Insights
Clear, practical articles to help Australians make smarter property and finance choices.
2 September 2026
Home loan preparation 10 Questions to Ask a Mortgage Broker Before You Apply for a Home Loan The right questions to ask a mortgage broker are the ones that reveal whether they understand your needs, explain their recommendations clearly and give you genuine choices before you apply. A competitive rate matters, but it is only…
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1 September 2026
Home loan rate review guide How to Ask Your Bank for a Better Home Loan Rate: A Practical Negotiation Script and Checklist Yes, you can ask your bank for a better home loan rate without refinancing. The usual first step is a home loan rate review: you ask your current lender to assess whether it…
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31 August 2026
HOME LOAN FEATURES EXPLAINED Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Home Loan Feature Is Better for Your Cash Flow? If you have spare cash while paying off a home loan, an offset account and a redraw facility can both reduce the interest charged. But the better choice is not automatically the one with the most…
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26 August 2026
First home buyer guide How Banks Calculate First Home Buyer Borrowing Power in Australia If your estimated borrowing power is lower than the mortgage repayment you think you can afford, you are not necessarily doing your budget wrong. You and the bank are answering different questions.Your personal budget asks: “Can I make this repayment at…
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13 November 2025
To save or to pay down your home loan, that is the question. Ok, so it’s not Shakespearean levels of contemplation – but it’s still a big decision facing many Australian families right now. Let’s take a look at what the majority of home owners are leaning toward. A growing number of home owners have…
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6 November 2025
Property prices are running hot as we head into summer, and the market is tipped to dial up even further over the next 12 months. Here’s how it could shape your home-buying plans. Aussie home values are sprinting into summer, with property price growth hitting the fastest pace in over two years in October. The price hikes…
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30 October 2025
Season 21 of The Block may be over but the sales are not, with two homes failing to find buyers at auction. It’s a different story across the broader market though. As auction clearance rates heat up we explain how to get your auction game on. Life may imitate art, but reality TV doesn’t always reflect reality. …
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23 October 2025
If you’ve just boarded the home buyer express, chances are ‘value’ is high on your list of neighbourhood must-haves. Well, it turns out that house hunters who are happy to stay on the train for just one more stop can be rewarded with savings totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars. When you’re house hunting, it’s…
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17 October 2025
When you’re planning to buy a property, one of the most important early questions is: How much deposit do I need? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, the key factors are fairly consistent across lenders. Below is a guide to help you understand deposit requirements, how to avoid extra costs, and practical strategies to save.…
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17 October 2025
What’s Involved in Applying for a Home Loan in Australia Getting a mortgage is a big step. Knowing exactly what’s involved in applying for a home loan helps you move more confidently and avoid unpleasant surprises. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to what to expect in the application process, with tips to boost your…
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16 October 2025
They say there’s nothing quite like a parent’s love. Well, perhaps except for a parent’s love plus an extra $40,000 to help buy your first home. Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of family support – plus other ways to buy a first home that give mum and dad a break. Saving a…
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9 October 2025
The Reserve Bank has the cash rate in a holding pattern, and several of the big banks have scaled back their predictions of another cash rate cut in 2025. Here’s what it could mean for your home loan. It looks like the rate cut party may have come to an end – for 2025 at…
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2 October 2025
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal. While Keith and Nicole are likely to have a…
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25 September 2025
Switching to a new home loan might sound like a hassle. But new research shows brokers don’t just make refinancing easier, they can also help home owners secure a lower interest rate – and much more. A string of rate cuts this year has helped drive a sizeable uptick in the number of Australians refinancing…
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18 September 2025
The clock is ticking towards the festive season, and home buyers still have a small window of opportunity to be settled in their new place by Christmas Day. The good news is that a broker can help you get there. A quick visit to the supermarket shows that shelves are already stocked with festive fare…
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11 September 2025
If you’re like most first home buyers, you’ve probably realised by now that saving up for a 20% deposit can be a real slog. But what if we told you that you now only need a 5% deposit? And better yet, you could already have that amount ready to go now. Saving up a deposit…
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4 September 2025
Spring is traditionally the peak season for property, and three rate cuts this year could further fuel buyer competition. Check out five steps that can give you a valuable head start this spring. The combination of warmer weather, blooming gardens and the chance for buyers to be settled in their new home by Christmas makes…
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28 August 2025
The popular Home Guarantee Scheme that lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit has been expanded sooner than expected. But an unexpected twist means first home buyers may want to bring forward their buying plans. The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) allows first home buyers to buy with just a 5% deposit…
