Joseph Ballota

6 days ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways Despite the cost-of-living pressures and interest rate hikes, some Australian suburbs and regional hubs are bucking the trend. In select locations, mortgage repayments are actually lower than local rents, creating a rare buy-vs-rent inversion. But remember: low price doesn’t equal good value unless it comes with strong fundamentals and demand drivers.

1 week ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

If you’ve been watching Melbourne’s property market closely, you’ll know it’s been a two-speed market in recent years. While established houses in gentrified inner- and middle-ring suburbs have pulled ahead, many apartments have been stuck in reverse gear. But something’s shifting. However, new PropTrack data reveals there are still 13 Melbourne suburbs where apartment prices remain below 2015 levels. That’s right, some units are effectively selling at decade-old prices.

2 weeks ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways In the 2024 financial year, Australia built 62,000 fewer homes than needed—an improvement from the previous year’s 110,000 shortfall, but still insufficient. The improvement wasn’t due to more construction but rather slower population growth, which is not a sustainable solution. Despite government promises, dwelling approvals are sluggish, meaning future supply will remain constrained. Construction isn’t keeping up, leading to an ongoing housing undersupply in many regions.

3 weeks ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Key takeaways Investor loans surged 22% nationally over the past year, far outpacing owner-occupier growth (just 6%). We’re seeing not just more activity, but more strategic behaviour: investors are targeting specific markets, new builds, and growth corridors. Projections show over 234,000 investor loans could be issued in 2025, signalling continued confidence despite higher interest rates and economic noise.

1 month ago | propertyupdate.com.au | Joseph Ballota

Table of contents Have you noticed that property investors are surging ahead while first-home buyers and owner-occupiers take a backseat? The latest mortgage trends suggest this gap will only widen in 2025. With investor loans soaring, refinancing making a comeback, and interest rates shifting, the property market is entering a new phase, and if you’re not paying attention, you could miss out on key opportunities.