Hotspotting

Why are property prices across Australia still on the rise when affordability is already stretched?

Why are property prices across Australia still on the rise when affordability is already stretched?

Sally McManus and the ACTU want to scrap negative gearing and the capital gains tax “concession” for property investors, arguing it will fix housing affordability. But does the evidence actually stack up? In this episode, we dive into the history of negative gearing in Australia, the real impact of CGT rules, and why blaming property investors might miss the bigger picture. From rental shortages to soaring construction costs, we unpack the policies that have shaped today's housing crisis — and what really needs to change. Perfect for anyone interested in Australian property, housing policy, and the politics driving affordability.

In this episode, Terry Ryder, Founder of Hotspotting, sits down with Adam Horth — a seasoned real estate professional, trainer, and Operations Director at Smartre Group. Adam's journey began at just 19 years old, starting out as a salesperson and eventually building his own highly successful agency in Ipswich, QLD. Within six years, his office was the number one agency in the area, supported by a team of high-performing agents. Today, Adam combines his passion for real estate with training and leadership, helping agency principals and salespeople across Australia and New Zealand through Smartre Training. Together, Terry and Adam explore: Adam's first property purchase — the mistakes, the lessons, and why “failing forward” shaped his approach to investing. Investment philosophies — from the importance of education to understanding compounding and why there isn't one single “right” strategy. The value of good advice — why many investors shy away from paying for mentoring or research, and how this often limits success. Sales and agency insights — what separates a great real estate agent from the rest, and how vendors and buyers can use this to their advantage. Residential vs commercial property — Adam's experience with both, and why portfolio diversity is key for long-term resilience. Personal growth and leadership — the role of reading, self-education, and Adam's principle of “educate yourself before you entertain yourself”. This conversation blends candid personal stories, practical advice, and a wealth of real-world experience. Whether you're a first-time investor, an aspiring property professional, or someone leading a sales team, Adam's perspective offers invaluable takeaways.

Everyone's suddenly talking about the “Darwin boom” as if it came out of nowhere – but did it really? In this episode, we unpack why the media has only just noticed what was obvious months ago. We reveal how forward-looking data pointed to Darwin's rise well before prices surged, and why the so-called exodus to affordable lifestyle is anything but new. If you want to spot the next growth markets before the headlines do, this one's for you.

After two quiet years, Regional Victoria's property market is showing clear signs of a strong revival. Our latest Hotspotting analysis reveals a surge in sales activity across key cities including Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, Wodonga and Ballarat – with sales volumes now at their highest since the Covid boom of 2021. In this episode, we unpack what's driving the comeback: The surge in buyer demand and sales growth across regional centres Why Melbourne residents are making the move to more affordable regional lifestyles The role of affordability and infrastructure in fuelling demand What rising sales activity means for future price growth With sales volumes up 16% year-on-year and as much as 41% in some locations, the timing to enter the Victorian market may be better than it's been in years. But there's a catch – Victoria's higher property taxes remain an important consideration for investors and homebuyers alike. Tune in to discover whether now is the right time to act in Regional Victoria's resurgent property market.

Melbourne's property market is making a comeback — and the data confirms it. After lagging behind other capitals, the city is now cheaper than Brisbane and Sydney, with sales activity surging to its highest levels since the 2021 boom. Backed by population growth, new infrastructure, and rising demand for affordable units, Melbourne is shaping up as one of the best value markets in the country. In this episode, we reveal the suburbs leading the charge, why buyer interest is climbing fast, and what this means for investors and home-buyers looking to get in ahead of the next growth cycle.

Why do media commentators keep declaring ‘new' trends that have actually been brewing for years?   In this episode, we unpack the so-called “Darwin boom” — the one the headlines claimed nobody saw coming.   Spoiler: we called it back in January.   Discover how forward-looking indicators, like our Price Predictor Index, spot market surges months before they hit the news, and why knowing early can make all the difference when investing.

Where not to buy can be just as telling as where to invest. In this episode, we dive into the thinking behind our latest National Top 10 Best Buys report – and why some of Australia's strongest recent performers, like Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, are no longer on the list. We explain why these booming markets have now passed their peak, and shine a light on the emerging "second wind" locations – early-stage markets with the right ingredients for future growth. If you want to spot the next wave before the crowd catches on, this is the insight you've been waiting for.

