FEAR & GREED | Business News Aussie housing hits $12.3 tr; Woolies AI for shoppers; world’s fastest growing app
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Jan 13, 2026 The Australian housing market hits a whopping $12.3 trillion, but price rises may slow this year. Kevin Rudd is stepping down as the ambassador to the US amid political tensions. The new Endeavour chief plans to shake up prices at bottle shops and pubs. Woolworths is set to revolutionize grocery shopping with AI assistance. Plus, discover the fascinating rise of a viral app that encourages check-ins for solo households, rapidly becoming the fastest-growing app worldwide.
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Housing Market Reaches $12.3 Trillion
- Australia's housing market reached $12.3 trillion, driven by strong 2025 gains but with slowing momentum into 2026.
- Analysts expect continued price rises in 2026 but at a lower rate due to tighter conditions and policy shifts.
2025 Gains Led By Affordable Homes
- Median home values jumped 8.6% in 2025, one of the strongest years in decades but growth was easing by year-end.
- Lower-quartile homes led the gains, signalling buyers sought more affordable options amid stronger transaction volumes.
Rates Matter — But Other Forces Matter Too
- Interest rates matter greatly but aren't the sole driver; fiscal policy, migration, credit rules and housing starts also shape prices.
- Upcoming bank lending rule changes and supply-side factors make 2026 less certain for owners versus buyers.