ANZ has become the latest bank to scrap forecasts for a rate cut next year as hotter-than-expected inflation dampens hopes for households squeezed by the peak spending season.    

ANZ joins CBA and NAB in predicting the RBA will remain on an “extended pause” throughout 2026.

“We no longer see one final rate cut from the RBA in the first half of 2026, given recent inflation pressures,” ANZ head of Australian economics Adam Boyton said in a note on Tuesday.

But the bank does not expect a rate hike anytime soon due to recent signs of a weakening jobs market.

“As a result, we expect the RBA to be on an extended hold, with the cash rate to remain at its current level of 3.6%,” he said.

Inflation data released last week showed a further jump in the annual inflation rate, which now sits well above the RBA’s 2-3% target range.

The Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% over the year to October, even hotter than September’s shock 3.6% inflation figure.

The RBA’s preferred measure of inflation, the trimmed mean (which strips out a lot of one-off and volatile price movements) also sits above the RBA’s target, reaching an annual rate of 3.3% in October.

That now leaves Westpac as the only major bank tipping rate cuts next year, with chief economist Luci Ellis – who was the assistant governor of economics at the RBA for almost seven years – holding firm on predictions for two rate cuts, likely in May and August.

The three rate cuts this year have already fuelled momentum across the housing market, with home prices rising for 11 consecutive months and record levels of search activity on realestate.com.au.

Mortgage Choice figures show household borrowing power has been boosted by tens of thousands of dollars since the first rate cut in February.

All things being equal, a family able to borrow the average loan size of $661,000 at the start of 2025 would see that rise to $716,657 following three 0.25% rate cuts, an improvement of more than $55,000.

This assumes a starting interest rate of 6.29% and that the lender passes on each rate cut in full.

Loan submissions data from Mortgage Choice shows the average home loan size has jumped 8.4% in the past year as borrowers stretch themselves to get into the rising property market.

Commenting on the data, Mortgage Choice chief executive Anthony Waldron said it’s the highest value on record.

“Over the September quarter, we saw a rise in average loan sizes across every region, bringing the national average loan size to more than $660,000,” Mr Waldron said.

“And the results from our latest consumer survey point to this strong activity continuing into summer.”

It comes as ABS data revealed the total value of Australia’s residential housing market rose by $317 billion in the September quarter to an eye-watering $11.9 trillion.

Since then, PropTrack data shows home prices have continued to rise, reaching new record highs across the country in November.

But with housing affordability sitting near its worst level on record, REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh noted stretched affordability would likely keep a lid on the pace of home price growth next year.

“Monthly growth eased across the capitals from October’s stronger pace, and with interest rates now expected to remain on hold for an extended period, affordability constraints are likely to see price growth moderate throughout 2026,” she said.

“National annual growth is a little above the past decade’s average, not a re-run of the 20–30% surges of earlier booms.”

The post Blow to households as major bank scraps RBA rate cut call appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Owning an investment property is a smart way to build wealth, but many landlords make a critical mistake: assuming their strata insurance or tenant’s bond will protect them against significant damage.

The truth is, these forms of coverage are often inadequate, leaving landlords exposed to potentially thousands of dollars in costs.

“Landlords who find themselves underinsured face significant financial impact as they will be required to contribute to the cost of repairs in the event of a claim,” says Carolyn Parrella, Head of Terri Scheer Customer Service.

This lack of adequate coverage is a serious oversight that could result in devastating financial consequences for property owners.

So why is this happening?

The misconception around strata insurance

Carolyn says one of the most common misconception landlords who own an apartment or unit in a strata building have is the belief that their property is totally covered by the strata insurance. 

“Strata insurance is designed to cover the structure of the building and the common areas.” 

“It does not cover landlord contents within their apartment (curtains, blinds, light fitting etc), nor does it cover public liability within the apartment,” she adds.

This may lead to a gap when it comes to internal damage within individual apartments – and without adequate landlord insurance, you’ll be left footing the bill for these kinds of damages.

