The festive season is a time to celebrate, relax and connect with loved ones, but it can also put extra pressure on the household budget. With the rising cost of living, a little planning can go a long way towards keeping the season merry without overspending.The festive season can be expensive, especially with the current […]
Tips for a budget-friendly festive season Read More »
Home prices continue to climb across Australia. In October, national dwelling values rose 1.1% – the strongest monthly gain since June 2023. Several factors are fuelling the uptick in growth. One is the lack of housing supply in many markets. The expansion of the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme from 1 October also saw a surge in first
4 steps to help you avoid overpaying for your first home Read More »
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has opted to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% this Melbourne Cup Day, reflecting a cautious approach in response to stubbornly high inflation. Read today’s official statement on the RBA’s website. Australia’s hotter-than-expected inflation figures had many mortgage holders on edge over what the RBA’s next move might
RBA holds cash rate Read More »
While some property investors prioritise rental yield – that is, how much income a property earns, as a percentage of its value – others see capital growth as the ultimate objective. There is no guaranteed way to predict the future capital growth of a suburb, but there are growth indicators that can be a strong
4 signs to spot a growth suburb Read More »
Following three cash rate cuts so far this year, the lending and borrowing environment in Australia has changed drastically. As a result, more and more borrowers are breaking out of ‘mortgage prison’ and refinancing their home loans to more competitive options. If you’ve been trapped with the same lender for some time, you may be
Refinancing surge brings relief for homeowners Read More »
First home buyers can now purchase a property with as little as 5 per cent deposit without copping lenders’ mortgage insurance, after the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme came into effect on 1 October. It’s expected that 70,000 first home buyers will make the most of the scheme in its first year of expanded access. If
Common mistakes when buying your first home Read More »
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate on hold at 3.60 per cent, after the latest inflation figures came in higher than expected. Read today’s official statement on the RBA’s website. Headline inflation rose 3.0 per cent over the year to August, up from 2.8 per cent in July. This is
Cash rate on hold. Read More »
The highly anticipated expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme has been brought forward to now begin on 1 October 2025, with new property price caps announced. What’s changing? Unlimited places – All Australian first home buyers who have saved a 5% deposit can apply. No income caps – First home buyers with higher incomes can also access
Home Guarantee Scheme Changes. Read More »
From 1 October 2025, the government’s First Home Guarantee scheme will expand, making it possible for more Australians to buy a home with a deposit as low as 5%. Whether you’re preparing to buy your first property or simply watching how the market shifts, these updates could play a big role in shaping your plans
Big changes to the First Home Buyers 5% Deposit Scheme Read More »
Buying a home comes with one of the biggest decisions you’ll face – do you go for a brand new build or choose an established property? Each option has its own advantages and trade-offs, and your choice often depends on your goals, lifestyle and budget. Housing Industry Association (HIA) research found sales of new detached
Should you buy new or established? Here’s what to consider Read More »