Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
32 results for “mortgages”
New Zealand mortgage holders face rising costs over the next six to 12 months, despite the RBNZ maintaining the OCR at 2.25%. Wholesale interest rates are climbing, prompting a significant shift toward two-year fixed rates as borrowers seek repayment certainty.
New Zealand's national median property value rose slightly to $809,101 in April, but a 0.1% decline in Auckland and Wellington highlights a widening regional divide as the RBNZ maintains a hawkish stance.
New data reveals that one in six new home loans issued by Westpac New Zealand this year exceeds $1 million, as Auckland first-home buyers face a median entry price of $900,000.
National Australia Bank has raised its variable home loan rates by 0.25% following the RBA's decision to lift the cash rate to 4.35%. The move marks the third consecutive increase this year, adding significant costs to Australian mortgages.
Westpac has announced a statutory net profit of A$3.4 billion for the half-year ended 31 March 2026. The bank maintained its interim dividend at A$0.77 per share despite signs of slowing mortgage growth in April.
New Zealand's national median home value held flat in May 2026 at $808,187, reflecting a cautious market influenced by high interest rates. Property values remain 17% below their 2022 peak, with key regional centres showing mixed performance.
New Zealand house prices are forecast to fall by 2% in 2026 as consumer confidence reaches a three-year low. Despite a marginal monthly rise in April, high inflation expectations and a retreat by property investors continue to weigh on the market.
New Zealand's property market is bracing for a 2% price decline in 2026, reversing earlier growth forecasts. Rising mortgage rates and record-high inventory levels are driving the shift toward a buyer's market.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the official cash rate to 4.35 per cent to combat 4.6 per cent inflation. Major banks including CBA, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac will pass on the full 0.25 per cent increase to mortgage holders.
Bank of New Zealand has increased its 18-month, two-year, and three-year fixed housing interest rates by 10 basis points, effective May 5, 2026. These adjustments come as the bank navigates rising wholesale costs and a 37.9% decrease in half-year statutory net profit.
ANZ Group Holdings shares fell 4.3% last week as the banking sector faces a new economic landscape shaped by the RBA's rate hike to 4.35% and federal budget reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax.
New data reveals Australia's First Home Guarantee scheme is driving a 6.7% price surge in eligible properties, significantly outperforming the broader market and increasing household debt.
The RBNZ's May 2026 Financial Stability Report highlights a resilient financial system facing a slower recovery due to Middle East conflicts and 50-year high diesel prices.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the cash rate to 4.35% on May 5, 2026, marking the third consecutive hike this year as the board moves to combat persistent inflation and rising fuel costs.
New data shows Australia's expanded Home Guarantee Scheme has fueled a 6.7% price jump in lower-end properties, significantly outpacing the broader market's 3.6% growth.
The S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a significant 1.62% rebound to close at 8,731.70 points on Friday, May 29, 2026. This surge, driven by mining and banking gains, was fueled by hopes of a tentative 60-day US-Iran ceasefire extension.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% on May 27, 2026. However, rising inflation expectations and a 3.1% annual CPI are driving intense debate within the Monetary Policy Committee over future rate hikes.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares suffered a record single-day fall of over 8% following a cautious Q3 update and the announcement of major housing tax reforms in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
Westpac Banking Corporation reported a statutory net profit of A$3.4 billion for the first half of 2026, as strong lending growth was offset by a decline in net interest margins to 1.89%.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis expects banks to absorb the new NZ$209 million prudential levy, but New Zealand's concentrated financial market suggests otherwise. This editorial explores why everyday consumers, rather than highly profitable institutions, are likely to end up paying the bill.
New Zealand’s shift of credit regulation to the FMA and the repeal of director liability under the CCCFA are framed as wins for consumers. However, this editorial argues that stripping personal accountability from financial executives risks exposing vulnerable borrowers to systemic lending misconduct.
New Zealand's Budget 2026 prioritises fiscal discipline and targeted relief, aiming for an earlier return to surplus. However, this cautious approach risks stalling broader economic growth at a time when businesses and workers need a real engine for recovery.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% after an evenly split committee vote. However, a highly hawkish forward guidance track points to multiple rate hikes starting as early as July.
Sydney's property market is experiencing a rise in unfinished homes listed for sale as homeowners abandon renovation projects. Driven by escalating material costs, labour shortages, and rising interest rates, many are choosing to sell partially completed projects to cut their losses.
The S&P/ASX 200 index rose nearly one percent on Tuesday, recovering from a seven-week low following the de-escalation of geopolitical tensions. Strong performances from Woolworths and Tuas, combined with a slight rise in consumer sentiment, supported the market's much-needed bounce.
A proposal to buy back the Bank of New Zealand from National Australia Bank has reignited calls for structural reform in a sector where four banks control up to 85% of the market.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget introduces major changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, aiming to help 75,000 more Australians own homes while generating $3.6 billion in revenue.
The New Zealand Government will increase the maximum Rates Rebate to $830 and raise income thresholds starting July 1, 2026, to assist low-income homeowners with rising living costs.
Australia's 2026 economic outlook remains cautious, with the IMF projecting 2.0% GDP growth and inflation hitting 4.0%. As the RBA prepares for further rate hikes, consumer sentiment has fallen to near-record lows.
Shares in Domino’s and Collins Foods have seen sharp declines as Australian inflation hits 4.6% and high interest rates squeeze household budgets, forcing a pullback in discretionary spending.
Australia's annual inflation rate jumped to 4.6% in March 2026, driven by a record 32.8% surge in fuel prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Markets now expect a 76% chance of an RBA rate hike in May.
New Zealand's annual inflation rate remained at 3.1% in the March 2026 quarter, exceeding the RBNZ’s target band and market expectations. Rising electricity and local rates continue to drive domestic costs.