The missing piece of the puzzle

Unlike strata insurance, which is limited to the building’s exterior and common areas, landlord insurance offers protection tailored to the risks of property investment.

Carolyn says it fills the gaps left by strata insurance.

“Landlord insurance may protect the landlord for damage caused by tenants and may cover their liability for loss or damage to property owned by the tenant or to the tenant or their invited guests.”

“It’s important that landlords understand that landlord insurance does not provide cover for wear and tear.”

Terri Scheer landlord insurance, for example, covers both property damage caused by the tenant and loss of rental income—ensuring you’re protected from unexpected events such as malicious damage, accidental damage, or tenant default.

The hidden risks of being underinsured

Landlords who are underinsured—or worse, not insured at all—can face severe financial consequences.

Carolyn also says that without the right level of coverage, the cost of repairs, loss of rental income and potential legal fees, can quickly add up in the event of a claim – a tenant defaulting on rent, for example, and causing damage that exceed the bond amount.

“It’s important that landlords understand the rebuild value of their property and insure accordingly.”

Without accounting for these factors, landlords risk being caught short, especially if major repairs are required or the property is damaged beyond repair.

Ensuring you are fully insured not only protects your property but also your financial security.

Carolyn also stresses the importance of understanding what landlord insurance does not cover, like wear and tear.

“It is very important that the landlord pays attention to maintenance requests and the general repair of the property to avoid a claim being declined or reduced due to inaction by the landlord.”

How landlord insurance covers loss of rental income

One of the most critical benefits of landlord insurance is its ability to cover loss of rental income.

“Depending on the policy, landlord insurance may cover loss of rental income when the tenant defaults on the rent and vacates or is evicted owing rent,” Carolyn explains.

“If the property is damaged and untenantable while repairs are being completed, the policy may cover loss of rent. A landlord insurance policy may also provide loss of rent cover if a sole tenant unfortunately dies during the period of the tenancy.”

In all of these cases, having the right landlord insurance in place can protect you from the financial strain of lost income while you prepare the property for new tenants.

Affordable protection for your investment

Many landlords worry that comprehensive insurance might be too expensive, but Terri Scheer landlord insurance is designed with affordability in mind.

“The annual premium could be less than the cost of one week’s rent depending on the type of policy you choose, and under current tax laws, is tax deductible,” Carolyn says.

“It is a very small price to pay for the peace of mind having cover provides.”

What first-time landlords should know

If you’re a first-time landlord, selecting the right insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Start by recognising that strata insurance is not enough to protect your individual property.

“Landlord insurance typically covers rent default and tenant damage but, generally, a separate building policy will be required to cover things like storm, flood and fire,” Carolyn explains.

A strata insurance policy may provide that cover for an apartment building, but a dedicated building policy should be considered for a house. 

“Banks will generally require proof of this type of insurance at the time of loan application.”

How to mitigate risks as a first-time landlord

Landlords need to consider not just the physical protection of the property but also the financial risk mitigation that comes with being covered against tenants who might default on rent or cause significant damage.

 “Be very clear around the risks you face and compare policies to ensure you are either going to be covered or are able to manage the financial impact if a claim occurs,” Carolyn advises.

“Look for policies that provide an all-inclusive type of cover for common risks landlords face, such as tenant damage, loss of rent, pet damage, and liability.”

By understanding the limitations of strata insurance and securing the right landlord insurance – like Terri Scheer – you can protect your property from the unexpected, ensuring your investment remains a valuable asset for years to come.

Disclaimer: Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Terri Scheer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries. This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

The post Own an apartment and rent it out? Failing to do this could cost you thousands appeared first on realestate.com.au.

In this episode, Ricky Carruth details how he built a million-dollar business as an agent (and then lost it) before becoming one of the most-recognized influencers in real estate.

The two antitrust lawsuits involving Zillow and Redfin’s $100 million multifamily rental syndication deal have been consolidated. 

