Mint Equity

17/09/2026

You can reduce investor demand. You can introduce deposit schemes. You can change the tax rules. But if a first-home buyer still can't borrow enough to purchase the property they want — or doesn't feel comfortable with the repayments — removing another bidder from the auction doesn't necessarily get them through the front door.

And that’s the reality check.

First-home buyer mortgage demand has fallen 20.1%, the largest annual decline since 2022, despite a Federal Budget heavily focused on improving access to home ownership.

Reducing investor competition is one part of the equation. But borrowing capacity, higher repayments, deposit requirements and confidence still matter.

We unpack the latest numbers, what they actually mean and why making it easier to compete for a property isn't necessarily the same as making that property affordable.

Read the full article. https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/housing-policy-gets-a-reality-check-first-home-buyer-demand-hits-a-four-year-low

First-home buyer demand has fallen 20% to a four-year low. We look at what the latest figures reveal about affordability, borrowing capacity and the Federal Budget’s housing reforms in Australia.

11/08/2026

The RBA has held the cash rate at 4.35% — but the message was clear: another increase is still possible if inflation remains stubborn.
The bigger question is what’s driving that inflation.

Weak productivity. Higher energy and transport costs. Rising construction costs. Skilled labour shortages. Data centre investment. Major infrastructure projects competing for the same workers needed to build new homes.

Many of these pressures sit well outside the control of the average household.

And that creates an interesting tension for the property market.
Higher rates and government policy changes may continue to weigh on buyer confidence and property prices in the short term. But if Australia still can’t build enough homes, the underlying supply shortage doesn’t disappear.

In fact, fewer new homes being added to the market could ultimately make existing property more valuable once buyer confidence returns.

Our latest article looks at what the RBA’s August statement tells us about inflation, productivity, housing supply and why the current property market downturn may be shorter-lived than some expect.

Read the full article: https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/rates-are-on-hold-australias-supply-problem-isnt

02/08/2026

Have mortgage holders just dodged another rate rise?

Lower-than-expected inflation has prompted Westpac to drop its forecast for another RBA increase in 2026.

That does not mean rate cuts are around the corner—but it does give mortgage holders some much-needed breathing room.

With rates expected to stay higher for longer, now is a smart time to check whether your current home or investment loan is still competitive.

Read our latest article to see what the changing outlook could mean for your mortgage.

https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/rate-rise-fears-easebut-mortgage-relief-may-still-be-a-long-way-off

05/07/2026

Sales are down 16.2%. Listings are up 10.9%. And national home values have recorded their sharpest monthly fall since December 2022.

The property market has shifted — and for buyers who are finance-ready, that could create more room to move.
More stock and softer buyer demand may mean less pressure, more time to compare properties and better opportunities to negotiate.

But the key is preparation. If your pre-approval is out of date, or you’re not sure what you can borrow in the current lending market, now is the time to review your position.

Read the latest Mint Equity article to find out what the numbers mean for buyers.

https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/sales-down-162-listings-up-109-the-market-has-shifted

08/06/2026

Our New South Wales and Victoria offices will be closed on Monday 8 June 2026 for the King's birthday public holiday.

Enjoy the long weekend and we’ll be back on Tuesday 9 June.

07/06/2026

The latest PropTrack data shows national home prices have slowed, with uncertainty around interest rates, borrowing capacity, negative gearing and CGT changes leaving many buyers in a holding pattern.

But for prepared buyers, especially those already pre-approved, this could create a window to compare properties, avoid rushed decisions and recognise fair value when the right home appears.

And if you’re buying property in Brisbane, the slowdown may look different suburb by suburb. Some areas may remain competitive, while others may give buyers more breathing room.

At Mint Equity, we help buyers understand their borrowing capacity, loan options and purchasing position before they make their next move.

Read our latest article to learn more.
https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/buyers-are-hesitating-could-that-be-your-opportunity

Brisbane property buyers may find opportunity as national home prices slow. Learn why pre-approval and a Brisbane mortgage broker can help you move with confidence.

07/06/2026

5 Star Google Review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Zac, and the team at Mint Equity were professional and high touch in their support. They gave us a true end to end service, helped us find a loan with options to suit our needs and also helped us make connections with a bunch of other high quality service providers that made our home purchase a breeze. Thank you so much for your help, looking forward to working with Mint Equity again in the future.

27/05/2026

The Federal Budget has put property investment structures back in the spotlight.

With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT, some investors may need to rethink how they buy their next property — especially if they are considering long-term wealth building through super.

SMSF property investing is not right for everyone, and it is certainly not a shortcut. But for the right investor, SMSF lending may be worth exploring as part of a broader property, tax and retirement strategy.

Before making any decisions, speak with your accountant, financial adviser and an SMSF lending specialist.

Read the full article https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/did-the-federal-budget-just-make-smsf-property-investing-more-attractive

Federal Budget changes to negative gearing and CGT could make SMSF property investing more attractive for some investors. Learn how SMSF lending may fit into your property, tax and retirement strategy.

22/05/2026

Are more Australians reaching the point of saying, “I’m sick of paying tax”?

From Instagram influencers and podcasters promoting life in Bali, Dubai and Malaysia, to business owners questioning whether Australia still rewards hard work, the conversation around leaving Australia for lower-tax living is growing louder.

But while the lifestyle looks appealing, changing tax residency is not as simple as booking a one-way flight. There are serious considerations around Australian assets, CGT, business income, property ownership and ATO residency rules.

In our latest article, we look at the rise of lower-tax living conversations, why they are resonating with hard-working Australians, and what property owners and investors should consider before making major financial decisions.

https://www.mintequity.com.au/news/im-sick-of-paying-tax-why-more-australians-are-looking-overseas-for-lower-tax-living

10/05/2026

To every mum, step-mum, fur mum, work mum, grandmum and mother figure. To those missing their mum, holding someone close in memory, or whose Mother’s Day looks a little different this year.

Today, we’re celebrating the love, care, strength and support that comes in so many forms.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Mint Equity.