Bring your living space outdoors this season. Backyards are no longer reserved for the Hills Hoist and family games of cricket on summer evenings. These days, whether you have a balcony, a courtyard or an entire backyard to work with, the focus is on getting more year-round use out of … Read more
Five per cent deposit scheme works in Melbourne and Sydney where supply matches demand, but Gold Coast shows the trap. Only 27% of houses fall under the cap as policy stimulates demand without addressing housing shortage.
Some interior spaces should be more than just functional; they should be opportunities for self expression, inviting you to experiment with colour, texture and form. “When we design only for ourselves, we give ourselves permission to be braver and that often leads to the most interesting work,” says interior designer Alyssa … Read more
RBA holds cash rate steady as housing inflation proves stubborn. Rents and construction costs remain elevated despite tight policy, creating a paradox where higher rates slow demand but restrict housing supply growth. The Reserve Bank has held the cash rate steady today, maintaining a cautious stance as inflation continues to … Read more
Remember when you were obsessed with Scandinavian minimalism? Maybe you filled your home with white walls, pale timber, and the occasional fiddle-leaf fig. But now? You’re eyeing velvet sofas, checkerboard rugs, warmer tones and vintage touches. Suddenly, your interiors don’t feel like you anymore – and you’re not alone. … Read more
Interest rate outlook grows muddier as contradictory signals emerge. Unemployment falls to 4.3%, delaying rate cuts, while construction activity cools rapidly and consumer sentiment remains divided. Data dependency will guide the next move in December. The interest rate outlook has shifted yet again, but this time the change is being … Read more
Nothing beats the tranquillity of a beautifully designed main bedroom. Over 21 seasons of The Block, bedrooms have inspired and shocked judges: sometimes at the same time. We asked the Block judges for their standouts. Kristian and Mimi (Phillip Island, 2024) Stepping into Kristian and Mimi’s main bedroom, Shaynna was floored: “This … Read more
Homes are becoming income-generating assets as solar, batteries and smart systems create financial returns. With 180,000+ batteries installed and new free-electricity schemes from July 2026, homes delivering financial returns will command higher prices. Imagine your home generating an income without you having to do anything at all. It isn’t happening … Read more
When it comes to home styling choices, Millennials and Gen Z are locked in a design battle where only one generation can prevail. The differences between these groups are more than subtle quirks – they’re glaring, sometimes cringeworthy declarations of who really understands style. “I have never, in my four-decade career, seen … Read more
Meeting Australia’s 1.2 million home target requires a shift from site-based to factory-built homes. Modular construction boosts productivity where traditional methods have stalled for decades, but only five per cent of homes use modular methods today. Australia is falling short of its housing targets. The Federal Government’s goal to deliver … Read more