Nothing compares to that feeling of buying your first home. If you’re planning a 2026 property purchase, saving the deposit is often one of the biggest hurdles. Careful planning and perseverance can play a role in working towards this goal.  Here are some tips to help you work towards your savings target.

For many young Australians, home ownership can feel more like a distant dream than something within reach. Rising living costs, strong property price growth and slow wage increases have put real pressure on those hoping to buy their first home.

Well, that’s almost a wrap on 2025 and what a year it’s been for the property market. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from 2025 and see what aspiring property purchasers can expect from 2026.

Imagine waking up in a cosy mountain retreat or in a beach shack overlooking the ocean – all in your very own holiday home. Sounds dreamy, right?

The festive season is a time to celebrate, relax and connect with loved ones, but it can also put extra pressure on the household budget.

While some property investors prioritise rental yield – that is, how much income a property earns, as a percentage of its value – others see capital growth as the ultimate objective. 

First home buyers can now purchase a property with as little as 5 per cent deposit without copping lenders’ mortgage insurance, after the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme came into effect on 1 October. It’s expected that 70,000 first home buyers will make the most of the scheme in its first year of expanded access.

With interest rates falling this year, more Australians are taking a fresh look at their home loans. In fact, close to 100,000 borrowers refinanced in the June quarter alone – that’s 21% higher than the same time last year. Put simply, more than 1,000 loans are being refinanced every day.

From 1 October 2025, the government’s First Home Guarantee scheme will expand, making it possible for more Australians to buy a home with a deposit as low as 5%.

Buying a home comes with one of the biggest decisions you’ll face – do you go for a brand new build or choose an established property? Each option has its own advantages and trade-offs, and your choice often depends on your goals, lifestyle and budget.

If you’re new to buying property, you’ll want to understand your credit report and how it may impact your home loan application.