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21 August 2025
Three rate cuts since February have spurred home owners to take a closer look at their home loan. Turns out plenty have found a loan better suited to their needs elsewhere, with 100,000 home loans refinanced in the past quarter. It’s not every day we do a double-take looking at lending numbers. But it happened…
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12 August 2025
Borrowers around the country have been delivered a sunnier financial outlook this month after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today trimmed the cash rate by another 25 basis points to 3.60%. How much could your monthly mortgage repayments decrease? After last month’s unexpected hold, the RBA this month went with market expectations and delivered…
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7 August 2025
Buying a first home isn’t always easy, and first-timers sometimes miss out on a place they’ve set their heart on. But more than one-in-ten first-time buyers have missed out simply because they didn’t have home loan pre-approval. Buying a first home can be an emotional roller coaster. It’s not unusual to find a property you…
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31 July 2025
Location, location, location. Or should we say: education, education, education. New research shows homes in the catchment areas of sought-after public schools can command six-figure price premiums. Here’s why. Your home can be much more than a roof over your head. It’s also an investment that may build personal wealth and serve as a form…
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24 July 2025
There’s a lot to love about buying a brand new home, and sales of recently constructed homes have increased 19% over the last quarter. We look at the pros and cons of buying a new home – and the financial incentives available to new home buyers. Fresh paint, spotless floor coverings and shiny new appliances.…
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17 July 2025
If you haven’t checked your borrowing power recently, it might be worth another look. A lot has happened in 2025, and your borrowing capacity could be higher than you realise. It’s been a busy year on the money front. Tax cuts, a couple of rate cuts, and reductions in HECS debts have all potentially been…
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10 July 2025
Home owners hoping for rate relief in July may be disappointed, but it’s still possible to score a rate cut of your own by refinancing. Despite this, plenty of borrowers are sticking to an old loan – and it could be costing them. When it comes to rate cuts, nothing is certain until the Reserve…
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3 July 2025
Growing a 20% deposit isn’t just challenging. It can be a (very) long slog. Fortunately, 50,000 new places in the popular 5% deposit Home Guarantee Scheme just opened up on July 1. Here’s how to secure your spot. Struggling to reach that seemingly mythical 20% milestone? You’re not alone. Property exchange platform PEXA says it…
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26 June 2025
Finding the property that’s right for you and your budget is an exciting milestone! But what happens next? We explain how to make an offer and seal the deal. Most of us buy a home only a handful of times in our lifetime. So it’s not surprising that plenty of buyers – from first-timers to…
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19 June 2025
Here’s some warming news for winter – first home buyers are making a welcome return to the property market. Several factors suggest the stars may have aligned to make now a good time to take that first step on the property ladder. Growing numbers of first home buyers are entering the housing market, with NAB reporting lending…
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12 June 2025
Property values nationally have passed a major milestone with the average home price pushing through the $1 million mark for the first time ever. Have you been putting off buying? If so, here’s how to get the ball rolling. Despite a cost-of-living crunch and several years of high interest rates, the Australian property market continues…
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5 June 2025
With winter temps falling, chances are your power bills will rise. This helps explain why buyers are willing to pay 14% extra for energy-efficient homes on average. Here’s how to give your place a ‘green premium’. There’s a lot to love about winter. Cosy nights in, warming mugs of hot chocolate, and maybe a trip…
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29 May 2025
Despite two much-awaited rate cuts this year, plenty of Australian households are keeping their mortgage repayments on hold – and it could see them save in long-term interest costs. 2025 is shaping up to be a much better year for borrowers than 2024! Already, we’ve chalked up two rate cuts, and some experts are predicting there…
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20 May 2025
Australian borrowers have received another reprieve with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today cutting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. How much could this decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? This is the second cash rate cut in 2025, as the RBA attempts to ease cost-of-living pressures on Australian families. RBA Governor…
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15 May 2025
It’s a common belief that real estate values double every decade. But is this true? New research reveals how much home values have increased over the past ten years. It’s no surprise that something as big as Australia’s $11 trillion housing market has generated its fair share of myths and misconceptions. Chances are you’ve come…
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8 May 2025
The votes have been cast and it’s clear Labor will hold the reins of federal government for another 3-year term. We look at what this may mean for first home buyers and current home owners. As the election dust settles, it’s time to get back to business as usual. But there could be a few…
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1 May 2025
There’s a common misconception around offset account home loans that making loan repayments more frequently helps to pay off the balance much sooner. We bust that myth and reveal the real secret to harnessing the power of your offset account. You may have heard that making repayments more frequently, say weekly instead of monthly, helps pay…
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24 April 2025
