Sydney’s property market recalibrates as rate hikes bite and rental pressure builds, with insights from Rodney McLoughlin.
February 2026
When interest rates hit 17% in 1990, household debt was dramatically lower. Today, even with the cash rate around 3–4%, many Australians feel greater pressure. Why? Because we’re carrying far more debt. 🏦 1990: High Rates, Low Debt Household debt to income: 67.9% Housing debt to income: 31.5% Cash rate peak: 17% Back then, borrowing capacity was tighter and lending standards...
Australia’s property market could soon face one of its biggest structural shifts in decades. The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has flagged that the federal government is “most likely” to target investor tax concessions — including the 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount and negative gearing — in the upcoming May Budget. For property owners and investors, the key question is clear: Will prices...