Insights

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…

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…

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…

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%…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 that allow them to get…

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…

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…

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…