Tariff-triggered cuts to interest rates could be just around the corner, with Australian borrowers the likely winners if they come to fruition. US trade policies have hit media headlines this month following Donald Trump’s controversial tariff announcements on 2 April. The flow of tariff announcements coming out of the US has rattled share markets globally,…
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17 April 2025
Australians will head to the polls on May 3, and with housing affordability shaping up as a key election issue, we unpack how the two major parties are pledging to help first home buyers. Housing affordability has reached boiling point. Both Labor and the Coalition agree on this. But they’re offering different solutions for first…
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10 April 2025
Did you know that the average home owner saw their property’s value rise $46,000 per year over the past five years? Today we’ll look at ways you could put that recent increase in equity to further use. The five years since 2020 have seen plenty of action. From the pandemic (let’s not go there again),…
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3 April 2025
The RBA may have swiped left on an April rate cut, but plenty of home owners are taking matters into their own hands by refinancing to save on interest with a lower rate. There’s nothing like a rate cut to put a spring in home owners’ steps. February’s 0.25% rate cut, for instance, saw consumer sentiment jump…
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27 March 2025
‘Close to public transport’ is often touted as a plus for home buyers. But new research shows just how much close proximity to a busy road, railway or flight path can impact property values. Location, location, location. When you’re hunting for a new home, most people are on the lookout for an abode that’s close…
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20 March 2025
This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips to enjoy a memorable getaway – at home. Fun fact: 2025 sees the Easter public holidays fall in the same week as Anzac Day. That…
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13 March 2025
It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills. It’s almost time to pack away the boardies, swap sarongs for sweaters and cross from cricket to footy. As…
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6 March 2025
The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why now could be a good time to buy. Jeepers. That didn’t last long. Back in early January, CoreLogic declared Australia’s housing market had entered a downturn after…
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27 February 2025
Good news for the three million Australians who have a student debt. New rules are on the cards that could soon increase their borrowing power when applying for a home loan. Heading off to uni can be a great investment in your skills and qualifications, potentially leading to a higher income over the course of…
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18 February 2025
Finally, a long-awaited reprieve for borrowers. The Reserve Bank of Australia has today cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%. How much could this rate cut decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? And can we expect more cuts this year? This is the first time the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut…
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13 February 2025
If you’re in the market for a first home, there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the Home Guarantee Scheme, and it could slash the time it takes to buy a place of your own by several years. Here’s how it works. Saving that all-important 20% deposit for a first home isn’t easy…
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6 February 2025
Great news for home owners – plenty of economists are tipping an RBA rate cut for February. Assuming it happens, once the celebrations have died down, what next? We explain what to expect when rates head south. It’s been a long time between drinks for home owners celebrating a rate cut. The last time the…
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30 January 2025
Ever spotted a bargain property and then thought to yourself: ‘What’s the catch?’ Well, more often than not there’s a good reason behind a lower-than-expected price tag. And while an undesirable location might not be a deal breaker for you, it could make it harder to sell later. Beautiful home, dead quiet neighbours. Sounds brilliant,…
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23 January 2025
Bathroom blitz? Kitchen kit out? Or perhaps some landscaping love might be on your house upgrade wishlist for 2025? If so, it’s worth knowing what reno finance options are available. Today we’ll explain some ways to fund your home improvement project. Spending on home renovations has boomed over the past five years, and it seems we’re…
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16 January 2025
Amid growing expectations of rate cuts in 2025, sticking with a variable home loan rate can seem like a no-brainer. But not so fast. Locking in your home loan rate can also have upsides, including the potential for a lower rate right now. Home loans come in all shapes and sizes. A common thread is…
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9 January 2025
There’s much more to property in Australia than just houses or units. And if you’re in the market for a home or investment property, it helps to know your townhouses from terrace homes so that you can choose a place that’s suited to your goals and needs. Australians are blessed with choice when it comes…
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2 January 2025
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re like most people, they’re likely related to health, fitness or abstinence. But why not consider a financial one too? Here are three resolutions worth considering for 2025. There’s no denying that 2024 was a tough year for many mortgage holders – in no small part…
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24 December 2024
With the holiday season upon us, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our amazing clients for your trust and support throughout 2024. With the hope of rate cuts always dangling just out of reach, coupled with inflation, 2024 was tougher than many families anticipated. Please know that we’re always here if you…
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19 December 2024
