Will rate rise dampen growth locally?
By Jo Kennett
THE RESERVE Bank of Australia lifted rates on Tuesday by 25 basis points, to 4.1 per cent to combat inflation which is set to soar because of the war, following a similar rise in February which did little to slow demand in the Tweed Shire.
That’s expected to increase the average owner-occupier’s monthly mortgage repayments by approximately $91, based on a $600,000 loan.
The market locally has proved resilient due to high demand and limited supply, with some forecasts predicting more, but slower growth in 2026.
Before Operation Epic Failure kicked off, property prices in parts of the shire seem to have plateaued, but hadn’t really dropped, whereas in some cities they had.
There was a pretty steep price increase last year for
Tweed Heads properties, up from around $1.3 million median to $1.66 million by last September.
That’s now settled to around $1.64 million at the end of February.
Murwillumbah saw a less steep rise in prices over the past year, but it still went up, and since December has settled at around $943,500.
Pottsville property peaked in 2022 at around $1.48 million then dropped to around $1.22 later that year and gradually rose to $1,477,500 in February.
Cotality’s Asia Pacific Head of Research, Tim Lawless said this week that the Australian housing market is beginning to show early signs of cooling.
“Clearly the market’s starting to slow down a little bit, a few cracks emerging on the back of affordability and serviceability challenges,” he said, adding that the February rate rise had played a key role. You would expect the latest rise
Open Homes
All times are DST unless specified. Saturday, March 21
DJ Stringer
• 169 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah 9–9:30am
• 4/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga 9–9:30am QLD Time
• 6/311 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga 9–9:30am QLD Time
• 1/42-44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads 10–10:30am
• 2046/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads 10:45–11:15am
• 14 Tyrone Terrace, Banora Point 11–11:30am
• 2104/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads 11:15–11:45am
to have a similar effect.
Markets are factoring in another rise in May, which will mean three rises this year. Will it force some investors out of the market? Only time will tell but that is quite likely as well.
There was quite a bit of movement with the Albanese government bringing forward its First Home Buyers 5 per cent deposit scheme to October and launching the Help to Buy shared equity (2 per cent deposit) scheme in December, which saw a rush of investors trying to get in before all the first home buyers.
The war in the Middle East will see a big rise in inflation, which may drag on, because one of the biggest causes of inflation is rising fuel prices which have skyrocketed as oil supply from the region slows. That leads to higher consumer prices for goods and services.
Pushing up rates to combat
• 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta 11:15–11:45am QLD Time
• 16/19 Ivory Cres, Tweed Heads 12–12:30pm
• 33 Inlet Dr, Tweed Heads West 12–12:30pm
• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta 12:15–12:45pm QLD Time
Tate Brownlee Real Estate
• 8 Glenys Street, Tweed Heads South, 9–9:30am
• 56 Terranora Road, Banora Point, 9–9:30am
• 20/14 Lorikeet Dr, Tweed Heads South, 10–10:30am
• 5 Admiralty Pl, Banora Point, 10–10:30am 14 Laura St, Banora Point, 10–10:30am
• 59 Banora Boulevard, Banora Point, 11–11:30am
• 17 Ossa Boulevard, Terranora, 12–12:30pm
• 22/61 Marana St, Bilambil Heights, 12–12:30pm
• 13 Cobaki Rd, Tweed Heads West, 1–1:30pm
rising inflation comes with its own dangers, as Michelle Bullock and her team know.
One landlord who owns 25 properties said, just before the RBA met, that a rate rise would see rents increase and they wouldn’t go down, unlike mortgages. Rising rates pushes up rental and construction costs, which pushes up inflation which pushes up interest rates. As far as blunt instruments go it’s like hitting a nail with a sledgehammer and smashing your fingers in the process.
Time will tell how international events play out locally but, sadly, the impact looks likely to be ongoing.
Raine and Horne Jet
Hot property
OUR HOT Property this week is truly one of a kind: one property, four gorgeous dwellings and impressive income potential, all just a short stroll from the beach at Kingscliff.
