In this episode of Talk Money To Me, Felicity Thomas sits down with Emma Stephens from Artemis Finance to unpack what is really happening in the Australian property and lending market in 2026.

From housing affordability and interest rates to wealth creation, financial empowerment and lending challenges, this conversation dives into the real financial pressures Australians are facing right now and the practical strategies helping people move forward with confidence.

Emma shares her insights from working directly with families, business owners, first home buyers and women navigating separation, lending pressures and long-term financial security in a high cost-of-living environment.

In this episode we discuss:

The reality of the Australian property market in 2026
Whether the “Australian Dream” is still achievable
Housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures
Property investing and investor sentiment following the May 2026 Budget
Women, wealth creation and financial empowerment
Lending challenges for single-income households and first home buyers
Fixed vs variable rates in today’s market
The habits financially successful people consistently have
Practical tips for young Australians wanting to enter the property market
Financial confidence, strategy and long-term wealth creation

Emma Stephens is a mortgage broker at Artemis Finance, specialising in residential and business lending, refinancing, property strategy and helping clients create long-term wealth through smart lending solutions. Emma is a proud Noosa local, former Bank Manager for Noosa and Tewantin, and passionate advocate for women building financial independence through education, connection and smarter money conversations.

If you enjoyed today’s conversation or would like assistance with lending, refinancing, property strategy or wealth creation, reach out to Emma Stephens and let her know you heard her on Talk Money To Me.

Emma Stephens Artemis Finance

📧 emma@artemisfinance.com.au

🌐 https://artemisfinance.com.au/

📍 Sydney & Noosa, Australia

Artemis Finance specialises in:

Home loans
Investment lending
Refinancing
Lending for self-employed borrowers
Property strategy
Wealth creation strategies
Women’s financial empowerment

Follow Talk Money To Me for weekly conversations covering:

Investing
Property
Wealth creation
Markets & macro trends
Financial literacy
Business
Women & money
Portfolio strategy

Disclaimer

This podcast is presented by Felicity Thomas and Candice Bourke of Shaw and Partners Limited ABN 24 003 221 583, AFSL 236048.

The information discussed in this podcast is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice.

Any views, opinions or forecasts expressed are those of the speakers at the time of recording and are subject to change without notice. References to property, lending, investments or financial strategies are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute personal financial advice, lending advice or recommendations.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. All investments and financial strategies carry risk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Australians Still Afford Property in 2026? With Emma Stephens from Artemis Finance

Talk Money To Me

Can Australians Still Afford Property in 2026? With Emma Stephens from Artemis Finance