How jobs and interest rates affect home buyer budgets
By Ben Price·Posted
Jobs and interest rates can affect buyers' confidence, borrowing capacity and comfortable repayment budgets. Before selling, ask your agent about the buyers for comparable homes, their next steps after inspections and the evidence behind the pricing strategy. National figures provide context, not a prediction of your sale price.
In the releases discussed here, as at 19 October 2026, the ABS reported September unemployment at 4.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis, while the trend rate remained 4.6%. Its 15 October release cautioned about survey changes and favoured the trend series for understanding the underlying labour market. One month's figures won't tell you what your home will sell for.
The Reserve Bank's September meeting minutes, released on 13 October, also described pressure from inflation and weaker new housing lending. The cash rate was raised to 4.60% at that September meeting; the minutes were not another rate decision.
How employment and interest rates influence buyer budgets
If someone is worried about their job, they may think twice about a bigger mortgage. Higher repayments and everyday bills can also leave less room in the budget. That can affect what a buyer feels comfortable offering, even when they really like the home.
Of course, buyers aren't all in the same position. A buyer with substantial equity may face different constraints from someone purchasing with a small deposit. An interstate mover may have a deadline that matters more than the next economic announcement.
Your agent should be able to explain who is likely to buy your home and what those buyers are looking for right now. Ask for examples from recent comparable campaigns, with appropriate respect for buyers' privacy.
How to assess buyer interest after an open home
It's encouraging to have people through an open home. But the number of visitors only tells you so much. A visitor may be researching, waiting to sell another property or still confirming finance.
Ask your agent how they work out who is just having a look and who is taking the next step. Are people returning for another inspection? Requesting the contract? Arranging due diligence? Have they raised a timing or finance condition that needs to be understood?
Your agent can't guarantee a buyer's loan approval or share their private financial records. They can explain what buyers are doing next, what questions they're asking and what might be holding them back.
What should your agent report during the selling campaign?
Before your home goes on the market, agree on when your agent will update you and what they'll cover. Ask them to explain the enquiries, inspections, return visits and offers, as well as how many people have viewed the listing online.
If things are quiet, ask your agent to help you understand why. Is the advertised information complete? Does the presentation match the likely buyer? Are competing properties offering something materially different? Is the price expectation supported by current evidence?
You don't have to jump to a price change after a quiet inspection. Equally, it helps to stay open to what the evidence is telling you. A good review should leave you clearer about what to do next and why.
Plan your next purchase and property settlement timing
Think about what needs to happen once your home sells. These might include another purchase, a move for work, storage, rent or loan repayments while the property remains on the market.
Ask your broker or lender to confirm your position if you also intend to buy. Ask your solicitor or conveyancer about the timing and contractual implications of any offer. Keep a realistic allowance for the period between accepting an offer and receiving settlement funds.
Let your agent know what matters most to you. The highest offer may come with conditions you need to understand. Another offer might suit your timing better. Your legal and finance advisers can help you understand those differences before you commit.
What to ask your agent about the pricing strategy
"Given today's buyers, what would you need to see in the first part of the campaign to know the strategy is working?"
Look for an answer you can understand, backed by recent local sales and a clear plan for keeping you informed. You should leave the meeting knowing what the agent recommends and why it suits your property.
At BrokerMyAgent, we help sellers Australia-wide compare agents, review appraisals and proposals, and we review agents' selling proposals, commission and marketing costs, and challenge anything that doesn't stack up, then support you through the selling process.
Our seller service is at no cost to the seller; we receive a fee from the agent you ultimately choose. You remain in control of the decision.
Thinking about selling and not sure where to start? Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call. We'll talk through your plans and the questions worth asking before you choose an agent.
Sources and market context
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