Insights

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Business owners wanting to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the full cost have just over a month to act. That’s because the temporary full expensing scheme is set to expire on 30 June 2023. It will be superseded by a much less generous scheme, known as the instant asset…

More Australians (and permanent residents!) will soon be eligible for a leg up into the property market under an expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. Today we’ll run you through all the upcoming changes to the low deposit, no lenders mortgage insurance scheme. Officially unveiled as part of the 2023 federal budget, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme will have…

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for the 11th time in the past year, taking it to 3.85%. Have we finally reached the peak of this cycle? And how much will this latest rate hike increase your monthly repayments? In what will undoubtedly be tough news for many households…

With every RBA rate rise announcement, mortgage holders brace themselves for impending repayment increases. Here’s how to stay on top of your mortgage and feel financially secure. Let’s face it, the RBA’s rate rise cycle hasn’t been easy for mortgage holders, with average monthly repayments now hundreds of dollars (and in some cases, thousands of…

As property prices start to climb, listings are following suit. So if you’re hunting for a home, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been looking at the property market over the last six to 12 months, you probably already know that while property prices have dropped, it’s been a case of slim pickings…

You’ve probably heard the term “fixed-rate cliff” bandied about in finance news feeds. But what is it? And if you’re about to head over it, how can you prepare for a soft landing? A staggering 880,000 fixed-rate loans are set to end this year, and when they do, many Australian households will be facing significantly higher…