If you haven’t looked into refinancing since the start of higher interest rates, it might be time to ask yourself ‘why not?’ New research shows it could be time to try again – especially if you want to start 2025 off on the right foot. A new report from Canstar shows more than one in five borrowers…
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12 December 2024
As we head towards the end of 2024, let’s take a look at how property markets performed over the last year – and discover what the experts say may lie in store for home prices in 2025. 2024 has been a year of change, with property values and market conditions shifting across many of our…
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5 December 2024
The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund a vacation property. It’s that time…
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28 November 2024
There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis? Fun fact: more than 3 million Aussies have…
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21 November 2024
You’ve seen the perfect piece of land but you’re not quite ready to build. No problem – a land loan can be a handy finance solution. However, it can work a bit differently from a regular home loan. Here’s what you need to know. Not everyone wants to buy an established home or even a…
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14 November 2024
Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So it’s worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties. Even the most attractive homes can hide unwanted surprises, and it’s not always easy to spot a problem property.…
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7 November 2024
With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling – and how you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas. “Are we there yet?” It’s the catch cry of kids on long summer road trips,…
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31 October 2024
Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the LMI, not the dog…) LMI is a type…
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24 October 2024
It’s the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your own boss can dish up some unexpected hammer blows. Rightly or wrongly, lenders tend to see self-employed borrowers as a higher risk compared to employees. That’s…
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17 October 2024
Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why it’s so popular among investors, and why it’s attracting fresh attention. Australians love property. So much so that more than one-in-ten adults (2,268,161 Australians) own an investment property. So why…
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10 October 2024
Planning to buy your first home? It takes (on average) about five to six years to save a deposit at present. But who’s got the patience to save for six years? Today we’ll look at four ways you could fast-track home ownership. They say patience is a virtue. But the narrator/protagonist of the poem that coined…
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3 October 2024
Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Here’s why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than later if you’re home loan-ready. September saw the nation’s official cash rate kept on hold once again. But there is growing consensus that the RBA…
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26 September 2024
Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? It’s unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out buying your first home can be just as daunting, with 91% of first-home buyers turning to a mortgage broker for guidance. When it comes to…
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19 September 2024
TikTok and Instagram reels are fun, fast and free – but it’s important to be picky about whose content you’re viewing, especially if you’re in the market for a home loan. Chances are, if you’re reading this blog via a social media site, then you’ve also watched a TikTok or Instagram video before, too. In…
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12 September 2024
When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south. While about 4-in-5 Australian households are currently on a variable-rate mortgage, fixed-rate…
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5 September 2024
When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers. Faced with high interest rates and a cost of living crunch, home owners in droves are using…
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29 August 2024
Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic move to save money, access home equity, or consolidate debt. However, navigating the refinancing process can be complex and confusing, especially with the myriad of options available. This is where a refinance mortgage broker comes in. A mortgage broker can help you secure a lower interest rate or…
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28 August 2024
We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage. Ask any long-term home owner what they originally paid for their property, and chances are they’ll respond with an eye-wateringly…
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21 August 2024
The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Here’s how to prepare if you’re planning to buy in the weeks ahead. At last! It’s time to pack away the…
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14 August 2024
Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look. We all have a few financial goals. And right now, investing in a rental property…
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7 August 2024
Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today we’ll look at some of the occupations that can offer up home loan perks. One of the first things a lender will look at when you apply…
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31 July 2024
A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters – and it’s changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal what’s happening across the rental and investment markets. Investors have been a driving force in the property market lately, with lending to investors up almost 30% over the year to May 2024.…
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25 July 2024
Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the Tasman. Here’s what you need to know. Sure, the Kiwis have the All Blacks, the glaciers and landscapes fit for a Hobbit. But Australia offers…
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17 July 2024
Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. We explain what’s driving this fear, and how you can boost your chances of getting approved. No one enjoys rejection. But despite this, there are plenty of times in…