From FOMO to COMO – but is it really new? The media says we've entered the “COMO era” – Compromise Or Miss Out – as buyers face affordability pressures and tight supply. But is this a fresh trend or simply a rebrand of a long-standing reality? In this episode, we explore why compromising to get on the property ladder has always been part of the journey, and why catchy acronyms don't tell the full story. From rentvesting to regional moves, discover the truth behind the headlines – and what it really takes to build your way to that dream home.

Think Australia's property market only grew 5% last year? Think again. In this episode, we unpack why the national average is a misleading headline – and reveal the hundreds of markets across Australia that outperformed by two, three, even four times that figure. From regional boom towns to affordable pockets in smaller capitals, these are the places we've been calling out for years in our Hotspotting reports – and they've delivered. Tune in for a deep dive into the real growth stories of FY2025, backed by data from over 4,500 suburbs, and discover where property values are doubling in under five years. If you're still buying into the “lukewarm market” narrative, this one might just change your view.

Brisbane is booming — but it's not just houses leading the charge. In this episode, we dive into why Brisbane has become one of Australia's strongest-performing property markets, recently crossing the $1 million median house price mark. But here's what's even more interesting: it's the unit market that's outpacing houses in many suburbs. With massive infrastructure investment, Olympic momentum, and affordability tipping the scales, we unpack the suburbs showing standout growth — and why buyers are increasingly turning to apartments and townhouses in 2025. Tune in for data-backed insights and suburb-level trends shaping Greater Brisbane right now.

Brisbane's booming – but Regional Queensland might just be outpacing it. In this episode, we unpack why Queensland's regional markets are turning heads: strong price growth, soaring demand, and a tidal wave of infrastructure investment leading up to the 2032 Olympics. From Townsville to the Sunshine Coast, these markets are offering the ultimate property trifecta – affordability, rental yield, and capital growth potential. Tune in to find out why Regional Queensland is shaping up to be Australia's hottest property story in 2025 and beyond.

Your 40s are one of the most powerful decades to take control of your financial future—and in this episode, we show you how. Tim Graham is joined by Sam Wakefield, financial adviser and founder of Optalife, to explore practical strategies for Australians in their 40s who want to grow, protect, and future-proof their wealth. Whether you're playing catch-up, looking to scale up, or getting serious about your goals, this episode is packed with real-world advice.

Is metro market momentum really back — or is that just lazy analysis? In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the real estate headlines doing the rounds… and expose why many so-called “expert” takes just don't stack up. From regional markets outpacing the capitals to units giving houses a run for their money, the data tells a different story — if you know how to read it properly. Join us as we break down the myths, challenge the mainstream, and show you why real insight comes from experience — not economists.  

Think regional South Australia is off the radar for serious property investors? Think again. This episode dives into the standout performance of affordable regional towns like Murray Bridge — Australia's No.1 location for capital growth over the past five years. We break down the data behind the boom, reveal why “cheapies with prospects” are delivering nation-leading returns, and explore where the next high-growth opportunities may lie. If you're chasing value, yields and growth — this is one episode you don't want to miss.

Australia's household wealth has hit a record-breaking $17.3 trillion — but what's really driving this surge? In this episode, we explore the numbers behind the boom, uncovering why property still holds the crown as the nation's top wealth-builder. Is Australia's real estate obsession sustainable? What role is super starting to play? And how might intergenerational wealth shape the future? Join us for a quick, insightful dive into what's fuelling this financial momentum — and what it means for you.

Is Australia really on the brink of a property boom… just because interest rates dropped a little? That's what the headlines want you to believe—but the real story is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the growing wave of misinformation flooding mainstream media about real estate. From journalists with zero property knowledge to shiny “senior economists” spinning fairy tales, it's no wonder consumers are confused. We challenge the obsession with interest rates as the be-all and end-all of property forecasting—and explore what's actually driving markets like Darwin, Melbourne, and Regional Victoria. If you're tired of shallow headlines and want real, nuanced insight into what shapes Australian property, this episode is for you.

