Bad news for mortgage holders around the country: the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. Today we’ll look at why it did so, and how this rate hike could impact your monthly mortgage repayments.

Well, those three rate cuts in 2025 were nice while they lasted!

But recent ABS inflation data (3.8% in the year to December 2025) has the RBA concerned enough to start 2026 with a rate rise in an attempt to beat inflation back down to the 2-3% target range.

The RBA’s Monetary Policy Board said in a statement that while inflation had fallen substantially since its peak in 2022, it had picked up again in the second half of 2025.

“While part of the pick-up in inflation is assessed to reflect temporary factors, it is evident that private demand is growing more quickly than expected, capacity pressures are greater than previously assessed and labour market conditions are a little tight,” the Board said of its unanimous decision.

“The Board judged that inflation is likely to remain above target for some time and it was appropriate to increase the cash rate target.”

How could this affect your minimum monthly mortgage repayments?

Unless you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, your bank will likely soon follow the RBA’s lead and increase the interest rate on your variable home loan.

For an owner-occupier with a 25-year loan of $500,000 paying principal and interest, this month’s 25 basis point rate hike means your monthly repayments could increase by about $77 a month.

That could add about $924 a year to your household budget.

If you have a $750,000 loan, your minimum monthly mortgage repayments will likely increase by about $115 a month – or $1380 per year.

Meanwhile, a $1 million loan could increase by about $154 a month – or $1848 a year.

This all assumes that your lender automatically passes on the full 25 basis point hike to your home loan.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when interest rates came down from the recent cycle peak of 4.35% throughout 2025, many banks around the country kept borrowers on the same monthly repayment amount – meaning they paid more off the principal of their home loan each month rather than the interest.

If this is the case for you, your monthly repayment amount (very likely) won’t increase with this latest rate hike – it’s just that more of your repayment (0.25%) will go towards the interest on your loan, rather than the principal.

To find out what your lender is doing with your loan, get in touch with us in a few days once the dust has settled and the banks have announced their next moves.

Feeling the strain of your mortgage? Let’s talk

Ok, so the RBA has lifted the cash rate – it can be a tough pill to swallow for families on tight budgets. But there are still some steps you could potentially take to help offset this hike.

If it’s been a while since your last home loan review, now could be a good time to check in. You might be able to improve your situation – and we’re here to help you explore your options.

This could include renegotiating with your current lender, refinancing to another lender, or debt consolidation.

Every household is unique, and we’re committed to helping you find a solution that fits your needs.

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.

After a lengthy run of rising prices in 2025, some pundits are tipping property prices could keep climbing in 2026. Today we’ll take a sneak peek inside the experts’ crystal ball – and what it could mean for your home buying plans.

2025 was a great year for home owners, though a little more challenging for buyers, with property prices climbing 8.6% nationally.

And it seems there could be plenty of steam left in the market to push prices higher in 2026 – and again in 2027.

A new report by KPMG suggests house prices across Australia could climb another 7.7% this year alone.

Of course, a lot can happen to impact property prices over the next 12 months.

So, how might prices perform in your patch?

Below is a rundown of KPMG’s forecasts for property price growth across each of the major capitals.

Sydney: the median house price could approach $2 million

Sydney house prices are being predicted to rise 5.8% in 2026, with further growth of 5.7% in 2027.

Apartment prices are forecast to increase 5.3% this year, backed up by a 4.0% rise next year.

With Sydney’s median house price currently sitting at $1.62 million, if KPMG’s forecast proves correct, the median value could top $1.81 million by the end of 2026.

Brisbane: the big gains may not be over yet

Last year saw Brisbane home values rise 14.6% – some of the biggest gains nationally, second only to Perth.

KPMG believes there’s plenty of fuel left in the tank, with house prices expected to rise 10.9% in 2026, and 8.9% in 2027.

Meanwhile, the price of Brisbane apartments is forecast to rise 7.8% for 2026, followed by growth of 4.9% in 2027.

Melbourne: price growth expected to outpace 2025

With a median residential property value of $854,000, Melbourne is now one of Australia’s more affordable capital cities.

