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
When it comes to the features house-hunters and home owners love about backyards, some things never change. Flat, north-facing spaces, for instance, will always be in demand, according to Woodards chief executive Nigel O’Neill. In other ways, however, the things we want from a backyard reflect our evolving lifestyles. Landscape architect Emily Simpson says … Read more
Australia’s housing market hits double-digit growth sooner than expected, with house prices up 10.6 per cent annually to $940,000. Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide lead the surge amid tight supply. Australian house prices rose again in October, confirming that the housing market has regained remarkable strength. Nationally, the median house … Read more
There’s no doubt about it, our little ones need plenty of rest to help their growing bodies thrive — here’s how to make it happen. The research says that primary school-aged kids need between nine and 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep, while kids aged 14 to 17 years need eight to … Read more