Insights

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…