2025 has been a big year for property investors. But the rapid growth of investment lending has fuelled speculation about a possible crackdown on loans to property investors. We explain what’s happening, and why it might be worth considering bringing forward your plans. 

The past year has been a cracker for property investors.

The tightest vacancy rates on record have seen a pick-up in rental growth.

Interest rates on investment home loans are at their lowest since late 2023.

And to top it off, property price growth nationally has hit the fastest pace in over two years.

No wonder investors are buying up property in record numbers.

But as lending to investors hits the fastest pace in a decade, our bank regulator – the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) – is watchful.

Some commentators are even suggesting APRA could clamp down on investment lending in a bid to cool property price growth.

Here’s what you need to know if buying a rental property is on your wish list.

Investment lending outstrips mortgages to owner occupiers

There’s no doubt about it, investors have been a driving force in the property market this year.

The September quarter alone saw a 13.6% rise in the number of new investment loans.

That’s 57,624 new investment home loans in the space of just three months – the highest number since early 2022.

Zooming out a little further, the past year has seen lending for investment properties outstrip growth in home buyer loans, according to ABS data.

So what’s the problem?

What’s worrying APRA are potential signs of a pick-up in riskier lending, in particular what it describes as “high debt-to-income borrowing by investors”.

Here’s the red flag for would-be investors.

In a recent report, APRA warned it is “ensuring banks are prepared to implement additional macroprudential tools where required to reinforce lending standards”.

In plain English, APRA is reminding banks that as the industry regulator, it can, and may, change the rules around lending to property investors – a step it has taken in the past.

The lessons of 2014–2018

2014 might seem like a lifetime ago.

However, seasoned property investors may recall 2014 as the year APRA aimed to gently cool the property market by limiting annual lending growth to property investors to 10%.

APRA further tweaked the rules by imposing a 30% limit on interest-only loans, which are typically favoured by investors.

The regulator eventually relaxed its investment lending restrictions in 2018.

Could history repeat?

Property market conditions back in 2014 were similar to those we see today.

Values were rising fast, interest rates were on a downward trend, and household income growth was sluggish.

This has fuelled speculation that APRA may introduce new regulations for today’s generation of property investors.

What it could mean for your investment plans

The decision to buy an investment property should never be rushed.

That said, if APRA does tighten lending policies, investors who delay their decision could find they have missed the boat due to changes to their borrowing power or lender restrictions.

So, somewhat ironically, APRA’s latest warnings may just spur some investors to bring forward their buying plans.

If you’re keen to become a property investor or expand your portfolio, get in touch with us today.

We can help you assess your borrowing capacity as it currently stands, and provide insights into the different funding options that could help you invest.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Gen Z may be known for being tech savvy, but they’re also showing their smarts when it comes to home buying, with a surprisingly large number preparing to buy their first home before the end of the decade. Here’s how Gen Zs are making their home-buying plans happen.

They don’t call it the ‘great Australian dream’ for nothing.

Owning a home remains a leading goal for many Australians and a recent Westpac survey found more than one in three (35%) Gen Zs – that’s chiefly people aged in their 20s – plan to buy their first home in the next five years.

That’s a 5% increase since the start of the year, and signals a growing wave of confidence among Gen Z home buyers.

What’s driving the jump in home-buying optimism?

Let’s take a look.

Why more Gen Zs are determined to buy a home

First and foremost, almost two in five (37%) say they want to be more independent. Fair enough too – years of living in the family home, or answering to a landlord, can make a place of your own very attractive.

More than one in three (34%) Gen Zs are keen to buy a home as a way of feeling more financially secure.

About the same proportion (32%) simply want to get off the rental treadmill. Makes sense. Why pay rent when you could be paying off your own home?

What they’re doing to meet their goal

The overwhelming majority of Gen Z buyers – about eight in ten – are boosting their deposit by fine-tuning their lifestyle, making fuss-free changes such as cutting back on food deliveries and other non-essentials to save money.

Faced with a shortage of homes listed for sale, Gen Zs are also playing it smart by broadening their search. Four in five (80%) say they’re happy to consider suburbs they hadn’t previously thought of.

Gen Zs are also keeping their options open when it comes to the type of home they’ll buy.

Plans to buy an apartment, which can have an affordability edge, have jumped 2% since the start of the year, while interest in buying a house has cooled slightly.