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11 July 2024
As property prices hit record highs across a number of cities, it’s no surprise that new home loan balances are also nudging towards fresh peaks. Today we’ll reveal what the ‘average’ new home loan is in your state, and provide you with some handy tips to help bring down your balance sooner. High interest rates…
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3 July 2024
The new financial year has kicked off with a bang for first home buyers! A whopping 45,000 more places have opened up for them under the Home Guarantee Scheme, as well as 5,000 more spots for single parents. Here’s how it could help you buy a home sooner. Home ownership has long been the great…
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27 June 2024
Property prices are expected to keep climbing higher through to mid-2025 – though not everywhere, according to a new report. We reveal where prices are tipped to go up, and where prices are expected to fall. What a crazy financial year it’s been for property prices. Despite a cost of living crunch and high interest…
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20 June 2024
Put the party pies on ice and postpone those rate-cut celebrations for a while yet. The much-touted rate cuts we’ve been waiting for may not arrive until 2025. Here’s why rates could be staying higher for longer, and how to take action yourself. June saw the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keep the cash rate…
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13 June 2024
Fresh air, no bumper-to-bumper traffic and more affordable home prices. There’s plenty of appeal in regional living, including a chance to potentially reduce your home loan. The classic tune ‘Home among the gum trees’ is fast becoming a lifestyle anthem for a growing number of Aussies. A surging number of city-slickers are heading to the…
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6 June 2024
You might have seen a headline or two about a particular big bank being at war with brokers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our mission is – and always will be – putting you first. That’s why three in every four borrowers now come to us for help. Borrowers are more spoilt for…
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30 May 2024
Nan and Pop have always been good for birthday money, but one-in-10 grandparents are taking their generosity to the next level: helping their grandkids buy a first home. Most of us have special memories of pocketing a few treats from Granny and Gramps. But it turns out those small gestures of affection we knew as…
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23 May 2024
Not sure if you’ll get the thumbs up for a home loan? But you really, really like that house that just popped up? Making an offer ‘subject to finance’ could be the right move. Here’s how it works. Picture this. You’ve seen a home you’re crazy about, and you don’t want to miss out to…
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16 May 2024
If the latest federal government budget is leaving you hungry for perks and savings, you’re not alone. We’ve had a brainstorm and here are four ways you could start working towards your property goals now. The 2024 federal budget is out, and you might be wondering what’s in it for you. Sure, an energy rebate of…
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9 May 2024
Whether you’re rat running your local streets, or have a knack for always picking the fast-moving supermarket queue – everyone loves a good time-saving hack. Well, today we’ll let you in on a scheme that could get you into your first home years – yep years – sooner! When you’re saving for a first home,…
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1 May 2024
Who doesn’t love a tax cut? Most of us are now only weeks away from saving on our tax bills, with Stage 3 tax cuts to kick in from 1 July. But another key advantage is that the tax cuts could give your borrowing power a nice boost. The upcoming Stage 3 tax cuts have…
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25 April 2024
We all love the idea of nabbing a bargain property, but for most home buyers the real issue is whether they’re overvaluing a place – and paying too much in the process. Buying a home is an exciting prospect, but it’s perfectly natural to have a big dose of nerves given that you’re likely committing…
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18 April 2024
Where you put your car keys, who won the footy premiership three years back, the new prime minister of New Zealand’s name – all very much socially acceptable things to forget. Your home loan rate shouldn’t be on that list. It’s a fair bet that your home loan repayments are one of your biggest household…
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10 April 2024
When it comes to buying investment properties, younger Australians are punching above their weight, with Millennials taking the title as the nation’s most active generation for property investment. Investors are continuing to flock to the property market, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics saying the volume of new investor loans in February was 21.5% higher compared…
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6 April 2024
In the world of lending, understanding the differences between different mortgage features is crucial for making informed decisions. Two common features that borrowers often encounter are offset accounts and redraw facilities. While both can be valuable tools for managing your mortgage, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. In this article, we’ll explore the…
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4 April 2024
You may not feel richer, but if you’re a homeowner, there’s a decent chance your personal wealth has surged over the past 12 months thanks to soaring property values. And it could open up a world of exciting possibilities. Sometimes you’ve just got to shake your head in disbelief at the resilience of the property…
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28 March 2024
Nobody likes missing out on a good thing. But then again, who likes overpaying? So how do you strike the right balance when both fears can work against one another? The property market rarely stands still. Interest rate movements, the number of homes listed for sale, and even the time of year can all drive…
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27 March 2024
Property trusts have been around for many years, mainly used by investors to protect their assets and cut down on taxes. Not many people use trusts when buying property, even though they work so well. So, let’s chat about what exactly a trust is, what’s good about buying property through one, and what’s not so…
