August 2026 Property Market Update | Cotality HVI, HSBC Exit & Home Loan Review
As we move into August, there have been two significant developments in the property and lending market that homeowners, buyers and refinancers should be aware of.
This month we're covering:
📉 The latest Cotality Home Value Index (HVI)
🏦 HSBC's exit from Australian retail banking
💰 Why now could be the ideal time to review your home loan
📉 Cotality Home Value Index – July 2026
The latest Cotality Home Value Index (HVI) shows Australia's housing market has continued to soften, with national home values recording their largest monthly decline since December 2022.
While no one likes to see headlines about falling property prices, changing markets also create opportunities.
For buyers, properties may spend longer on the market, vendors can become more negotiable, and there may be less competition compared to the fast-moving markets we've experienced over recent years.
At the same time, lenders continue to compete strongly for quality borrowers, with many offering competitive pricing and flexible lending solutions.
Whether you're looking to purchase your first home, upgrade, invest or refinance, current market conditions may present opportunities that simply weren't available 12 months ago.
As always, every property market is different. Local conditions, property type and your long-term goals remain the most important factors when making property decisions.
🏦 HSBC Exiting Retail Banking in Australia
If you're an HSBC Australia customer, you may have recently received notification that your banking arrangements are changing.
HSBC has announced its exit from Australian retail banking, with Pepper Money acquiring HSBC's Australian mortgage portfolio. As part of this transition, affected customers are also being advised that their HSBC transaction accounts, savings accounts and credit cards will be closing.
While changes like these can be unsettling, they also provide an excellent opportunity to review your overall banking and lending arrangements.
Ask yourself:
✔ Is my interest rate still competitive?
✔ Does my home loan still suit my current financial goals?
✔ Could another lender provide better features or greater flexibility?
✔ Is there an opportunity to reduce my repayments?
If your mortgage is transferring to Pepper Money, remember you don't have to stay with the new lender. Reviewing your options could help you secure a more competitive loan that's better suited to your needs.
🔍 Is It Time for a Home Loan Review?
With property prices softening in many areas and lenders continuing to compete for business, now could be one of the best times in recent years to review your home loan.
A home loan review could help you:
Reduce your interest rate.
Lower your monthly repayments.
Access equity for renovations or future investments.
Consolidate existing debts.
Ensure your loan still aligns with your financial goals.
Many borrowers are surprised by how much the lending landscape has changed over the past 12 months.
🤝 We're Here to Help
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, investing or simply wanting to understand your options, we're here to help.
At Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions, we work for you—not the banks.
With access to a broad panel of 40+ lenders, we compare your options and tailor finance solutions to your individual circumstances, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
If it's been more than 12 months since your last home loan review, or you've been affected by HSBC's banking changes, we'd love to help.
📞 Contact Shona Stephenson, Principal Mortgage Broker, Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions today to arrange your complimentary Home Loan Review.
We look forward to helping you take your next step with confidence.
The information contained is general information only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation and needs. Please talk to us if you need a fast-tracked home loan, and we can help you find a lender that has the processes in place to process the application quickly. We strongly recommend that you do not act on any information provided on 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.