More than half (55%) of Gen Z buyers are even considering rent-vesting – making their first property an investment, while choosing to rent where they want to live.

What deposit are Gen Zs aiming for? 

There’s no getting around the fact that today’s high property prices can be a hurdle when it comes to saving the traditional 20% deposit.

So Gen Z buyers are leaning towards a different solution: buy with a smaller deposit.

Over half (53%) of 20-something first home buyers are moving ahead with plans for a deposit of 10% or less.

The good news is that this has become a lot easier thanks to the newly expanded Australian government 5% Deposit Scheme. It lets eligible buyers get into the market with as little as a 5% deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance.

Let’s develop your first home strategy

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be a pipedream.

With a clear savings strategy, the backing of government support schemes, and a home loan that is a great match for your needs, home ownership can be achievable.

Contact us today to start the path forward to buying your first home. You could be in a place of your own sooner than you think!

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 given up waiting for rate cuts and are making home loan savings of their own – by knuckling down to reduce their mortgage balance.

A survey by Agile Market Intelligence found 69% of home owners – the highest percentage this year – are making it their top priority to get ahead with their home loan.

Let’s take a look at why so many are deciding to do so.

Interest rates

The interest rate you pay on a home loan will most likely be higher than the rate you’ll earn on a separate savings account.

No surprise there – charging loan interest is one of the key ways banks make money.

So, by paying down your loan sooner, you can typically save more in loan interest charges than the interest you could earn on personal savings.

Better still, the sooner you start paying down your loan, the more interest you can save over time, and the earlier you become debt-free.

That’s because every extra dollar that goes into your home loan comes straight off the loan balance. This in turn lowers the next month’s interest charge.

But as your regular repayments stay the same, more of the next month’s repayment goes towards reducing the loan balance.

In this way, the loan pendulum can start to swing more in your favour, and you can really get stuck into reducing your home loan balance.

Increased equity

When you reduce the amount owing on your loan, your home equity usually increases (so long as the value of your home doesn’t dip in value).

And the more equity you have, the more opportunity you could have to refinance to a lower interest rate loan (there’s more savings for you) or to tap into your home equity to achieve other goals, such as investing in a rental property.

Ways to pay down your home loan sooner    

We understand that today’s high living costs mean home owners don’t always have a lot of spare cash to throw at their mortgage.

That’s okay.

It’s possible to pay off your loan sooner – and save on interest charges – even when cash is tight.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Pay more often 

Paying half your monthly repayments every fortnight (rather than monthly) means you’ll end up repaying the equivalent of 13 monthly instalments each year instead of 12.

This extra month’s worth of repayments can make further inroads on your home loan balance, and paying fortnightly may also be easier on your cash flow, especially if you can sync repayments up with paydays.

2. Add lump sums

Lump sum payments on your home loan can accelerate its reduction.

That can make it worth depositing tax refunds, end-of-year work bonuses, or other ‘windfalls’ straight into your home loan. Chances are you’ll never miss what you’ve never had.

3. Consider an offset account

An offset account can let you use spare cash to pay off your loan sooner.

The balance of the linked offset account is deducted from your loan balance when monthly interest is calculated. This reduces the monthly interest charge, so more of each repayment whittles away the loan principal.

Talk to us to know if an offset account is suitable for you.

4. Check the rate you’re paying 

No matter how hard you work to pay off your home loan sooner, you could be behind the eight ball if you’re paying a higher interest rate than necessary.

For context, the Reserve Bank says the average variable rate is about 5.5%. But according to Mozo, there are plenty of lenders offering a lower rate.

That’s why it’s important not to assume you are paying a competitive rate.

Call us to organise a home loan review. We can confirm the rate you’re currently paying, and let you know if you could save by switching to a loan with a more competitive rate.

How to pay down your home loan sooner

Whether you signed up for a 25- or 30-year mortgage, you don’t have to chip away at your home loan for this amount of time.

And really, how good would it be to become mortgage-free sooner?

If paying down your loan is a personal goal, talk to us to find out more ways you could get ahead with your loan.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 are unlikely to stop there.

A record nine out of ten (88%) respondents to a recent API Magazine survey expect home prices to climb higher.

It seems the experts agree.

PropTrack believes we could see further price rises over spring and summer, while the Commonwealth Bank says “we still expect further gains” this year.

