The First Home Guarantee Scheme is expanding from 1 October, giving  first-home buyers more options, including the potential to buy a house rather than a unit if they choose to. In WA, the property price cap is increasing from $600K to $850K, and the 5% deposit scheme no longer requires borrowers to take out lender's mortgage insurance, making home ownership more accessible than ever. But buyers should tread carefully: the lift in price caps and demand could push prices up further, and stretching finances too far might bring its own risks. If you're hoping to get on the ladder sooner, this article offers a balanced view.

Rate cuts provide welcome relief for borrowers, but they present challenges for savers. With the RBA lowering the cash rate several times this year, interest rates on savings accounts have also declined, reducing returns for households with money in the bank. Australians’ total deposits have reached a record $1.64 trillion, yet many savers are now seeing their balances grow more slowly – or even fall behind inflation. This article examines the impact of rate cuts on savings and what it means for first homebuyers working hard to save for a deposit.

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Want that luxe marble look in your kitchen or bathroom without the high-end cost? This article showcases smart silica-free alternatives – such as quartz, porcelain, solid surface materials like Corian and even recycled or solid surfaces – that offer the same elegant veining and style as marble but with easier maintenance and a lighter price tag. Ideal for affordable upgrades that still feel sophisticated.

If you're in the market for a family home in one of Perth's most sought-after suburbs, I urge you to inspect 39 Dickenson Way, Booragoon, a generously proportioned home with an in-ground concrete pool and large alfresco area. Mark and Shelley sold this beautiful home to the current owners back in 2015, so they were delighted to be asked to sell it on their behalf so a new family can enjoy it.

Here's what I love most about this home:

• Immaculate condition, especially for a home of its vintage (1985) with a kitchen upgraded in 2001.
• Beautiful landscaped gardens front & rear complete with fruit bearing trees, retaining walls and automatic reticulation.
• Walkable neighbourhood – walk to Westfield Booragoon and LeisureFit.
• Sought after school precinct – Applecross High & Booragoon Primary
• Separate children's bedroom wing, making the master suite your private retreat.
• Gorgeous Blackbutt timber floors (need I say more)!
• 2 spacious living zones, including a fabulous sunken lounge/dining area, something you rarely see in more modern homes.
• The pool & alfresco area – imagine the kids' faces when you tell them they're getting a new house with a pool in time for summer!

Sales activity was up 3.8% in Perth during the week ending 7 September with 855 transactions recorded. On closer inspection, house and vacant land sales were up 2.7% and 35.8% respectively. However, unit sales were down 9.8%.

Perth’s highest sale price:  Mosman Park – $3,775,000

Perth’s lowest sale price: Perth City – $210,000

Listings
There were 2,905 properties for sale in the metropolitan area for the week ending September 7, which is 10.3% lower than 4 weeks ago and 22.7% lower than the same time last year.

Top performing suburbs – sales

• Mandurah: 16
• East Perth: 14
• Baldivis: 13
• Como, Perth: 11

Top performing suburbs – rentals

• Baldivis: 26
• Armadale: 15
• Alkimos, Perth: 14
• Canning Vale: 13

Perth rental market
REIWA members reported 2,211 properties for rent at the end of last week, which 1% down on the previous week, 3.6% lower than 4 weeks ago but 2.5% higher than the same time last year. Leasing activity increased by 1.1% since last week, with REIWA members reporting 711 properties leased. This number is 1.6% higher than 4 weeks ago and 12.7% higher than a year ago. 

Open for Inspection

Saturday & Sunday
11:00 - 11:45am – 39 Dickenson Way, Booragoon

If you would like to see any property we have for sale, just call Shelley on 0417963670 or Mark on 0411552309 and we will do our best to arrange a private appointment for you.