What if you didn't have to choose between strong rental income and serious capital growth? In this episode, we dive into new data from The Pulse—a quarterly report that spotlights 50 high-performing property markets across Australia. These aren't your typical hotspots: we're talking yields of 6–8%, paired with one-year capital growth averaging 18%—at a time when the national average was just 3%. From Townsville to Bunbury, you'll hear real examples of suburbs delivering double-digit gains and cashflow that stacks up. If you're an investor chasing the elusive sweet spot between growth and income, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

At a time when many investors feel forced to choose between yield and growth, Hotspotting's Pulse Report proves you can still have both, if you know where to look. In this TickerNews interview, Tim Graham breaks down the insights from the latest Winter 2025 edition of The Pulse Report, revealing 50 Australian suburbs with strong rental yields and solid prospects for capital growth. Tim also reviews the standout results from the 2024 edition, where featured markets like Townsville's Aitkenvale and WA's Midland achieved capital growth of 35–40%, far outperforming the national average of just 3%. 

Is Regional NSW Australia's next property hotspot?

Which property markets are heating up—and which are cooling down? In this episode of The Property Playbook, Tim Graham sits down with Australia's leading independent property analyst, Terry Ryder of Hotspotting, to unpack the insights from the Winter 2025 edition of the Price Predictor Index. Discover which capital cities and regional areas are showing the strongest buyer demand right now, which markets are entering a second growth wave, and why Sydney has fallen to last place.

Australia's housing crisis is deepening — but why are land prices still soaring even as sales hit a 25-year low? In this episode, we unpack the latest Residential Land Report, exposing the growing mismatch between demand and supply of shovel-ready land. From skyrocketing prices in Perth to policy inertia in Canberra, we explore what's fuelling the bottleneck, why the government's 1.2 million homes target may be wishful thinking, and what it all means for affordability, construction, and first-home buyers. Curious about the real roadblocks to housing in Australia? Tune in.    

Everyone wants growth — but what about consistency? In this episode, we explore a different kind of opportunity: Australia's most consistent property markets, where buyer demand remains steady quarter after quarter. These are the quiet achievers — suburbs and regions that may not always make headlines but have delivered impressive long-term growth. We highlight: ✅ The top 50 most consistent locations across Australia

Navigating Today's Property Market with Terry Ryder In this episode, Terry Ryder—Australia's leading property analyst and founder of Hotspotting—joins host Adam Horth of Smartre Training to unpack the true state of the Australian real estate market. Drawing on decades of research and market-watching, Terry delivers a clear-eyed analysis of property trends and growth prospects across the country, breaking it down state by state. From regional hotspots to shifting buyer behaviour, this conversation sheds light on what's shaping the market right now—and what smart investors need to watch next. Terry also shares what it really means to be a property investor in today's climate. From rising interest rates and tight supply, to the strategies that still work despite the noise, this episode is packed with practical insights for those serious about long-term success in real estate. Plus, don't miss Terry's top book recommendations for investors and business builders alike: Built to Sell by John Warrillow The War of Art by Steven Pressfield The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham For more resources and upcoming events, visit: Smartre Training Programs Smartre's Top Performers Seminars and Events Submit your Field Challenger Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode offers the clarity and direction you need to navigate the property market with confidence. Tune in and make your next move a smart one.

Think Sydney and Melbourne lead the property market? Think again. In this episode, we reveal the surprising frontrunners from the Winter edition of The Price Predictor Index — and it's the smaller capitals and regional markets stealing the spotlight.

What's really happening in Australia's property markets? In this episode, we break down the new Winter edition of the Price Predictor Index — and the results are anything but expected.

Why Moving House Costs More Than You Think Thinking of moving home? It's not just about finding the right property anymore — the real hurdle is the staggering cost of moving. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, transaction costs for selling, buying, and relocating now average over $100,000. For many, this financial burden is a major reason they stay put, even when their current home no longer suits their needs. The biggest single cost? Stamp duty — a tax often called the silent killer of housing mobility. Why is this outdated tax still strangling the market, and how could reform unlock hundreds of thousands of homes across Australia? Join us as we explore the hidden costs, the impact on families and the economy, and why political leadership is urgently needed to break this costly cycle.

Affordable Housing: The Great Political Mirage Politicians love to promise “affordable housing” — but where are the numbers? Behind the headlines and media events, affordable homes remain an elusive dream, buried under soaring land prices, construction costs, and government taxes. From Brisbane's zoning reforms to Sydney's grand plans, we unpack why these announcements often fall short of reality. Why is genuine affordability missing from the conversation? And what's really stopping new homes from becoming truly affordable? Tune in as we cut through the spin and reveal the hard truths about Australia's housing crisis.