If forecasts of rising home prices prove accurate – and as we’ll see, there’s a decent chance they could – now could be the time to bring forward your home-buying plans.

Home prices jump 6.1% in the past 12 months

It’s been a big year for property, with home prices nationally climbing 6.1% over the past 12 months.

Several factors have come together to push home values higher.

Lower interest rates have boosted home buyer demand.

Tight rental markets have fuelled investor activity, with investors now making up around their highest share of lending since 2017.

Further piling pressure on home prices is the additional demand created by the newly expanded 5% deposit first home buyer scheme.

On the flipside, supply remains tight. And supply doesn’t look like catching up to demand any time soon. New home completions are already 15.6% below average for the past decade.

The bottom line is that the potential for further price rises might be a compelling reason to bring forward home buying plans.

Home price growth is eating away at borrowing power

Buying a home is never a decision that should be rushed.

But with no end in sight to property price gains, now may be time to advance your buying plans.

Speak to us – we can let you know if you are home loan-ready right now.

This is not about sprinting in to buy the first home that comes along.

Rather, it’s a matter of making the most of the buying power you have today, because it could be lower tomorrow if home prices keep rising.

You see, while the Reserve Bank’s interest rate cuts have given households on the median income a $51,000 increase in borrowing power, median home values across our big cities have risen almost $54,000 since February.

Put simply, home prices are rising faster than home buyers’ borrowing power.

Call us to get the ball rolling

An unexpected jump in inflation has put a question mark over possible future rate cuts.

So home buyers can’t rely on future rate cuts for an uptick in personal borrowing power.

A better strategy is to talk to us today.

We can explain if you’re home loan-ready right now, and how to get the ball rolling on home finance before prices rise further.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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.

The Block’s latest final episode is a case in point.

Two of the five homes failed to sell at auction. One didn’t even attract a bid.

But auction clearance rates in our capital cities are doing better.

Cotality reports auction clearance rates over the past two weeks are at about 72% – much higher than the clearance rate of 59.50% this time last year.

Notably, these high clearance rates are being achieved despite more homes being listed for sale at auction than any other time over the past 18 months

Now, auctions can be daunting because so much is uncertain – the number of bidders, the reserve price and, of course, the final selling price.

Below we’ve outlined five steps you can take to bring a bit more certainty to the auction.

1. Know your borrowing power

Having a firm idea of how much you can borrow can form the foundation of your buying plans.

Forget the online calculators that ask broad questions – and provide broad results that may not be accurate.

Contact us instead.

We’ll take the time to get to know you, your circumstances and your goals, and let you know for sure what your borrowing power looks like.

2. Set a buying budget

In the excitement of buying a home it’s easy to overlook other upfront costs – anything from stamp duty to mortgage transfer charges or loan application fees.

We can explain the upfront costs you should plan for.

This can help you set a buying budget, and reduce the risk of hidden costs that could derail your purchase.

3. Have your home loan pre-approved

Pre-approval means a lender has agreed to provide you with a home loan up to a certain limit, subject to certain conditions.

And that can be important when you’re buying at auction.

You’d either be very brave or very cashed up to consider bidding at an auction without the backing of home loan pre-approval.

The beauty of pre-approval is that it can help you set a firm upper bidding limit – and give you the confidence to bid up to that limit.

Talk to us about loan pre-approval as soon as you’re ready to start searching for your new home.

4. Get your legal rep to review the contract of sale

“It’s a standard contract” is an assumption that can easily catch buyers out.

If you’re the winning bidder at an auction, there’s no backing out. You don’t get a cooling off period.

So you need to be absolutely sure what you are agreeing to buy.

That’s why it’s important to have the sale contract reviewed by your solicitor or conveyancer before auction day rolls around.

5. Do all the normal pre-purchase checks

Don’t simply assume a property you’re interested in buying is in great condition.

Sure, a pre-purchase pest and building report, or a strata report (if you’re buying an apartment or townhouse) is another cost to wear.

However, it can be an investment that protects you from unexpected (and unwanted) future repair bills that could cost you a lot more.

Call us before auction day arrives

In today’s hot property market, sale by auction can be very attractive to sellers.

Contact us today to prepare before you put your hand up to bid.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 not uncommon to want to snag a bargain.

