Australia is now moving in a different direction to many other major economies, with the Reserve Bank delivering a third straight rate hike while central banks in the US, UK, Canada, Europe and Japan have largely chosen to hold steady.  This article explains why Australia is taking a tougher stance, what it says about the outlook for interest rates, and what it could mean for households, buyers and the property market in the months ahead.

With home ownership becoming harder to achieve, many parents are looking for ways to help their children get a foothold in the market without simply handing over a lump sum. This article explores some of the more practical strategies being used, from family guarantee loans and investment-property planning to reverse mortgages and co-ownership arrangements. It also highlights the importance of structuring any assistance carefully and teaching good money habits early to avoid complications later.

The WA Government’s move to include a ban on no grounds terminations in the next Residential Tenancies Act review has sparked strong debate, with REIWA warning the reform could have unintended consequences for the rental market. While the change is intended to strengthen tenant protections, concerns are being raised that it may prompt more investors to exit the market, reduce rental supply and ultimately place further upward pressure on rents. This article explores why REIWA believes there are no winners with this latest reform.

With grocery prices continuing to bite, growing even a small amount of your own food can help stretch the household budget a little further. This article highlights five easy, productive crops that offer real value by producing ongoing harvests or regrowing from scraps, making them ideal for home gardeners looking to save money. It’s a practical reminder that a few well-chosen plants can make a noticeable difference to the weekly shop.

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Here's what a recent Buyer said ...

Buyer of house in Booragoon, WA
(5 days ago)

"Mark and Shelley were an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. As experienced buyers, we’ve dealt with many agents over the years, and Mark and Shelley stood out as truly exceptional. We really appreciated how patient, knowledgeable, and genuine they were throughout the entire process. Working with them felt seamless and stress-free, even in a competitive market".

Sales activity in Perth during the week ending 3 May was down 12.4% on the week before with 694 transactions recorded. On closer inspection, house and unit sales recorded decreases of 10.7% and 23% respectively. However, vacant land sales were up 8.3%.

Perth’s highest sale price:  Lesmurdie – $1,850,000

Perth's lowest sale price: Highgate – $505,000

Listings
There were 4,459 properties for sale in the metropolitan area for the week ending May 3, which is 36% higher than 4 weeks ago but 6.2% lower than the same time last year.

Top performing suburbs – sales

• Perth: 14
• Baldivis: 13
• Gosnells: 11
• Scarborough: 10
• Ellenbrook: 8

Top performing suburbs – rentals

• Baldivis, Perth: 12
• Scarborough: 11
• East Perth: 10
• Alkimos: 9

Perth rental market
REIWA members reported 2,233 properties for rent at the end of last week, which is 3% up on the previous week, 14.6% higher than 4 weeks ago but 2.8% lower than the same time last year. Leasing activity was down 12.1% on last week with REIWA members reporting 554 properties leased. This week's number of properties leased is 13.5% higher than 4 weeks ago but 19.2% lower than a year ago. 

Open for Inspection

Saturday and Sunday

11:00am - 11:45am – 41 Ridge Rd, Cockburn Central

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.