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The main residence features three spacious bedrooms with built-in robes and a light-filled openplan living and dining area.
The stylish kitchen with stone benchtops includes a servery window opening to a large timber deck, perfect for barbecues and alfresco dining.
A beautifully furnished granny flat offers high ceilings, open-plan living, full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry and a sunny north-facing deck.
A self-contained studio includes a kitchenette, bathroom, laundry and courtyard, while a converted three-car garage provides a single garage plus a large multi-purpose room.
“Sunset” is for sale with Adrianna Jenkins at Northern River Property Group, with a price guide of $2.2 to $2.35 million.
• 7 Peter Street, Murwillumbah 9:30–10:00am
• Panorama Estate: 2891 Kyogle Rd, Kunghur 10–2:00pm
• 629 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah 10:30–11:00am
• 18 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores 12–1:00pm First National Murwillumbah
• 145 Smiths Creek Road, Uki 10:30am–11:00am
• 129 Minnows Road, Fernvale 11:30am–12:00pm Schmith Estate Agents
• 177 Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads West 10:00–10:30am
• 501/215 Boundary Street Coolangatta 11–11:30am QLD time
• 11/28 Coolangatta Road Coolangatta 12:30–1pm QLD time
• 63 Piggabeen Road Tweed Heads West 2:30–3pm The Agency
• Unit 3/ 22 Garrick Street, Coolangatta, 10.30–11am Qld time
• 6 Ivory Crescent, Tweed Heads, 10.30–11am LS Properties
• 5 Waugh Street, Chinderah, Auction, 9am9:30am
• 57 Cabarita Road, Bogangar, Auction, 11am11:30am
• 5 Brady Place, North Tumbulgum, Auction, 9:30am-10am
• 8 Brushbox Court, Bogangar, 10am-10:30am
• 102 Farrants Road, Farrants Hill, 10:30am-11am
• 8 Candlenut Street, Casuarina, 11am-11:30am
• Emerald Mountain View, Tanglewood, Auction, 1pm-1.30pm
4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2 Car
Commanding a private position with a peaceful outlook across the greenspace of Casuarina Beach, this stunning residence is an oasis of unparalleled quality and relaxed comfort for families and their guests.
Proudly positioned in the esteemed enclave of She-Oak Lane in northern Casuarina, with direct beach access, 35 She-Oak Lane emerges from its private paradise as the ultimate lifestyle property. Exemplary in every aspect, this fusion of coastal elegance and timeless architecture will stand the test of time.
Drawing inspiration from the coastal landscape to bring the natural beauty of the surroundings inside, this property emphasises the use of natural materials, light timbers, stone, and soft furnishings, to create a sense of organic texture and a connection to the Casuarina coastal environment.
Soaring ceilings, including a 6-metre void above the dining room, add space, light, and romance. Flawless tiling and lavish stone features layer this floor plan with a luxurious ambiance. Showcasing multiple living zones, a designer kitchen, and resort-style amenities, including a home cinema, 12-metre lap pool, feature limestone fireplace, and outdoor alfresco entertaining zone, this residence is the key to your new Casuarina lifestyle.
We are proud to represent 3 She-Oak Lanek, Casuarina. An architectural masterpiece of space, light & flexibility.
Please contact Nick Witheriff on 0405 618 477 or Carol Witheriff on 0413 056 405 to arrange your exclusive viewing.
Contact Witheriff Group for a FULL information memorandum.
Nick Witheriff: 0405 618 477
Carol Witheriff: 0413 056 405 www.witheriffgroup.com.au
35 She-Oak Lane, Casuarina
Same people, new brand.
Over the past six months, we have been working closely with a well-known and highly respected national real estate brand. Following careful consideration, we are proud to announce that Jason and Elizabeth will be joining Raine & Horne as franchise owners, trading as Raine & Horne Jet
From 15 January 2026, we will no longer trade under JET Real Estate. Our company name remains Jet Property Consultants Pty Ltd, now trading as Raine & Horne Jet. This move allows us to continue offering the same trusted local service, supported by the strength, reach, and over 140 years of real estate expertise that Raine & Horne provides.
