NEWS, TIPS & RESOURCES

Spring has opened with auction activity well below last year, with falling home values and tougher selling conditions expected to keep the traditionally busy season subdued. The first week of spring has delivered a drop in auction activity, with volumes across the combined capitals 31.1 per cent below the same week last year. Cotality economist Annabelle Mezieres said the usual lift in listings and auctions through spring and early summer was expected to be more subdued this

Renters in NSW Save Thousands with the New Smart Rental Bonds Scheme Renters across NSW will save thousands of dollars when they move home under the Minns Labor Government's new Smart Rental Bonds scheme. This initiative means renters no longer have to find money for a second rental bond before getting their first one back. What is the Smart Rental Bonds Scheme? The new scheme allows renters to transfer their existing bond from one property to the next. This eliminates the ne

analysis of data and charts as of 27th July 2026, provided by SQM Research, Cotality, and realestate.com.au. Sydney just had its worst auction weekend since April 2020, and if you've been wondering when this slowdown would start showing some real teeth, that's your answer. Australia’s property markets have clearly changed direction over the past couple of months, with Cotality's Home Value Index showing values have now fallen around -0.8% over the last month with Sydney an

Owning an investment property can be an effective way to build long-term wealth, but it also comes with financial risks that many landlords underestimate. A reliable tenant, a well-maintained property and professional property management can significantly reduce those risks. However, even the best-managed property can be affected by unexpected events such as accidental damage, severe weather, water leaks, loss of rental income or a tenant failing to meet their obligations. Th