However, prices look set to climb, with forecast house price growth of 6.8% in 2026, and then rising another 7.3% in 2027.

The next 12 months is expected to see apartment values rise 7.3%, with further gains of 5.5% forecast for 2027.

Canberra: moderate prices growth expected

Property prices in the nation’s capital rose just 4.2% in 2025, and moderate growth is expected to continue this year.

KPMG is tipping house prices to rise 4.7% in 2026, followed by growth of 3.3% next year.

Canberra apartments are expected to increase in value by 4.9% over the next 12 months, and then climb 3.6% in 2027.

Hobart: softer growth tipped for 2026

After rising 7.8% over the past 12 months, property prices in Hobart could be poised for softer growth in 2026.

House prices are expected to increase by 5.4% this year, while Hobart unit values are tipped to rise 5.1%.

2027 may see price growth continue, with house and apartment values expected to rise 4.1% and 4.0% respectively.

Adelaide: the run of price growth may continue

Strong price growth in recent years has taken Adelaide’s median home price to $908,000.

This year, KPMG is expecting the run of growth to continue, with house prices forecast to rise by 8.2%, with a further increase of  3.3% in 2027.

Unit prices are tipped to climb 6.6% this year, with growth of 3.8% in 2027.

Perth: another year of big gains

Perth’s property market was a standout in 2025, notching up price growth of 17.2%.

According to KPMG, the WA capital is set to see double-digit price growth again in 2026, with house prices expected to rise 12.8%, and apartment values forecast to increase by 11.6%.

Price growth may be more modest in 2027, with house and apartment prices expected to rise 5.1% and 3.9% respectively.

Darwin: double-digit growth may lie ahead

As Australia’s most affordable capital, with a median home price of $578,000, Darwin prices look set to rise over the next two years.

House prices could increase by a hefty 10.5% in 2026, while apartment prices could see even bigger gains of 13.4%.

2027 should see slightly softer price growth across both houses (up 6.8%) and units (9.3%).

What’s likely to drive prices higher?

KPMG is not alone in expecting property prices to climb this year.

Research group Cotality doesn’t offer price predictions, but it is expecting “modest” price growth through 2026.

The common assumption underpinning these predictions is that two key forces are likely to push prices higher – tight supply of new homes coupled with strong buyer demand.

Although housing construction is increasing, it is unlikely to keep pace with the estimated need for 240,000 new homes needed annually.

Buyer demand has been heavily influenced by three rate cuts in 2025, and the expansion of the first home buyer 5% Deposit Scheme in late 2025.

The upshot is an 18% rise in demand for home loans in December 2025 compared to the previous December.

Time to review your buying plans?

Of course, forecasts are just that – predictions –  and plenty could change over the year ahead.

Even so, if you’re holding off buying in the hope of prices softening, you could be left disappointed, and possibly even out of pocket.

Now is a great time to talk to us to find out if you’re home loan ready. We’ll help you work out your borrowing capacity, so you can start working to a house-hunting budget.

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.

A renovation boom may loom, with plenty of home owners choosing to renovate rather than relocate this year. So if you have plans for home improvements, it’s worth knowing how to fund your project.

Australians love tackling home renovations!

Home owners collectively spend over $1 billion each month improving their place.

And along with a more comfortable home, plus the potential to add value, well-planned renovations can also be a money-saver. They don’t incur big, non-value adding costs (such as stamp duty) that go hand-in-hand with selling up and buying elsewhere.

But amid the excitement of drawing up plans and comparing paint samples, it’s important to consider how you will fund your project.

Here’s what to weigh up.

Lending for renovations is on the rise

For smaller renovations, it may be possible to use cash savings to cover the cost.

But if you plan to shower your place with serious love, chances are you’ll need to consider finance options.

That appears to be the case for a growing number of home owners.

The Housing Industry Association says the value of lending for home improvements is now almost three times higher than it was pre-COVID.

So it’s important that you choose the finance option that suits your needs.

Your home loan could provide a solution

Last year, around 30,000 home owners relied on housing finance to pay for renovations..

Fortunately, rising property values may mean you have enough home equity to help fund renovations.

