The Friday Wrap | 05 September 2025

Good afternoon,

This week, the media landscape was dominated by social tensions due to issues both domestically and abroad, alongside the High Court's findings over the controversial Robodebt scheme.

Highlights of the week:

The preliminary auction clearance rate for the previous week rose a whole percentage point week on week to 76.3%. This was the first full week after the Government announced it was pulling forward the start of its 5% deposit scheme to October 2025.

Forecasts by Master Builders Australia suggested that Australia would fall around 36,000 homes short each year until mid-2029 of the number of homes needed to reach its 1.2 million home target by the end of the decade.

The Federal Government has plans to accelerate environmental assessments of housing applications. This initiative aims to clear a backlog of approvals on 26,000 lots and expedite the delivery of homes.

Consumer spending hit a 20-month high in July, prompting RBA governor Michele Bullock to warn there will be fewer rate cuts if this trend continues.

Have a great weekend!

Matt