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26 March 2024
For many homeowners, a mortgage is the most significant financial commitment they’ll ever make. However, circumstances change, and what was once the best deal may no longer be optimal. That’s where mortgage refinancing comes in. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payments, shorten your loan term, or tap into your home equity, refinancing your…
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21 March 2024
There’s something very special about moving into a newly built home or putting the finishing touches on a major renovation. Maybe it’s the look and feel of new paint and fresh flooring, or just knowing you’ve kicked a worthwhile goal. Whatever the motivation, plenty of Aussies are rolling up their sleeves right now, with the value…
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13 March 2024
Spare cash can be tight right now (cost of living crunch, anyone?). But if you’ve still got some savings plus a home loan, there’s a way you could make your surplus funds work harder. Ever heard of an offset account? They’re becoming an increasingly popular add-on feature to home loans, with new data showing that…
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6 March 2024
Need a home loan in a hurry? You could be in luck. Plenty of lenders are keen to crunch loan approval times at present – but there’s a lot borrowers can do to potentially speed up the process, too. Finding a home to buy can take time, and when the right place comes along it…
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29 February 2024
Location may be a big driver of property prices, but in any given suburb a few streets can be all that separates paying top dollar for a home or potentially scoring a bargain. Here’s how to use a tool to find pockets of value in any given neighbourhood. Each suburb has its own median house…
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22 February 2024
Great news for home buyers! After an extended run of low listings, the number of homes coming onto the market is skyrocketing. So could this have an impact on the property market? Let’s take a look. Take a look around your local suburb, and chances are you’ll see freshly minted For Sale signs popping up all over…
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14 February 2024
Lending to property investors is soaring once again. We lift the lid on what’s driving investor interest – and what it could mean for the property market throughout 2024. It looks like property investors are back … and in a big way. The latest ABS figures show that in December 2023, banks lent over $26 billion in…
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7 February 2024
Happy days! The Reserve Bank kept rates steady in February. But a shake-up in the number of times our central bank meets each year is raising questions about how long the rate pause will last. Here’s what we could expect. It seems fitting that in a month known for Valentine’s Day, the Reserve Bank of…
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1 February 2024
Applying for a mortgage when you’re self-employed may have you jumping through more hoops. But it needn’t deter you from getting into the property market. Here are 4 tips to help you apply for a mortgage like a boss. Being your own boss sure has its advantages: the flexibility of setting your own hours, building…
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25 January 2024
Hats off to Australia’s first home buyers! The latest lending data shows they’re refusing to let last year’s rate hikes and rising property values dampen their goal of buying a home. Here are five tips to help you buy your first home in 2024. You’ve gotta hand it to first home buyers in the current…
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17 January 2024
It’s commonly known that the bigger your deposit, the smaller your home loan, and thus, the lower your monthly repayments. But today we’ll look into another way your deposit size could reduce your repayments: by potentially reducing your interest rate. A question we’re commonly asked (believe it or not!) is “how can I get a…
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11 January 2024
What exactly can a mortgage broker do for you? Well, we don’t mean to toot our own horn, but we can make your home loan journey a whole lot easier, letting you focus on the fun part: planning for your new home! The words “home loan application process” can strike fear in the hearts of…
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3 January 2024
Thought of a New Year’s resolution yet? Or perhaps you’ve broken one already? Either way, check out our list of possible mortgage goals for 2024 – try one, or have a go at them all – to save a bundle in the year ahead. It’s that time of year when Aussies love to set resolutions.…
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20 December 2023
The year has flown past, and as our thoughts turn to trees, tinsel and turkey, we’d like to thank all our fantastic clients for your support throughout 2023. It’s been quite a year, with higher interest rates, soaring national property values (who’d have thought?) and a few welcome surprises including more help for first-home buyers.…
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13 December 2023
Home owners have been battling rising interest rates for over a year and a half now. But a new report reveals the important step some savvy borrowers are taking to rein in higher rates and swap “oh no!” for “ho, ho, ho!”. It’s no secret that refinancing has the potential to slice a big chunk…
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7 December 2023
If buying a home is at the top of your wish list for 2024, don’t miss our rundown on how the property market has fared in 2023 – and why the new year is shaping up as potentially another big year for real estate. As we turn the page on 2023, let’s take a quick…
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29 November 2023
First home buyers with a small deposit now have an even wider range of lenders to choose from. We reveal the latest banks to join the 5% deposit scheme that’s helping more buyers get into the market sooner. First home buyers have just received an early Christmas gift, of sorts, with an uptick in the…
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23 November 2023
It may be called the silly season but a few smart strategies could help you enjoy the festive season this year without missing a beat on your home loan. Check out our tips to share the Christmas cheer this year without breaking the bank. Store shelves are starting to be lined with tinsel, ‘Santa stop…
