National

With the Reserve Bank signalling the cash rate is headed higher, borrowers are advised to prepare for higher rates by calculating how they will be affected, paying off debt now while rates are low, and considering fixing, says Patrick Nolan of ME Bank.

Clearance rates are down, but when the right property comes along, the demand is still there.

The construction of new homes has stalled, as developers wait for the record number of apartments due to come onto the market this year to clear.

In Hobart, you can buy a five-bedroom house close to the city and with water views for around the same price as a one-bedroom apartment in inner-city Sydney.