Private credit steps up: Backing Australia’s housing push with smarter capital
Explore how policy tailwinds and market demand are aligning to make private credit a smart play in Australia’s evolving real estate landscape.
Explore how policy tailwinds and market demand are aligning to make private credit a smart play in Australia’s evolving real estate landscape.
The impact of the budget on macroeconomic conditions is broadly neutral, which was confirmed with the muted reaction in financial markets to the budget. The pre-conditions are in place for the RBA to deliver further interest rate cuts but the timing of the next rate reduction is, at this stage, open.
SUPER REVIEW
The consensus among alternative investment managers and the broader industry is that an added regulatory impost would stifle returns in private markets.
FS SUPER
With unrest and uncertainty rippling through markets and shaking investor confidence, we have seen a surge in private credit’s popularity – offering potential for reliable, steady income, protection against inflation, and diversification away from public markets. As this growth continues, private credit is set to become an even greater focus for investors, borrowers and regulators.
Traditionally, multi-asset portfolios have relied on the negative correlation between bonds and equities for diversification. Yet, increasingly, we are seeing a positive correlation in public markets. 2022 was an extreme example, where we saw significant correlated dips in both bonds and equities. With current heightened volatility in global markets, investors need true diversification and downside protection via uncorrelated asset classes.
As public markets fluctuate, the need for portfolio resilience and alternative income sources has never been greater. This has driven institutional and high-net-worth investors to seek diversification in uncorrelated asset classes, such as real estate private credit.
THE AUSTRALIAN
Just as corporate bonds provide an alternative to buying shares in companies, CRED provides exposure to the property market without needing to own the assets. However, unlike bonds, which depend on the yield curve, CRED offers a contracted return from day one.
AUSBIZ
Alan Greenstein, Zagga CEO & Co-Founder, joined Ausbiz to discuss how declining interest rates are shaping private markets and what this means for both investors and borrowers.
Despite the RBA commentary, financial markets are continuing to price in further interest rate cuts with a cash rate of approximately 3.40 per cent factored in by the first half of 2026. Softer economic data out of the US in recent weeks has helped reinforce the market pricing for lower interest rates.
INVESTOR DAILY
“I don’t think more regulation is going to necessarily improve the outcome of the performance and all that will do potentially is erode returns.”
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, seas, and communities in which we provide our services. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and the continuing cultural influence they have on Australia.
Zagga Market Pty Limited (Australian Credit Licence 490904) ACN 611 662 401 acts as the Servicer of loans acting on behalf of the credit provider, Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786, trustee of the Zagga Investments Lending Trust
All portfolio numbers quoted correct as at 31 December 2025.
*Average investor return across the active portfolio as at 31 December 2025.
**Target return is after expenses and any applicable management fees for the year ended 30 June 2026. OCR = Australian Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. Investments involve risk, fees and costs, and returns are not guaranteed. No representation or warranty is made regarding future performance, and economic conditions may change.
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