Sat, 7th Feb 2026

In the latest Weekly Finance News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses Australian first-home buyers' challenges and their resilience amid record-low housing affordability. Increased usage of the Home Guarantee Scheme enables purchases using lower deposits and waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while the preference for more affordable residential options is on the rise. The surge in first-home buyer activity and demand for new builds is discussed, coupled with the potential effect on property prices. The episode also recognizes BlackRock's iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF, named Best Australian Shares ETF by Money magazine, and continues to advise consultation with financial advisors for any investment opportunities. The importance of realistic financial planning and professional advice is consistently emphasized.n