Westpac Forecasts 11% Peak-to-Trough House Price Decline

Westpac Banking Corporation expects house prices to fall 11% from peak to trough and is targeting more than $600 million in FY27 structural savings, pairing a housing outlook with cost-cutting goals.

The bank expects housing-credit growth to remain below 4% in FY27. It forecasts business system credit growth of 6% to 7% in FY27 and FY28.

Westpac expects to spend $850 million to $950 million on its UNITE initiative. Total costs are expected not to exceed $3.5 billion, with delivery planned by the end of FY28.

Westpac's FY26 net profit, excluding notable items, held at $7 billion; its dividend for the full year was $1.54 per share. Statutory net profit attributable to owners fell 1% for the year ended Sept. 30, 2026, a result covered in Westpac’s FY26 results.

The bank expects lending margins to edge lower amid continued competition. Its replicating portfolio is expected to add 2 basis points to margins in the first half of FY27.

“We delivered a solid financial result this year and made good progress against our priorities,” Westpac Group CEO, MD & Director Anthony Miller said.