders, and customize loan solutions tailored to individual needs.
During the most recent quarter, Australian mortgage brokers settled an impressive $99.37 billion in new residential home loans—a significant jump from $81.47 billion a year ago. This 22% increase marks the highest value recorded for a March quarter and underscores the growing confidence in broker-led lending solutions.
Why are more Australians choosing brokers? Beyond offering specialist advice and access to numerous lenders, brokers simplify the complex mortgage process. They handle paperwork, negotiate competitive deals, and provide ongoing support, making home financing smoother and more accessible for clients.
One standout benefit of working with brokers like Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers is the Mates Rates Cash-back program. With monthly cash-back payments now exceeding $15 million, these rebates help borrowers pay off their homes faster—saving thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage.
Based on the latest data—highlighting the record-breaking $99.37 billion in new loans—this equates to a potential cash-back of approximately $149.055 million in just the first year alone! Imagine the financial boost you could gain from it.
The Mates Rates Cash-back program offers significant savings—so much so that many borrowers are unaware of these additional benefits. The cash-back is paid out monthly, providing extra funds that can be redirected toward mortgage repayments or other financial goals.
Consider this: How much money are you leaving on the table with your current loan? With the right broker and the Mates Rates program, you could accelerate your journey toward homeownership or enjoy extra financial flexibility.
These insights are backed by official statistics compiled by Cotality’s Comparator (previously CoreLogic), commissioned by the MFAA. The data, collected over the past 50 quarters since 2013, confirms the increasing dominance of mortgage brokers in Australia’s home loan landscape—and the value they deliver to consumers.
Partner with a trusted mortgage broker like Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers, and discover how much you could save in cash-back, secure competitive deals, and simplify your journey toward homeownership. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how we can help you make smarter financial decisions.
Australians are becoming increasingly optimistic and motivated to refinance as home loan interest rates ease further, following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest 0.25% official cash rate cut on 20th May—just months after the February reduction.
According to an industry report for the March 2025 quarter, 33% of respondents say they now feel more confident to purchase property thanks to falling home loan rates. This is up from 23% last quarter and more than double the sentiment recorded a year ago. The combination of lower rates, easing inflation, and increased market confidence is breathing new life into Australia’s property market.
Refinancing activity is surging, with the report showing a 30% year-on-year increase in the value of refinance loans—especially strong in South Australia and the Northern Territory, where volumes soared 44.3%. With back-to-back rate cuts from the RBA, Mates Rates expects this refinancing momentum to accelerate as more borrowers look to take advantage of improved deals.
Today’s borrowers are more proactive than ever, with 74% now reviewing their home loan at least once a year. This is a powerful shift from the old “set and forget” mindset. Mates Rates Mortgage Brokers are helping clients benchmark their current rates and, where beneficial, refinance to unlock exclusive Mates Rates Monthly Cash-back offers.
Investor activity remains strong, with investor loans up 18.5% year-on-year—driven by notable gains in NSW/ACT and Queensland. First-home buyers are also making moves: loan numbers are up 5.6%, and total loan values have jumped 12.3% year-on-year. Notably, about 20% of Gen Z buyers are receiving parental gifts toward their deposits, with contributions ranging from $10,000 to $500,000—a sign of how important family support has become in Sydney’s market.
Nationally, the average loan size rose 8.1% to $628,684, unlocking up to $1,570+ in cash-back based on Mates Rates’ exclusive offers from major lenders. WA posted the strongest loan growth at 12.3% despite having the lowest average loan value, highlighting broad-based buyer confidence.
With rates softening and new cash-back incentives available, Mates Rates stands ready to help more Australians save thousands over the life of their loan—while guiding both new and existing borrowers on their property journey.
Australians are seizing the moment! With home loan interest rates easing after two recent RBA cuts—the latest on 20th May—confidence in the property market is surging, and now is the ideal time to refinance.
A third of Aussies (33%) now feel more confident about buying property—up from just 23% last quarter and double last year’s figure. As inflation continues to ease and rates soften, more people see property as the key to financial security. This is driving a sharp 30% year-on-year increase in refinancing, with especially strong activity in South Australia and the Northern Territory, where volumes jumped over 44%.
And with another RBA rate cut just delivered, refinancing opportunities are only getting better!
With our exclusive Mates Rates Monthly Cash-back, you can save tens of thousands over the life of your loan—simply by optimising your current deal.
Investor loans are rising—up 18.5% year-on-year, led by NSW/ACT and Queensland at nearly 25%. First-home buyers are making their mark too, with a 5.6% increase in loan numbers and a 12.3% jump in total values. Many younger buyers are getting a boost from the “bank of mum and dad,” with gifts from $10,000 to $500,000 helping more Aussies get on the property ladder.
Nationally, the average loan size has climbed to $628,684 (an 8.1% increase)—unlocking even bigger cash-back rewards. WA posted the strongest growth at 12.3%, proving confidence is returning nationwide.
And here’s the best part: 74% of borrowers are reviewing their loans each year. That means more people are ready to take action—and save.
Now’s the moment to refinance smartly, potentially save tens of thousands, and unlock your property goals.
The team at Mates Rates is ready to help you capitalise on the market surge.
Contact us today and take your next big step!