Is Australia really heading into the “grandaddy of all property booms” just because of a couple of interest rate cuts? If you believe the headlines, that's exactly what's happening. But here's the problem: those headlines are mostly rubbish. In this episode, we cut through the media hype and take a hard look at what's really driving property prices – and it's not interest rates. From shallow journalism to economist echo chambers, we expose the flawed logic behind the property boom narrative and explain why it doesn't stack up against real data or historical precedent. Join us as we unpack the truth about housing supply, buyer demand, and the political dysfunction fuelling affordability woes. If you're buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, this episode is your reality check. Forget the hype. Get the facts.

How does someone go from trading commodities in New York City to selling some of Melbourne's most luxurious homes? In this episode of The Property Playbook, host Tim Graham sits down with Nicholas Brooks, Director of Marshall White Stonnington, to explore his unique journey into real estate and what it takes to thrive in the top end of Melbourne's property market.

Australia is one of the most urbanised nations on earth, but how is its population growth reshaping the map? New data from .id reveals surprising trends across the country's fifty largest cities and towns. Some regional centres are surging ahead while others are slipping behind. The Sunshine Coast has quietly become the fastest growing city in the nation, just ahead of Perth. Geelong, Ballarat and Hervey Bay are rising fast, while places like Whyalla tell a very different story. Melbourne has overtaken Sydney again, and a small but booming area in Lake Macquarie has broken into the top fifty for the first time. What do these population shifts reveal about the future of Australia's property market? And which cities could be the next major investment hotspots?

What do some of the highest rental yields in Australia have in common with some of the biggest property busts? In this episode, we explore the darker side of high yield towns and why some locations that promise strong returns can become financial traps. From Moranbah to Port Hedland, the history of boom and bust in resource-driven towns is littered with painful lessons. Why are some towns offering yields above 12 percent while their property values plummet? What really lies beneath the glossy headlines and impressive statistics? And why are so many of these markets cheap for a reason? This episode unpacks the data and the real stories behind twenty towns investors should think twice about.        

Why does it now cost nearly a million dollars to build a basic home in Australia? The latest NAB Residential Property Survey reveals some uncomfortable truths. Construction costs are soaring, government taxes and delays are adding layers of expense, and productivity in the building sector has fallen dramatically over the past 30 years. Yet investors are still being blamed for rising prices, even though they make up just a quarter of buyers. So what is really driving the housing crisis? If you want to understand the forces shaping property prices, affordability and supply across the country, and what the media is not telling you, listen to this episode today.

This was one of the most highly anticipated and highly attended webinars of the year — and for good reason. In this exclusive session, Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder and iBuyNew CEO Daniel Petersen explore the powerful impact the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will have on property markets across South East Queensland. ✔ Learn from case studies of past Olympic host cities, including Sydney, Athens, London, and Tokyo ✔ Discover how infrastructure, population growth, and legacy planning have driven real estate booms ✔ Understand why Brisbane is poised to outperform every other Australian city over the next decade ✔ See the key suburbs and property types set to benefit most ✔ Preview real investment opportunities in Kangaroo Point and Milton, Brisbane Whether you're a first-time investor or building a portfolio, this session will help you understand why the time to act is before the Olympic flame is lit.

Government support for first-home buyers always seems to spark the same criticism: that it drives up prices and does more harm than good. But where's the evidence? In this episode, we unpack the recurring claims that FHB schemes like deposit guarantees and grants inflate property values — and ask why these arguments persist despite a lack of supporting data. We explore how media narratives often miss the mark, focusing blame on young buyers instead of tackling the real issues: supply constraints, high construction costs, and planning bottlenecks. If helping first-home buyers is always the “wrong move,” what's the alternative? In this episode: The myth that FHB support causes price spikes What the data actually says (and doesn't say) Why the supply-side crisis is the real problem How policy debates are missing the point This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered whether helping first-home buyers is hurting the market — and wants an evidence-based perspective instead of a political spin.

After several years of standout growth, Perth's housing market is starting to cool — but that doesn't mean it's headed for a fall. In this episode, we break down the latest indicators showing that Perth's price growth has slowed, even as the state's economy remains one of the strongest in the country. We also look beyond the capital to Regional WA, where several markets continue to perform strongly, and explore what investors should watch for next. In this episode: Why Perth's growth has passed its peak The latest data on price movement and sales activity How strong economic fundamentals are supporting WA markets Opportunities that still exist in units and regional areas If you're tracking the next move in WA's property cycle, this episode gives you the data and context to stay ahead.