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15 November 2023
If the November rate hike will seriously stretch your finances, one potential solution may be to extend your loan term. It can ease the hip pocket pain by lowering monthly repayments. But taking more time to pay off your mortgage can come with hidden downsides. Here’s what to weigh up. Will the RBA’s latest 0.25%…
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7 November 2023
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points, taking it to 4.35%. So just how much will this year’s Melbourne Cup day rate hike increase your monthly repayments? Some more tough news for mortgage holders around the country today. Despite the official cash rate being on hold…
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1 November 2023
Mortgage brokers have notched up a new personal best, with seven out of every 10 new mortgages settled thanks to their help! It’s a sure sign that mortgage brokers are delivering the goods when it comes to helping Australians move into their dream homes. In the nine months to 31 March 2023 (while interest rates…
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25 October 2023
No matter whether you’re in the market for a home or an investment property, it makes financial sense to buy in an area where values are tipped to rise. But where to look? Today we’ll unveil the Australian cities where population growth is tipped to turbo-charge the property market. One of the biggest drivers of…
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18 October 2023
Not sure what refinancing is all about? You’re not alone. Our quick explainer lets you master the basics and helps you work out how much you could save. Home loan refinancing is a hot topic right now. Ever since interest rates hit an upward trajectory in May 2022, skyrocketing numbers of homeowners – as many as…
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11 October 2023
Know anyone who wants to buy their first home? A new report confirms that low deposit schemes are getting younger buyers into a place of their own sooner. First-home buyers are ignoring headlines warning that it can take years to save a deposit. Instead, they’re flocking to guarantee schemes allowing them to enter the market…
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4 October 2023
Property prices have soared almost 7% this year alone. With the upswing predicted to continue, we unpack what’s driving national housing values higher – and why it could pay to get into the market sooner. Another month, another round of price upticks. September marked the eighth consecutive month of home price growth, with CoreLogic saying property values…
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27 September 2023
Apartments stand out as an affordable choice when it comes to cracking the property market, not to mention downsizing. But a looming shortage may soon push unit values higher. For many of us, buying a house on its own block of land is the ‘great Australian dream’. While plenty of people achieve this goal, our…
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20 September 2023
There’s a lot to be said for having your home loan pre-approved. But does pre-approval mean you’re putting the cart before the horse? Definitely not. Here are three ways pre-approval can help you get ahead of the competition. Here’s a handy tip: you don’t have to wait until you’ve found a home you’d like to…
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13 September 2023
The property market has thumbed its nose at higher interest rates, with values rising almost 5% since March. Here’s why national housing prices are climbing higher. Australia’s housing market is making a bigger comeback than Barbie. Despite interest rates rising 4% in a year and a cost of living crunch, home values have skyrocketed with prices soaring…
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11 September 2023
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) is set to undergo significant changes, providing more flexibility and opportunities for first-home buyers. Initially introduced in the 2017/18 fiscal year, the FHSSS enables individuals to make voluntary contributions to the superannuation system and subsequently withdraw those contributions and associated earnings for use as a deposit when purchasing…
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10 September 2023
Buying your first home in Australia can be thrilling and challenging, but the Australian government has introduced several initiatives to make the journey smoother, including the First Home Buyers Scheme. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into crucial aspects of this scheme, focusing on eligibility criteria, grants, income limits, the buying process, repayment requirements, and…
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6 September 2023
No change to the cash rate again this month, but lenders’ mortgage rates have been jumping around more than a bunch of toddlers at a Wiggles concert. We reveal the current average rates to see how your loan compares. Home owners are celebrating the official cash rate staying on hold for several months. But behind…
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31 August 2023
First home buyers who bought into the market using the federal government’s 5% deposit scheme have racked up $82,000 in home equity on average, new data shows. It’s been three years since the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme was launched, and while it’s known today as the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS), it’s still helping first…
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23 August 2023
The highly anticipated Help to Buy Scheme will kick off next year, giving more Aussies a chance to score their dream home. Today we’ll unpack how the new federal government scheme will work, who it’ll benefit, and the fine print you need to know. A key election promise of the Albanese government, Help to Buy is a…
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17 August 2023
An avalanche of rate hikes over the past 18 months has supersized home loan repayments. But savvy homeowners aren’t panicking. In fact, more mortgage holders than ever before are reaching out to brokers for expert help. A key election promise of the Albanese government, Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme aimed at helping 40,000 low…
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9 August 2023
