28/07/2025
A new national survey has revealed that the majority of Australia’s mortgage brokers expect increased business as a result of the federal government’s latest housing policy reforms.
According to the Finance Brokers Association of Australia’s (FBAA) bi-monthly poll, 68% of brokers believe these initiatives will generate a rise in client demand.
This optimism follows the Albanese government’s commitment to making housing more accessible. Key measures include reducing the minimum deposit required for first-home buyers to just 5% and investing $10 billion to construct 100,000 new homes. With these changes now on the horizon, brokers across the country are preparing for heightened engagement from prospective buyers.
The FBAA emphasised the importance of brokers being across the details of new government programs. With the proposed lower deposit scheme set to widen access to the property market, brokers who fully understand these changes will be best positioned to guide clients through available opportunities.
The survey also pointed to a strengthening outlook within the industry despite broader economic uncertainty. The FBAA noted that mortgage professionals should continue focusing on compliance, strategic marketing, and sound business planning, especially as borrower activity begins to build momentum.
Views among brokers were divided on the wider effects of Labor’s housing agenda. While 33% predicted a positive impact, 38% anticipated a negative one, and 29% remained neutral. However, brokers who take time to understand the new policy landscape are likely to gain a competitive edge.
The results also revealed an encouraging trend in broker wellbeing. Compared to earlier in the year, fewer professionals reported experiencing work-related stress. In May, 52% of brokers said they were unaffected by stress in the past six months, up from 38% in April. At the same time, reports of feeling unsupported in managing stress declined from 41% to 25%.
Generational differences also emerged, with younger brokers showing greater confidence in the reforms. Among those aged 50 or younger, 42% viewed the government’s housing changes positively, compared to only 27% of brokers over 50. Additionally, newer and younger brokers expressed stronger expectations for growth in refinancing activity over the next six months.
The lack of affordable housing was named the biggest barrier to home ownership, followed by difficulties in saving a deposit and tight lending criteria. While many brokers support the lowered deposit requirement, some in the industry, including mortgage insurers and property analysts, have voiced concerns about potential risks such as housing inflation, constrained supply, and broader financial system vulnerabilities.
As these developments unfold, mortgage brokers will play a critical role in helping Australians navigate an evolving housing market. Understanding the finer points of these government measures will be essential in delivering sound, strategic advice to clients in a competitive environment.