One possible solution? Check out the local rail map.

New research by PropTrack shows house hunters could save hundreds of thousands of dollars simply by looking at suburbs one extra train stop from the city.

Staying on track in the hunt for an affordable home

Steadily rising property prices mean one-in-three property markets across Australia now have median home values of $1 million plus.

But this doesn’t have to derail your home-buying plans.

PropTrack data reveals “dozens” of suburbs across our state capitals where buyers heading to the next station down the line can find more affordable houses.

How much more affordable?

In many areas, an extra train stop could result in six-figure savings – and in one case seven-figures – all for only a few more minutes on the daily commute.

Of course, the train station theory isn’t failsafe.

Some trains terminate in high-value suburbs. In other neighbourhoods, popular schools or nearby beaches can boost values.

But as we’ll explore below, there are many suburbs around the country where there are savings to be found.

Sydney

As the nation‘s most expensive market, finding value in Sydney is challenging. But the train station theory can help.

According to PropTrack, the biggest savings can be found in Sydney’s southern suburbs. Buyers can pay a median value of $1.75 million for a house in Como – and save a whopping $747,500 compared to neighbouring Oatley ($2,497,500).

In the city’s inner west, buying a house in Ashfield (median $2.2 million) can deliver a saving of $300,000 compared to adjacent Summer Hill ($2.5 million).

Melbourne

Across Melbourne, the biggest savings for an extra train stop are found in Caulfield, where the median house price of $1.87 million is a thumping $1,121,250 less than neighbouring Malvern’s median of $2,991,250.

Pascoe Vale buyers who pay the suburb’s median house value of $1.049 million, can save $519,000 compared with those looking one stop closer to the city in Strathmore (median $1.568 million).

Brisbane

The Brisbane suburb of Corinda (median house price $1.22 million) is only one station further along from Sherwood ($1.722 million). Yet for a few more minutes on the train, buyers can save around $502,000 on the average price of a house.

Or buyers could save $350,000 purchasing in Murarrie (median value $1,187,500) instead of Cannon Hill ($1.55 million).

Adelaide

Many of Adelaide’s beachside suburbs are on the city’s western train lines, and the waterfront appeal can see property prices rise despite being further from the CBD.

However, there are suburbs where a single train stop can reward home buyers with big savings.

The most significant price difference is found in Claren Park (median of $1.2 million), which is $311,000 cheaper than neighbouring Goodwood ($1.511 million).

Home buyers looking at more affordable locations can save $217,000 buying in Tonsley (median $675,500) compared to adjacent Mitchell Park ($892,500).

Perth

Okay, Mosman Park (median house value of $2.4 million) is at the higher end of the price range. But it’s separated by just one train stop – and $662,500 – from neighbouring Cottesloe (median $3,062,500).

For more affordable homes, buyers opting for Clarkson ($730,000) could save $220,000 compared to jumping off the train at Currambine ($950,000).

Talk to us when you’re ready to buy

PropTrack’s research shows you don’t have to buy a train wreck of a home to score great value.

What matters is that you research the prices of areas you’d like to buy in – and maybe cast your net a little wider.

When you’re ready to buy, we’ll cast our net far and wide to find a mortgage that matches your needs.

Contact us today – we’ll help get you started on your home-buying journey.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 first home deposit can be an endurance test.

Nationally, it takes an average of 5.6 years to save a 20% deposit.

The catch is that deposits tend to grow slowly, while property prices can rise quickly. In the past 12 months alone, home values have climbed 4.8%.

For first home buyers, the goal posts can seem to be constantly shifting outwards.

Enter the Bank of Mum and Dad.

Research shows close to one in three (29%) home owners with a mortgage received financial help from their parents – about $40,000 on average.

But without careful planning, the generosity of parents won’t always get first home buyers over the line for a home loan.

Here’s what else you need to know.

Even a modest helping hand makes a difference

Of course, not every family has a spare $40,000 to hand out.

And that’s okay.

Even small sums – for parents who can afford it – can give first home buyers a valuable edge.

That said, it’s worth talking to us at an early stage about the type of support families can provide first home buyers.

Because not every well-meaning offer of help will fast-track a first home.

Hidden traps of the Bank of Mum and Dad  

Parents can help first home buyers in a variety of ways – something as simple as letting adult kids live at home for longer can make a significant difference.

