Australia's Housing Market: A Storm of Falling Prices, Rising Stress, and a Pivotal RBA Decision

20% — That's the sharp drop in mortgage applications since the federal budget, according to Westpac's latest claim, signaling a deep freeze in buyer activity as the market grapples with affordability and uncertainty.

Money Moves

• Westpac's Mortgage Shock — The bank's plunge in applications shows the housing market headwinds are just beginning, with margin pressure likely to increase as competition for fewer borrowers intensifies.
• **Auction Clearance Hits...