🇦🇺 Property on the Move, RBA Rate Speculation, and Face-to-Face Meetings in Hong Kong!
Welcome to the July edition of THE EXPATRIATE
As we enter the new financial year, plenty is happening in the Australian property and finance landscape that could impact your goals, whether you're planning to repatriate, refinance, or grow your portfolio from abroad.
In this issue:
We break down the latest insights from the Cotality Home Value Index, revealing steady national growth across most markets.
We also take a look ahead at next week's RBA meeting, with strong speculation of another interest rate cut.
Plus, don’t miss the latest St. James’s Place WeekWatch for a global market wrap-up.
Let’s help you put your Best Foot Forward — wherever you are in the world.
📊 Cotality July 1st Home Value Index – Market Gaining Momentum
Australian housing values are on the rise again, with the Cotality Home Value Index reporting:
+0.6% national growth in June – the fifth straight month of increases
Key drivers: interest rate cuts (Feb & May), tight housing supply, and strong buyer sentiment
🏆 Top performers this quarter:
Darwin: +4.9% – now at a new record high
Brisbane & Perth: ~+2% quarterly growth
Regional Australia continues to lead over 12 months, but capital cities are closing the gap
Suppose you're thinking about buying, refinancing, or selling from abroad. In that case, these market shifts might affect your ideal timing and strategy, beat the rush and have a chat with our Australian Expat Mortgage Specialist, Adam Kingston.
🏦 RBA Rate Cut Watch – July 7-8 Meeting Preview
All eyes are on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s next meeting, 7-8 July. With inflation figures coming in lower than expected (core CPI at 2.4%), economists are increasingly predicting:
📉 A 25 basis point cut, potentially the next in a series
📉 Cash rate forecasts:
3.1% by December 2025
2.9% by Q1 2026
💡 Why this matters for expat borrowers:
Lower rates = stronger borrowing power
But rising home values may narrow your opportunity window
🏡 Thinking of Repatriating? Now Could Be the Perfect Time to Buy Your First Home in Australia
If you're planning to return to Australia and purchase your first home, now is an excellent time to explore your options.
Why?
✅ Many states, including Queensland, are rolling out new initiatives like the Boost to Buy Scheme, offering shared equity contributions of up to 30% to help reduce the deposit hurdle.
✅ The Australian Government has also removed income caps and increased property price caps for the First Home Guarantee Scheme, making it more accessible for returning expats.
With several incentives now in play — and eligibility requirements changing — it might be the right moment to reach out and see where you stand.
📩 Let’s assess your eligibility and build a strategy that puts your best foot forward for homeownership.
📈 Plus: This Week's Global Market Insights.
We’ve also included the latest St. James’s Place WeekWatch—30 June 2025, offering a succinct summary of key movements in global markets, currency trends, and economic indicators—perfect for those monitoring how broader conditions may influence investment and property strategies.
Make sure to read it if you're planning your next financial move.
✈️ What This Means for Expats
If you're living overseas or planning international property purchases or investments:
Now may be the time to review your currency transfer strategy.
Consider locking in exchange rates or using forward contracts for known expenses.
The potential rate cut opens refinancing opportunities for mortgage holders, potentially even from abroad.
👋 Stay Connected
For tailored financial strategies, mortgage support, or currency solutions, contact the team at THE EXPATRIATE or our partners at Australian Expatriate Finance if you're an Aussie Expat or Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions if you're an Australian Living in Australia.
The information contained is general information only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. We strongly recommend that you do not act on any information provided in this website without individual advice from your trusted advisor. You should also obtain a copy of and consider the Product Disclosure Statement for all financial products before making any decision.
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