First published 24 Oct 2026, 1:00am
Catherine and Aaron McArlein with children, Alexander, 5, and Georgia, 3. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen
Catherine and Aaron McArlein began hunting for their first home in 2022, right as Brisbane’s property market spun out of control.
“It was daunting,” Ms McArlein, 38, said.
“We knew we would have to spend more than we were comfortable with … it was just insane how prices were rising.”
A financial planner advised them to get into the market as soon as possible, but the professional couple refused to panic and waited to find the perfect family home for their children, Alexander, 5, and Georgia, 3.
The couple held off until prices plateaued. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen
“We really didn’t want to pay that much for a house that five years ago was half or three-quarters of the value,” Ms McArlein said.
“We could have gone up and out of our comfort zone, but we didn’t want to do that for a house that wasn’t 100 per cent what we wanted.
“We could have taken to heart the advice of the financial planner to get in, but in our mind it was worth the wait. We knew there was a point where the market would have to plateau.”
Their patience paid off. After four years and five rejected offers, a local real estate agent showed them an off-market property in Springfield Lakes.
They bought a home in family-friendly Springfield Lakes after a four-year search
They secured the four-bedroom character home complete with a pool, spa, and a backyard for their dog for $1.28m.
“The relief we felt of not having to look over the weekend was incredible,” Ms McArlein said.
“This is our first home and we are so bloody excited for all the memories we are going to make.”
The couple worked with Loan Market broker Mark Winter as they continued to build their deposit and a financial buffer.
“In any market, patience is key. The right home will come along,” Mr Winter said.
“The most important thing for any purchaser with their loan is that they are comfortable with the repayments both now, and if any potential rate rises come along.”
Petience is key: Springfield Loan Market mortgage broker, Mark Winter. Picture: Ric Frearson
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The McArleins’ settlement at the end of this month comes after the RBA hiked interest rates to a 15-year high of 4.6 per cent.
Loan Market data shows mounting pressure for owner-occupiers across the state, with loan repayments now coming in at a crippling 66 per cent of a typical monthly pay packet of $9,031.
With Queensland’s average owner-occupier loan balance sitting at $729,967, property experts expect more buyers to shift their focus to units, townhouse developments, and outer-ring suburbs to match shrinking borrowing capacities.
For those still looking to buy, Mr Winter said to “keep saving” as banks tightened their lending criteria and avoid unnecessary spending, flagging digital subscriptions, app-based lifestyle expenses and on-demand delivery services.
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