When cash payments are part of the picture, three points are worth noting:

1. A ‘gift’ may need to be declared in writing: a lender may ask for written evidence that a cash gift is exactly that – a no-strings-attached payment that mum and dad don’t expect to be repaid.
2. A loan from parents could reduce borrowing power: some parents may prefer to loan their adult child money to help with a first home purchase. If that sounds like you or your parents, it’s important to speak with us first. Some lenders may look on a loan from parents as an informal personal loan, and the required repayments could lower a first home buyer’s borrowing power.
3. Evidence of regular saving is still essential: support from the Bank of Mum and Dad doesn’t eliminate the need to save for a deposit. Lenders typically want to see evidence of regular saving, often spanning three to six months. This savings track record shows a first home buyer has the discipline to manage home loan repayments.

Helping hands that don’t involve mum and dad

Parents always want the best for their kids.

However, no one benefits if parents jeopardise their own financial wellbeing to give their adult children a leg-up into the property market.

If parents cannot, or choose not to, offer children financial support buying a first home, there are other options to consider:

– The 5% deposit Home Guarantee Scheme: this scheme lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance. Recent changes to the scheme mean it now comes with unlimited places and increased property price caps.

– The First Home Super Saver Scheme: this allows first home buyers use their super to grow a first home deposit. It’s estimated the scheme can see first home buyers save a deposit around 30% faster than a standard savings account.

– Co-buy with siblings or friends: sure, it’s not for everyone. However, by teaming up with a sibling or mate you can boost your buying power and share costs. We can explain the home loan options if co-buying is something you’re thinking of.

Talk to us to get the ball rolling

Buying a first home may not be easy. And not everyone has parents who can help give them a leg-up into the property market. But there are many different strategies that can help first home buyers.

Contact us to understand all the options open to you – you could be ready for your first home loan sooner than you think.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 least.

After leaving rates on hold in September, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is taking a wait-and-see approach, taking the time to gauge how the earlier rate cuts in February, May and August are flowing through the economy.

The RBA’s strategy, coupled with a return to higher inflation in October, has seen plenty of economists talk down prospects of further rate cuts this year.

Let’s unpack what’s happening and how your home loan could be impacted.

The big banks push back predictions of rate cuts

There’s a growing view that we’ve seen the last of rate cuts for 2025.

NAB has backtracked on earlier predictions of possible rate cuts in November and February, and now expects the cash rate to stay on hold until May 2026.

The Commonwealth Bank has also shelved expectations of a November rate cut. It says we’re unlikely to see a drop in the cash rate before February next year.

ANZ no longer expects further rate cuts in 2025, instead pointing to February as the “next plausible option”.

Westpac alone is holding the flag for a possible 0.25% rate cut in December (just in time for Christmas – wouldn’t that be good!).

Why wait ‘til 2026?

These forecasts may be a bit of a downer for homeowners hoping to land a lower rate for the festive season.

But here’s the thing.

We’ve seen plenty of action in the mortgage market lately, and it may not be necessary to wait until the New Year to save with a lower home loan rate.

You may be able to make a rate cut of your own a lot sooner.

Lenders cut rates in a competitive market

According to Mozo, September saw several lenders cut their variable rates despite no change to the cash rate that month.

Mozo says the average borrower with a $660,000 loan could save around $100 per month, or $1,195 annually, by switching from a home loan with a rate of 6.10% to one costing 5.85%.

It’s a strong cue to check the rate you’re currently paying.

Especially as Canstar says a competitive rate for owner occupiers right now is 5.25%.

Could you give yourself a rate cut?

If you’ve had your hopes pinned on more rate cuts this year, it could be time for a rethink.

Instead of holding out for the RBA to cut rates again, another possible strategy is to take control of your own home loan rate.

Contact us to find out if you could lower your home loan rate by refinancing.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 multi-million dollar property portfolio to divvy up, most Australians have just one family home.

That doesn’t necessarily make matters less complicated, especially as our home tends to be the jewel in the crown of household assets.

Some couples choose to sell their home, pay off the mortgage and go their separate ways.

However, if you want to hold onto the family home, the situation may be more complex.

Determining your home’s value

Unless you and your ex plan to sell your home to a third party as part of your separation (which will very quickly tell you exactly what the place is worth), the first step is to get a clear idea of the property’s value.

