Sat, 28th Feb 2026

In this week's episode of the finance news wrap, Paige Estritori discusses key topics in Australia's financial industry. Despite the government's efforts to alleviate housing affordability issues, first home buyers continue to face challenges with the increasing house prices. On a positive note, there has been a rise in first home buyer loans largely due to government initiatives. However, the average loan size has hit a new record high, which needs to be considered in the broader housing market context. Further changes are underfoot as the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority implements new debt-to-income limits. Lastly, the Reserve Bank's recent rate increase was highlighted, impacting borrowers with variable-rate loans. While financial strategies may need reassessment, potential and current homeowners are urged to consult professional advice for navigating these changes. Visit financialservicesonline.com.au for more information.