If that’s the case, you could opt for a loan top-up. This is where your lender agrees to let you borrow extra money by increasing your current home loan.

A top-up can be a simple strategy. However, any change to your old loan should be a cue to look into refinancing.

Switching to a new home loan may allow you to secure a more competitive rate or access improved loan features.

Refinancing can come with costs. That’s why it’s so important to speak with us. We can crunch the numbers to show whether the benefits outweigh the costs, and if refinancing aligns with your goals.

A construction loan could be worth a look

For home owners undertaking major renovations, such as a large extension, a dedicated renovation or ‘construction’ loan might be a useful option.

This type of loan differs from traditional home loans.

Instead of receiving a lump sum of cash, the loan funds are gradually released in line with various stages of the project – from laying the slab to final detailing, for example.

Part of the appeal of a construction loan is that interest is typically only charged on the funds drawdown. This can be helpful for cash flow while the project is underway.

It’s usually only when the renovation reaches completion and is formally signed off that the loan reverts to principal plus interest payments.

Construction loans can be useful for renovators but they’re not available through every lender.

Want to discuss your reno finance options?

If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and give your place a makeover in 2026, get in touch with us to understand which finance options could meet your needs and budget.

After all, trying to plan a renovation without a budget is guesswork. Having a clear figure to work towards can help you prioritise, and then get the ball rolling on, your 2026 home renovation project.

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.

Owning an investment property isn’t limited to the uber-rich. In fact, investors are usually people you interact with daily. Today, we’ll reveal which occupations are the nation’s most prolific property investors, and how you could potentially join them.

Owning a home has traditionally been the great Australian dream, but aspirations to own an investment property may not be far behind.

One-in-four households plan to invest in real estate over the next year, according to Agile Market Intelligence.

If they do, they’ll be joining the almost 2.3 million Australians who reported earning rental income in 2022-23 (the most recent Australian Tax Office figures).

What’s especially interesting, though, is that PropTrack research shows property investors span almost all adult ages, levels of income, and occupations.

But which occupations top the property investor list?

Topping the list is general manager with 65,559 property investors (no surprises there), with CEO/managing director coming in at third with 60,800, according to ATO 2021-2022 financial year data compiled by PropTrack.

But splitting them in second place is teachers (both primary and secondary) with 64,529 investors, while nurses come in at fourth (55,519) ahead of accountants (49,203) at fifth.

Other noteworthy top 20 occupations include electricians (12th with 21,397), truck drivers (18th with 15,378), and police (20th at 15,400).

With the above in mind, let’s look at four possible pathways to investing in property – even if you don’t boast a fancy job title or have substantial savings for a deposit.

Harness home equity

Home values nationally have risen 49.1% over the past five years.

That’s great news for home owners, many of whom may have seen an increase in their home equity (the difference between a home’s market value and the remaining home loan balance).

Depending on how much equity a home owner has, it may be possible to use part of this equity as a deposit on an investment property.

Get in touch with us to find out exactly how much home equity you have, and whether it could be put to work as a deposit on an investment.

Turn a first home into a rental

If you’re ready to upgrade to your next home, you may have considered holding onto your current place and renting it out.

It’s a strategy that could mean saving on selling costs. You may also be able to leverage accumulated equity to help fund the new home.

But if you’re thinking about this pathway to investing, it’s important to speak with us about financing arrangements. Not to mention an accountant, as it can have some considerations to navigate come tax time.

Rentvesting – weigh up the pros and cons

Rentvesting is all about renting where you live while owning an investment property in another, potentially more affordable, suburb.

The beauty of this approach is that you get to call your preferred suburb ‘home’, while having the opportunity to earn rental income, and potentially benefit from a rise in the value of the investment property over time.

According to PropTrack, rentvesting is on the rise, especially among first home buyers.

However, as with any investment strategy, there can be pros and cons.

When you buy as an investor, you’re unlikely to be eligible for first home owner grants or other first home buyer concessions.

This should be weighed against the rental income and potential tax savings an investment property may generate.

Co-investing – a possible boost to buying power

If your finances don’t stretch to buying an investment property solo, an alternative may be teaming up with family or friends as co-investors.