Knowing the current market value of your home can let you know how much you owe your ex if you plan to buy them out. Or alternatively, it can clarify how much you are owed if your former spouse wants to buy out your stake in the family home.

A local real estate agent can provide a market appraisal. But the figure you’re quoted has no legal standing, and the agent may bump up the value if they believe a listing could be on the cards.

There are websites that offer free valuations. However, these may not be entirely accurate as they are based on past property sales, which may not reflect your home’s value.

The most accurate way to know what your home is worth is by arranging a formal valuation by a licensed valuer.

This will likely come at a cost but the upside is an independent and accurate valuation of your home.

Funding your home if it’s still under mortgage

If you’re keen to hold onto your home, you’ll need to work out how to fund it if the property is still under mortgage.

You can’t normally just take over the repayments on a mortgage if the loan is held in your former spouse or partner’s name. And frankly, this would involve a leap of faith by your ex as any missed repayments could impact their credit score.

So it may be necessary to apply for a loan of your own.

As your broker, we will walk you through the process. A key factor that lenders will consider is: will you be able to manage regular loan repayments?

If you are earning a wage or salary, or relying on Centrelink benefits, spousal maintenance or even child support payments to help meet the mortgage, you’ll likely be asked to provide evidence of this income.

Alternatively, you may be able to refinance your current home loan so that it is held in your name only.

There are a variety of options available – speaking to us at an early stage can help you select the option for your situation.

Separation is a time for support and guidance

Amid the raw emotions of a break-up, it’s important to have support and guidance from trusted professionals.

In some areas, a lawyer may be your first port of call. In others, such as finance, we’re here to help.

So if you’re facing the end of a relationship, get in touch today for a clearer idea of your home loan options. It could help you start the next phase of your life.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 their home or investment loan.

The June quarter saw a 24% jump in the number of home owners refinancing to a new lender compared to the same quarter last year, according to the ABS. And the number of investment loans refinanced rose by 15%.

Switching to a new loan could see you enjoy a raft of benefits – from a lower loan rate through to improved loan features.

And the benefits of refinancing can really ramp up when home owners partner with a broker, new research from the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) shows.

99% of brokers have secured a discount for borrowers

Who doesn’t love paying less for things?

When it comes to your home loan rate, even a small discount can add up to serious savings on your home loan repayments and long-term interest costs.

The good news is that a recent MFAA survey found a whopping 99% of brokers have recently helped their clients secure a discount.

That’s no surprise to us. As brokers, we work hard to help you land a competitive rate.

And, as brokers work with an average of 23 different lenders, you can be confident we have conducted a thorough search to identify the loans that tick the boxes for your home loan needs.

92% of brokers have helped clients refinance for the first time

Like anything in life, if you’re thinking of refinancing for the first time, the process can seem daunting.

We aim to make it as streamlined as possible.

According to the MFAA, 92% of brokers have helped first-time refinancers. If that sounds like you, rest assured, we take the time to explain how refinancing works, the potential savings in interest you could make, and the timeframe for your new loan to be in place.

Better still, we can liaise with your old – and new – lender to help ease the burden of the whole refinancing process.

97% of brokers have clients who return year after year

Nothing says “customer satisfaction” like a repeat client.

97% of brokers have numerous home owners who keep coming back to them each time they need home loan help, the MFAA survey found.

It’s a testament to the difference brokers can make to your home loan journey – from your first home loan, to your next, right through to an investment property loan and/or refinancing.

So if you’d like to start your journey with us – or take the next step – contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 (believe it or not!).

It’s a sure sign Christmas is getting closer. Just 14 weeks away, in fact.

As it can usually take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to settle on a new home, time is of the essence for home buyers hoping to celebrate the holiday season in their new home.

Of course, a home purchase should never be rushed.

But having all your ducks in a row can be the difference between waking up on Christmas morning in your new place, or facing settlement delays because key service providers have shut up shop for the summer holidays.

Here are five ways a broker can help you be in your new home by Christmas.

1. We’ll explain your borrowing power to get the ball rolling

Before heading out to open home inspections, set a date to talk to us first.

We can give you a clear idea of your borrowing power.

This is an important first step.

It tells you how much you can borrow, so you can focus on properties within your price range.

