Redlend Weekly 05
Edition 05 - 24 August 2026
I hope you all have had a great weekend.
I had the Saturday morning kids basketball shuffle with all 3 games on at the same time, followed by an afternoon with family friends at our house. I finished the weekend with a sunny Sunday at the fire station.
Have a look at our instagram page too as we improve our information to our clients.
Talk Soon!
Adam
This Week…
Are First Home Buyers Leaving the Market?
Is Your Offset Actually Working?
Property and Suburb Spotlight in Mont Albert
Mortgage News
Are First Home Buyers Leaving the Market?
October to December 2025 saw significant growth of first home buyers, largely due to the introduction of the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. Since that December peak, Equifax data has shown that demand has dropped, having fallen 36.3 percentage points from that December peak, 19.2 per cent year on year and further 17.2 per cent in June.
Buyers aged 18-25 have been most affected with a 22.4 per cent drop in demand, followed by 20.9 percent aged 26-35.
The drop has not only affected first home buyers with overall demand dropping 16.4 per cent over the past 12 months.
Equifax have contributed this to the cash rate increases in March and May, tax reform changes surrounding negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax discount.
My feel is property sentiment has definitely shifted since the May Federal Budget and opportunities do exist!
Mortgage Tip
Rates & Cashbacks
We are noticing there are increasing cashback offers in the market as banks try to gain more market share in a slowing market and owner occupied rates in the low 6 per cent area, 5.99% for emergency services, healthcare, teachers and other government departments.
Some lenders are lower and we do have the ability to get lower than advertised rates in some circumstances. Remember, this always does depend on your own individual circumstances and is general advice only.
Contact us if you would like you own situation looked at.
Property Spotlight
Epping - Victoria
Property Spotlight: 19 Seeber Street, Epping 3076
This smaller home in Epping caught my eye due to its location to the Hume Freeway and proximity to the growth corridor of northern Melbourne.
I have ridden the freeway bike path many times and I have seen the early stages of growth out here. There is commercial growth in the main area surrounding the shopping center and all along Cooper Street and the continued growth in the residential area and estates further north.
A small 3 bedroom home which presents well and could be an option for a first home buyer or investor. Ill run the numbers for a first home buyer below.
Here is what the numbers could look like…
Approximate numbers for general information only, this is not financial advice and individual circumstances will vary.
We will base this as a First Home Buyer on an Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Assume a Sale @ $550,000
A Deposit @ 5% = $27,500
Stamp Duty & Government Fees @ $1,522 including the Victorian Government First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption
Conveyancing & Building Pest Inspection @ $3000
Funds Required $32,022
Monthly Repayments @ $3303
Based on 6.5% Interest Rate, 30 years, Principal & Interest
Suburb Spotlight
Epping, VIC 3076
Epping is a large, established northern suburb located around 21km from Melbourne’s CBD, with a population of approximately 33,500. The suburb has seen 3.4% population growth over the past five years, with couples with children making up a large proportion of households.
The median house sale price is around $750,000, with the middle 50% of house sales falling between approximately $672,000 and $825,000. Units are considerably more affordable, with a median price of $525,000.
Epping also has a strong owner occupier presence, with around 68% of homes owner-occupied, and the average length of ownership sitting at approximately 13 years.
For investors, current rental listings include houses around $500 - $620 per week, while units range from approximately $330 - $580 per week, depending on size and location.
With a relatively accessible median house price, a large established population and a mix of owner-occupiers and renters, Epping continues to be an interesting suburb to watch for both home buyers and property investors.
Property data supplied by Cotality. Figures current as at 23 August 2026 and provided for general information only, not personal financial or property advice. If you would like your own free property report, please email me below.
Request a Free Property Report
Lets Talk Property
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, investing or just looking for some guidance, I'm always happy to have a conversation.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice to help you make informed property decisions.
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