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general in Virginia, Arizona, New York, Connecticut and Washington. The five states’ attorneys general filed their unopposed motion to combine their lawsuit with the suit filed by the FTC on Tuesday. U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Trenga granted the motion on Wednesday. 

The lawsuits, which were filed within one day of each other roughly two months ago, were both filed in the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., and are being overseen by Judge Trenga.

In addition, the suits included identical claims that the syndication deal executed by Zillow and Redfin was tantamount to Zillow simply paying Redfin $100 million in exchange for it no longer competing in the multifamily rental listing space. 

“This agreement is nothing more than an end run around competition that insulates Zillow from head-to-head competition on the merits with Redfin for customers advertising multifamily buildings,” the attorneys general wrote in their filing. 

Both Zillow and Redfin maintain that the deal is pro-competitive, and that it benefits both renters and property managers and has expanded renters’ access to multifamily listings across multiple platforms.

As the year winds down, most real estate agents feel the pull to jump straight into 2026 real estate goal-setting mode. New targets, fresh marketing campaigns, ambitious listing goals—it’s all very energizing. Not so fast. Here’s what I’ve learned in nearly 30 years in this business: the most successful agents pause first. They look back with intention before charging forward.

This kind of reflection is not about dwelling on what didn’t work. It’s about identifying patterns that can guide smarter, more sustainable growth in the year ahead.

What 2025 taught us

The past year tested even the most experienced professionals. Transaction volume reached historic lows as elevated mortgage rates and hesitant sellers created a slower, more complex market. In that environment, the agents who stayed steady were the ones who communicated consistently, strengthened their personal brands, and focused on relationships rather than speed.

We also saw a clear demographic shift, with first-time buyers nearing 40 and many sellers approaching retirement. Serving such a wide range requires adaptability, empathy and a deeper understanding of how people live and make decisions today. These changes reinforce a simple truth: real estate is becoming less transactional and more advisory. Clients want an agent they can trust, not just someone who can help them close a deal. 

The questions you should be asking 

Before setting 2026 goals, audit your business with curiosity and honesty. Here are the questions that will reveal where you should focus your energy.

Which client relationships generated the most referrals, and why? Look for patterns. Were they the transactions where you communicated proactively? Where you went the extra mile on staging or marketing? Understanding what drives loyalty helps you replicate it.

Where did your marketing efforts see the best return? Whether it’s social media, email campaigns, or local events, dig into the data. What actually moved the needle versus what just felt busy?

Which transactions demanded the most effort for the least reward? This one’s tough but important. If certain client types or price points consistently drain your resources without proportional results, it might be time to refine your ideal client profile.

Are your listings speaking to where the market is heading? Today’s buyers, especially in luxury, are prioritizing wellness, sustainability and smart home integration. If your marketing still leads with square footage instead of lifestyle, you’re already behind.

These aren’t rhetorical questions. Write down your answers. The clarity you gain here will shape everything you build in 2026.

Moving forward with purpose

The agents who will thrive in the year ahead aren’t the ones with the longest to-do lists. They’re the ones treating change as a signal to innovate, deepen relationships and lead with strategy rather than just hustle.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

Embrace technology. Use virtual tools, AI-assisted client matching, and data insights to create more personalized experiences. The goal is not automation; it is elevation.

Refine your client experience. Customize your approach across generations and lifestyles. A first-time buyer at 40 has different needs than a retiree downsizing. Your service model should reflect that.

Build strategic partnerships. Collaborate with local wellness professionals, designers, and lifestyle brands. These relationships expand your reach and add tangible value to what you offer clients.

Set time to reflect. Before you finalize your 2026 business plan, schedule two hours this month to sit down with your calendar, CRM and transaction history. Review what actually happened in 2025 with fresh eyes. Look for the wins you might have overlooked and the patterns you can build on.

The clarity you gain in that reflection will be worth more than any resolution you make without it. Sustainable success isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter, with intention and insight guiding every decision.

Rainy Hake Austin is a brokerage leader at The Agency.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: tracey@hwmedia.com