2. We’ll help you find a loan and lender for your needs

A home loan is a major financial commitment, and you need to be confident your loan is suitable for you, your budget and your lifestyle.

That’s why we take the time to understand you and your goals.

From there, you can leave the home loan search to us, confident in the knowledge that we’ll only look at loans that tick the boxes for your needs.

Of course you always have the final say in your choice of home loan, but by narrowing down the loan selection for you, we can give you more time to find your dream home.

3. We can arrange home loan pre-approval to help avoid settlement delays

There are good reasons to have your home loan pre-approved – especially at this time of year.

Pre-approval helps set a buying budget. It gives you serious clout when it comes to price negotiations.

And pre-approval is also helpful if you’re buying at auction.

It lets you bid with confidence up to a known limit, and that’s especially valuable in the current market, with Cotality reporting the highest levels of homes going to auction since June 2025.

Importantly, pre-approval can help speed up the pathway to unconditional loan approval. That’s because your lender has already done most of the groundwork involved in your loan application.

Long story short, having your loan pre-approved can be a strategy to help avoid unwanted delays.

4. We can help you put together a team of experts

Along with a broker and a lender, you’re likely going to need the support of other experts, in particular, a solicitor or conveyancer, who will review the contract of sale and complete the settlement process.

It can be a good idea to have your legal team lined up before you sign a contract. That way, the settlement process can kick off from the date of exchange of contracts without delay.

We can tap into our professional network to put you in touch with reputable service providers.

This can save you the hassle of phoning around trying to line up different professionals when the countdown has begun for the festive season.

5. We’ll manage your loan application right up to the finish line

Preparing for Christmas can be stressful enough. Let alone moving house during the festive season.

So it’s reassuring to know we can remove an extra layer of stress by liaising with your home loan lender all the way to loan settlement.

As we work closely with a variety of lenders, we’re well-placed to manage the mortgage process.

We know the decision-makers to speak with, and we will monitor your loan application from start to finish.

Is a new home on your Christmas wishlist?

Completing a home purchase in time for Christmas is a great feeling.

Knowing you have your new home sorted and your loan in place can let you relax and enjoy the festive season, pop the cork on a few bubbles, and look forward to 2026 in your new home.

Contact us today to see how we could help you be in your new place by Christmas.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

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 to buy a first home can be the equivalent of running a financial marathon.

It takes around 5.6 years for the average Australian family to save a 20% deposit, according to PropTrack (and potentially even longer, depending on where you want to buy).

But here’s the rub.

Home prices don’t stand still while you’re growing that all-important deposit.

Rising property prices can push the goal posts further out of reach no matter how hard you save.

The good news is that the recent expansion of the popular Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) is expected to reduce the time taken to save a deposit by up to four years, says Housing Industry Association (HIA) Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

Our back-of-the-napkin maths says that means it could now take first home owners just over 18 months to save for a first home deposit – and many on their savings journey might already be there.

What is the Home Guarantee Scheme?

The HGS is designed to help first home buyers buy a place of their own sooner.

Unlike, say, the First Home Owner Grant, which sees eligible first home buyers receive a one-off payment, no money changes hands with the HGS.

Instead, it works by letting first home buyers purchase a place with just a 5% deposit, while the federal government guarantees the remaining 15%.

This provides lenders with security equal to a 20% deposit, meaning home buyers don’t need to pay lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) – which is usually not a small amount.

“First home buyers pay between $25,000 and $30,000 in LMI to purchase an average home,” explains the HIA’s Mr Devitt.

In this way, first home buyers can now get into the market with a smaller deposit while also saving on upfront costs.

Unlimited places, higher home price caps from 1 October 2025

The federal government recently announced important changes to the HGS.

From 1 October 2025, the scheme will be open to all Australian first home buyers.

There will be no limit on the number of people who can apply each year.

Income caps will be scrapped, allowing first home buyers with higher incomes to access the scheme. And property price thresholds will be raised to help home buyers where home values have increased.

The bottom line, according to the HIA, is that these changes to the HGS could see first home buyers buy a place of their own four years sooner on average.

How we can help you buy your first home

If you’re a first home buyer, the stars may finally be aligning.

Our job is to help you make the most of every opportunity to buy a home of your own.

Not all lenders have signed up to the HGS.

So talk to us to find out which loans and lenders are part of scheme and get the ball rolling on your first home.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.