20 September 2026

House prices survived the last interest-rate rise. Will they this time?

Downunder Voices Newsroom

Even adjusting for the inflation of recent years, rich-world house prices are only 4% off their all-time high. True, a few markets have wobbled. In New Zealand, where the housing market entirely ...

About this report

This article contains independently written commentary and community perspective from Downunder Voices.

Join our community

Follow Downunder Voices

Join thousands of readers following news and community stories from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Follow on Facebook Submit your story

More from Business

View category

ClassNK grants AiP to HD HHI for 35,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carrier

Business

20 September 2026

ClassNK grants AiP to HD HHI for 35,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carrier

ClassNK has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to a new 35,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carrier developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI). The vessel is designed to transport both LPG and ammonia. ClassNK presented the AiP certificate to HD HHI at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok on 17 September. Design considers requirements at major terminals HD HHI developed the vessel with the requirements of major gas terminals in mind, including terminals in Japan. ClassNK reviewed the design under its rules for ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk.

Source: Container NewsOriginal source

Israeli Tourist Trap ‘Herod’s Pool’ Is Draining Palestinians’ Land Dry

Business

20 September 2026

Israeli Tourist Trap ‘Herod’s Pool’ Is Draining Palestinians’ Land Dry

Israeli lawmakers have promoted visits to an ancient reservoir in the West Bank that was refilled this summer with water diverted from Palestinian-owned farms.

Source: New York Times WorldOriginal source

Australia surprisingly pulled out of West Bank sanctions at last minute, EU diplomats reveal

Business

20 September 2026

Australia surprisingly pulled out of West Bank sanctions at last minute, EU diplomats reveal

Diplomatic sources told the ABC they were surprised after Australia declined to join a 12-nation, UK-led coalition imposing sanctions on Israeli West Bank settlements late in negotiations.

Source: https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Australia+politics&format=rssOriginal source

A US LNG cargo bound for Italy has been diverted after the crew of its carrier reported a systems failure as a suspected cyberattack, adding to growing concerns over attacks on shipboard digital systems. The Liberia-flagged Vivit Africa LNG, owned by South Korea’s H-Line Shipping and on long-term charter to commodities giant Vitol, had loaded …

Source: Splash247Original source

U.S. childcare costs are astronomical. More families are turning to grandparents

World

20 September 2026

U.S. childcare costs are astronomical. More families are turning to grandparents

Grandparents taking care of their grandkids is nothing new. But the surging cost of childcare in the U. S. has made familial support even more critical for some parents who struggle to afford it. (Image credit: Lianne Milton for NPR)

Source: NPR NewsOriginal source

Judge orders Fox to hand over hundreds of documents in shareholders' case

World

20 September 2026

Judge orders Fox to hand over hundreds of documents in shareholders' case

'/> Fox Corp. must turn over hundreds of documents that could shed light on how founder Rupert Murdoch handled some of his media companies' biggest scandals. (Image credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Source: NPR NewsOriginal source

In New Orleans, an empty building becomes a free store — and roller skating rink

World

20 September 2026

In New Orleans, an empty building becomes a free store — and roller skating rink

In the Lower Ninth Ward, an old Family Dollar stands covered in graffiti. It looks abandoned. But inside, it's a treasure trove — clothing, home goods, toys and books. And everything is free. (Image credit: Catie Dull)

Source: NPR NewsOriginal source

House prices survived the last interest-rate rise. Will they this time?

About this report

Follow Downunder Voices

More from Business

ClassNK grants AiP to HD HHI for 35,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carrier

Israeli Tourist Trap ‘Herod’s Pool’ Is Draining Palestinians’ Land Dry

Australia surprisingly pulled out of West Bank sanctions at last minute, EU diplomats reveal

Read Next

Crew claims hackers seized control of LNG carrier safety systems

U.S. childcare costs are astronomical. More families are turning to grandparents

Judge orders Fox to hand over hundreds of documents in shareholders' case

In New Orleans, an empty building becomes a free store — and roller skating rink