Our passion is finding your best way of living.
Shop 2/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah
Phone: (02) 6672 2499
Positioned within the Eden Apartments complex just one street back from the sand, this elevated fifth-floor residence offers a rare opportunity to secure a light-filled coastal apartment in the heart of Rainbow Bay. One of only nineteen apartments in the building and with just two residences per floor, the north-east facing residence captures natural light and ocean breezes while enjoying the privacy of a well-maintained building
177 KENNEDY DRIVE, TWEED HEADS WEST
Positioned in a central growth corridor, this substantial 2,662sqm holding presents a rare opportunity to secure a large residential site with valuable dual street frontage. Offering immediate rental income from the existing house, the property provides flexibility for investors, developers or land-bankers looking to capitalise on a wellconnected Tweed Heads West location close to the river, beaches and key infrastructure. A scarce large-scale residential holding in a tightly held location, offering immediate income and outstanding future potential.
14 Tyrone Terrace Banora Point
DUAL LIVING FAMILY HOME - with scenic views'
Privately elevated on a 714m2 corner allotment to capture the cool summer breeze, you will feel right at home within this 4-bedroom residence that includes a versatile ground level 1 bedroom studio, equipped with kitchenette and own bathroom, ideal for dual living, home business or those seeking family independence.
• Self-contained 1 bedroom airconditioned studio with bathroom, kitchenette & private entry
• Open plan air-conditioned living & dining w/ polished timber flooring
169 Tweed Valley Way Murwillumbah
TRI-LEVEL FAMILY ENTERTAINER –imagine the lifestyle'
From the moment you arrive home, you will enjoy the natural waterfront ambience from most vantage points, within this light filled 4-bedroom residence, anchored on a prime 654m2 absolute riverfront allotment.
Buyer Guide $1.5M
Open Saturday Saturday 11:00-11:30am (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au
Buyer Guide $1.295M
Open Sat 9:00-9:30am (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 4 3 2
16/19 Ivory Crescent
Tweed Heads
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT LIVINGGreenbank Island'
Immerse yourself into a healthy way of life from this solid first level 2-bedroom lifestyle unit (just one of 8 in this building) commanding splendid water views across rolling lawns of the ever-changing Tweed River. Buyer Guide $950K
Sat 12:00-12:30pm (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731
6/311 Golden Four Drive Bilinga
LIVING THE BEACHFRONT DREAM
Immerse yourself into a beachy lifestyle from this original 3-bedroom first level residence (just one of 9 only) situated at the rear, however, enjoys a lovely ocean vista from the living area and water views from each bedroom.
2 2
9:00-9:30am (QLD) David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au
33 Inlet Drive
Tweed Heads West
TWO COUNCIL APPROVED DWELLINGS ON ONE TITLE - Endless options
This unique property offers two council-approved dwellings on one title, delivering an exceptional opportunity for investors seeking strong rental income. Equally appealing to owner-occupiers, the flexible layout allows you to live in one while renting the other.
Buyer Guide $1.295M
Open Sat 12:00-12:30pm (NSW)
Stringer 0418 150 731
HOW
TO ENTER
ENTRIES CLOSE TUESDAY 31st MARCH DRAWN WEDNESDAY 1st APRIL Take a photo of your entry and email: reception@djstringer.com.au or send via messages to Facebook: DJ Stringer Property Services or send via post to: 76 Griffith Street Coolangatta QLD 4225 or drop it into our office at: 76 Griffith Street Coolangatta
Riverfront Homestead - Equine Estate
Framed by the flowing Rous River and gazing directlyto the iconic silhouette of Mt Warning, this riverfront estate is a private rural sanctuary where luxury living, and world-class equine infrastructure exist in complete harmony. Welcome to 76 Dulguigan Road. Manicured paddocks, extensive stabling and a covered training arena create a professional-level equine environment, with infrastructure designed for efficiency and horse welfare. 76 Dulguigan Road,
