Westpac research shows Australians delay home purchases as rate, price uncertainty weighs

Westpac research shows Australians are delaying property decisions as affordability, house prices, interest rates drive uncertainty. 41% see now as a bad time to buy a first home; 47% see now as a bad time to sell. 75% are waiting for prices to fall further; 73% are delaying purchases until interest rates stabilise. Mortgage applications fell about 5% since May; volumes rose 15% from the July low, indicating early recovery. 81% still view property as the best way to build wealth; 55% plan a housing change within a year. Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Westpac Banking Corporation published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. (C)