Scapegoating has become Australia's unofficial national sport — and nowhere is this more obvious than in the commentary surrounding our housing crisis. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the latest wave of finger-pointing, where so-called NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) and Baby Boomers are being blamed for everything from unaffordable housing to stalled development. But is the narrative that older Australians are refusing to downsize or that local residents are blocking new homes actually backed by evidence? Or is it a convenient distraction from deeper, more uncomfortable truths? Tune in as we cut through the noise, challenge the conventional media narrative, and call for a more honest, evidence-based conversation about housing supply, planning, and political accountability. Key topics covered: The myth of downsizing as a supply solution How NIMBY scapegoating distracts from systemic problems Why development isn't happening in many suburbs — and it's not because of residents The true barriers to building new homes in Australia What needs to change for real housing reform to happen If you're tired of the blame game and ready for a more informed look at the housing crisis, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we challenge the growing media and political narrative blaming older Australians for the housing crisis. With new data from Australian Seniors and PropTrack, we unpack why the push to guilt Baby Boomers into downsizing is not only misguided — it's deeply unfair and factually wrong. We expose the lazy policy thinking behind the idea that empty nesters are hoarding homes, and explain why the real culprits are chronic supply shortages, failed planning systems, outdated pension rules, and a political class allergic to real reform. From rising relocation costs to a lack of suitable alternatives, we examine the complex reasons why downsizing isn't the easy fix the headlines claim. This is a must-listen for anyone tired of shallow blame games and looking for real solutions to Australia's housing crisis.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of Australia's most remarkable and resilient property markets—Adelaide. While other cities like Perth are losing momentum, Adelaide continues its upward trajectory, now entering its sixth year of steady growth. Backed by data from Hotspotting's latest Price Predictor Index, we unpack why buyer demand remains high, which LGAs are leading the charge, and how Adelaide's long-dismissed real estate market has evolved into a national frontrunner for capital growth. We'll explore the suburbs showing the strongest signs of continued price increases, the economic drivers supporting the boom, and why Adelaide has surpassed even Melbourne in median dwelling prices. Whether you're an investor or just fascinated by real estate trends, this episode reveals why Adelaide remains a hot market worth watching.

With over 15,000 suburbs across Australia, how do you know where to invest next—and which markets are set to outperform? In this episode of The Property Playbook, host Tim Graham sits down with Australia's leading property analyst, Terry Ryder, to reveal the latest insights from Hotspotting's National Top 10 Best Buys report. Unlike media-driven “hotspots,” these locations have been handpicked for their long-term growth potential, strong local economies, and critical infrastructure investment.

As the federal election approaches, housing policy has finally hit the spotlight — but not for the right reasons. In this episode, Terry Ryder cuts through the spin and dive into the political theatre playing out between major parties over Australia's housing crisis. From vote-chasing tax perks to demand-boosting band-aid schemes, he unpacks why both Labor and the Coalition are missing the mark — and how their policies could actually make things worse.  Plus, he takes aim at the Greens' rental rhetoric and ask the question no one seems to be answering: where are the real structural reforms? If you're tired of housing headlines full of sugar and no substance, this one's for you.

With housing affordability now a key battleground in the federal election, Tim Graham, Managing Director of Hotspotting, joins Ahron Young on TickerNews to unpack what the major parties are promising—and whether those policies will make any real difference. In this episode, Tim explains why most policies on offer are short-term, demand-side sugar hits that fail to address the root of Australia's housing crisis: supply.

In this episode, Terry Ryder dismantles the media myths surrounding landlords and reveals a far more sobering reality — most investors aren't profiting, they're bleeding cash. With 65% operating at a loss and many forced to sell, Ryder explores why the rental market is under serious threat. From rising interest rates to hostile policies, he exposes how the system is pushing mum-and-dad investors to the brink — and why that spells trouble for renters too. If you're a property investor, tenant, or just someone trying to make sense of Australia's housing mess, don't miss this episode. Subscribe now, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear the truth behind the headlines. The facts matter — and Terry Ryder is here to set the record straight.