The Reserve Bank (RBA) may have kept the cash rate on hold but that hasn’t stopped some lenders from hiking their variable home loan rates. Here’s how borrowers are fighting back. Home owners may be celebrating two months of the RBA cash rate staying on hold. But don’t pop the champagne cork just yet. Mozo reports that…
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2 August 2023
Mortgage holders rejoice – the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold in August for the second month in a row. So have we finally reached calmer waters? Or is there one last rate rise wave headed our way? In what many will see as better news than a Matildas’ World…
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27 July 2023
With plenty of pundits tipping interest rates will start to fall in the next 12 months, we look at why the big banks are hiking their fixed rates – and unpack what it means for the rate outlook. The past few months have seen interest rates on fixed home loans deliver more ups and downs…
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19 July 2023
Australians are showering their homes with $1 billion worth of love each month as home improvement spending ramps up. We look at the cost of popular renovations – and how to foot the bill. Belts may be tightening but not, it seems, for renovators. The latest figures from the ABS show Australians spent a whopping $1,044 million…
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12 July 2023
Buying a home for the first time can be challenging, especially with house prices soaring in recent years. So could switching from house hunting to unit searching be the way forward for you? There’s no denying that getting into the property market in today’s economic climate ain’t easy. The average Australian house price is now $725,000 –…
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4 July 2023
Phew! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. So is the end of this rate hike cycle finally in sight? The decision to keep the official cash rate at 4.10% will be welcomed by homeowners around the country after monthly repayments increased by about $1,135…
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28 June 2023
Have you been keen to refinance but told you can’t? You’re not alone. Many Australian households are currently locked into their home loans due to rising interest rates. But some banks have recently started to lower their serviceability thresholds. As interest rates have climbed, Australians have refinanced in unprecedented numbers. In fact, a record high of…
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26 June 2023
How do I borrow money when buying a property in a Trust? Borrowing money to purchase investment properties in a trust is more complicated than a traditional home purchase, but obtaining finance for your trust purchase is still possible. Finding a mortgage broker specialising in trust lending is the first step in making this process…
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21 June 2023
Despite the soaring cost of living and successive interest rate hikes, homebuying intentions have climbed, latest data shows. So why are so many people still chasing the great Australian dream? And what can you do to make your own dream a reality? Despite a flurry of rate rises, new data this month shows homeownership is…
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21 June 2023
Are you looking to build your dream home or undertake a major renovation project? If so, then a construction loan could be the answer. Navigating the world of construction loans can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to construction loans for what you need to know before taking the…
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19 June 2023
Are you a first-home buyer looking to purchase your first property in Victoria? Congratulations, you’re about to begin a very exciting journey! Buying your first home is a significant milestone in life but can also be overwhelming. With so many questions and uncertainties, it’s essential to be well-informed before taking the plunge. One of the…
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15 June 2023
How a Mortgage Broker Can Save You Time and Money on Your Home Loan Are you overwhelmed with the process of finding a home loan that suits your financial needs? Do you find yourself spending hours researching lenders and comparing rates, only to feel more confused than ever before? It’s time to consider using a…
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14 June 2023
Mortgage serviceability can feel like a frustrating hurdle to clear. But it’s an important safeguard against borrowing too much, particularly in the current interest rate landscape. It’s in the best interests of all parties involved if your mortgage is chugging along with regular repayments being made. Borrowing an amount you don’t have a hope in…
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6 June 2023
Drumroll … The RBA has hiked the official cash rate for the 12th time since April 2022, increasing it to 4.10%. How much will this increase your monthly repayments? And how long does Philip Lowe plan to keep marching to this beat? Another month, another 25 basis point cash rate rise. It’s now apparent the…
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1 June 2023
Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little wonder why. Many Australians are crossing the McMansion off their wish list in favour of smaller, smarter, low-maintenance homes. A recent ING study surveyed over 1000 Australians…
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26 May 2023
Navigating the Australian property market over the past year has felt like standing on shifting sands. But is the market starting to regain stability? And if so, what can you do now to make sure you’re ready to buy? Anyone with an eye on the property and finance market over the past few years has…
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18 May 2023
When buying property, it’s good to know the market value. After all, you want to know you’re paying a fair amount. But the property’s value is an important consideration for your lender too. And their valuation may be quite different. Just how much is a property worth? Well, it depends on who’s asking. When buying…
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17 May 2023
Are you looking to purchase your first home and have no idea what the minimum deposit is? We will explain how you can estimate the minimum deposit required to buy your first property and confirm if you are in a financial position to start looking for your first home. Many people have been advised that…
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