New data suggests falling house prices in Sydney and Melbourne are concentrated in the upper market segments, potentially assuaging fears for first-time buyers with small deposits who typically purchase in the lower end.
Fears of negative equity for first-time buyers in Sydney and Melbourne are easing as falling house prices are concentrated in the top end of the market. Data shows the cheapest properties have seen modest gains or slight declines, unlike the upper quartiles. Experts suggest low unemployment and low arrears rates mitigate mortgage payment risks, though negative equity can limit options for selling or refinancing.
Coinbase and Better Home & Finance will allow qualified borrowers to use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for down payments on Fannie Mae-backed mortgages starting summer 2026. This initiative follows a 2025 FHFA directive to consider crypto in mortgage risk assessments.
Total mortgage application volume fell 2.5% last week as demand for home purchases slowed to its lowest pace since April, despite a slight decrease in the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to 6.57%. Refinance applications also declined.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte, lacking intelligence experience, will also continue his FHFA role. The move drew immediate condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans.
While Australia's mortgage holders face rising rates, other nations like the US and UK have held steady, while Japan has long-term low rates. Economic conditions, inflation, and currency strength influence these differing approaches.
Lenders are beginning to use VantageScore 4.0, which factors in consumer data not currently considered in the score that's been used with mortgages for decades.
The Bank of England's latest report reveals some interesting details on how our finances will be affected due to the Iran war.
Shares in UK buy-to-let lenders Paragon and OSB Group fell 2.4% and 3.6% respectively on Tuesday after speculation that chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a one-year rent freeze for private landlords in England to protect households from rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The education secretary later said the measure is not actively being pursued, while the Renters' Rights Act comes into force on Friday bringing significant sector changes.
The US-Israel conflict with Iran is impacting UK finances, leading to higher fuel prices, increased mortgage rates, and potential rises in energy bills. The overall cost of living is expected to increase, with households potentially hundreds of pounds worse off.
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