Perth's Property Market at its Peak: Tim Graham discusses the shift in Perth's property market as it reaches its peak. He shares insights from Hotspotting's Price Predictor Index, explaining how rising sales activity often leads to price growth, and how Perth's market is now experiencing a slowdown due to decreasing sales. Why Perth Was Doing Well: The strength of Perth's recent growth can be attributed to a proactive state government, affordability, and a resurgence after many years of stagnant prices. Tim highlights how the state's openness to investors has played a key role in this boom. The Emergence of New Market Leaders: With Perth cooling down, other markets are emerging as leaders. Tim explains that Melbourne, despite economic challenges, is showing positive rankings in many suburbs. With a correction in its market and its relative affordability compared to Sydney, Melbourne is attracting new investment. The Impact of Affordability on Investment: Tim shares his thoughts on why people are moving to more affordable areas, not just due to COVID, but as part of a broader trend of seeking better lifestyle options. The ongoing affordability factor in Melbourne and other markets is a key driver of growth.  Infrastructure Projects and Market Impact: Tim discusses how infrastructure developments, like the Westgate Tunnel project in Melbourne, are expected to influence property prices, particularly in the city's west. However, he questions whether these infrastructure projects will be a game changer for the market. Interest Rates and  Housing Affordability: The conversation touches on the possible future of interest rates in Australia. Tim explains that the biggest challenge in real estate isn't interest rates but the lack of housing, which continues to drive prices up despite rate changes. overnment Policy and the Housing Shortage: The interview wraps up with a discussion about the Victorian government's efforts to alleviate housing affordability, including stamp duty discounts. Tim points out the unintended consequences of these policies, suggesting that the focus should be on helping developers to start new projects.

In this update, Tim Graham from Hotspotting breaks down the key insights from the Autumn 2025 edition of the Price Predictor Index — revealing which Australian property markets are rising, which are steady, and which are slipping into decline. We analyse 14 major jurisdictions across the nation — from capital cities like Darwin, Melbourne, and Adelaide to regional powerhouses like Regional South Australia, Regional Queensland, and Regional Victoria. With detailed suburb-level insights and sales activity trends, this update highlights the suburbs and towns with real momentum behind them.

Terry Ryder—founder of Hotspotting.com.au and Australia's #1 independent real estate analyst—joins Ahron Young in the Ticker studio to unpack the 2025–26 Federal Budget and what it didn't address: the worsening housing crisis. From unaffordable home prices and stalled construction to the lack of support for investors and renters alike, Terry pulls no punches as he explains the structural failures that continue to drive Australia's housing shortage.

Politicians at the upper levels of government have failed to deal with the cost-of-living pressures faced by Australians, including all the major components of high inflation such as electricity prices and the high cost of housing.   Rather than deal with the underlying core issues, our elected representatives prefer to wait until an election is looming and then throw cash donations at voters to give the impression of dealing with the core problems.   At the previous federal election three years ago, Anthony Albanese and his colleagues promised to bring down power prices. But electricity costs have continued to rise - so now, with an election due soon, the PM is splashing the cash to give the appearance of action.   This is one of a number of vote-buying measures that are adding to government spending, which adds to inflationary pressures and is likely to see interest rates higher for longer.   And that means impacts not only on families with mortgages but also tenants with higher and higher rents – all of which adds to the inflation spiral.   Three years in government and Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and their pals have failed to make even the slightest dent in all the big issues in real estate.   Housing affordability is the worst ever. Vacancies are at historic lows. Rental affordability is the worst ever recorded. The cost of building new homes is at record levels, with a new house and land package costing close to a million dollars – and over 40% of that cost is government taxes, fees and charges.   Every time a government makes a decision that impacts on these problems, they make them worse, not better.   The Federal Government is now proposing to donate some of our tax dollars to first-home buyers facing that problem of the worst housing affordability ever recorded.   It's had three years to deal with the fundamental causes of poor affordability, including the hideously high cost of building new homes, but has achieved nothing.   So now they're bringing on a cash splash, dressed up as a measure to combat poor housing affordability.    But it will do nothing to deal with the fundamental issue, which is the high cost of housing. Indeed, many analysts argue that grants to first home buyers fuel demand and therefore price rises, making the underlying problem worse.   What the country needs, in times of high inflation, high interest rates and high housing costs, is measures to deal with the core problems – not handouts in the lead-up to an election, which is tantamount to putting a band-aid on a broken leg.