This strategy can be a way to pool financial resources and share costs.

However, there is also plenty to plan for, including how expenses will be divided, and working out an exit strategy if one owner wants to bail out ahead of the other co-owners.

If you feel co-buying could be an option that suits your goals, we can explain the various options to finance a property. Some lenders offer mortgages specifically designed for co-borrowers.

Talk to us

If you’re thinking about investing in property, it’s important to speak with a tax professional to understand the tax obligations involved, and weigh up whether property suits your investment needs and goals.

When it comes to financing a rental property, what matters is that you know the options available for your situation – and the buying strategy you have selected.

Like to learn more? Contact us today to find out if you could become a property investor.

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.

What a way to start the new year! After a strong 12 months in the property market, plenty of homeowners around the nation are now a whole lot wealthier. And their newfound increase in home equity has opened up some exciting possibilities for 2026.

Your home isn’t just a place to live in, it could also be a cornerstone of personal wealth.

2025 proved this in spades.

At a time when holiday spending means many of us may not be feeling particularly wealthy, a rise in your home’s value could see you $82,200 richer (on average) as we head into 2026, according to PropTrack.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening, and how you could put all that equity-driven wealth to work.

2025: a bumper year for homeowners

Australia’s housing market finished 2025 on a record high, spurred on by rate cuts, increased investor demand and expanded home buyer incentives, says PropTrack.

After climbing 8.8% over the year, the national median home value gained $82,200 over the course of the year.

Even bigger gains were recorded in several capital cities.

Sydney’s median value rose by $101,200 through 2025. Brisbane’s median went up $135,900 and Adelaide’s median home price grew by $101,600.

Perth topped the leaderboard of gains, with the city’s median home price rising by an eye-watering $148,100 in 2025.

A few smart strategies could help you get a lot more bang from your higher-home-equity buck! Here are three ideas worth a look.

1. Give your place a makeover

Whether your home is a little too snug for your family’s needs, or it could just do with a thorough refresh, your home equity could help fund the renovation improvements.

Even better, renovations don’t just make your place more liveable, they can also add to your property’s value – making renovations a win-win.

2. Invest in a rental property

Property may not only serve as a long term investment, it could also generate regular rental income plus valuable tax savings (always speak to your tax professional for tailored advice on this).

And if you think you have to be rich to become a landlord, think again.

Teachers, nurses, truckies and cops are among the nation’s most-prolific property investors.

That’s because one trick to becoming an investor is to use your resources wisely.

The good news is that you may be able to use home equity in lieu of cash as a deposit on an investment property.

This may not only let you hang onto cash savings, it could also mean you use one valuable asset (your home) to fund another asset (the rental place), which may also grow in value.

3. Refinance and reap the rewards of a new loan

An increase in your home’s value may offer more than bragging rights around the office water cooler.

It could also help you save on interest on your home loan.

When your home’s value increases, your loan-to-value ratio (LVR – that’s the value of your loan as a percentage of your home’s market value) decreases.

This shift matters because a lower LVR may mean you represent less risk to lenders. And this might see you eligible for a lower interest rate.

Refinancing isn’t just about rate savings though.

Switching to a new loan and lender could help you access new or more suitable loan features.

It could also free up funds for other purposes – anything from giving your kids a quality education, to paying for your next holiday, or consolidating personal debt to streamline your finances.

Talk to us about putting your equity to work

If you’re not making the most of your home equity, it might be time to ask yourself ‘why not?’.

Get in touch today to find out how you could make your home equity work harder.

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.

There’s nothing quite like a New Year’s resolution to fire you up for another lap around the sun. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, save on your mortgage, or leverage the equity in your current position, here are three resolutions to consider for 2026.

So long, 2025 … You know what? We’ve got to admit, you weren’t too bad after all.

Three RBA rate cuts, a bunch of first-home buyer schemes unveiled, and national property prices increasing by 8.7% all bode well for the three potential New Year’s resolutions we’ve outlined below.

Potential goal 1: cracking the property market

If you’ve been keen to buy your first home for a while, then we’ve got good news for you.

There are currently a range of government schemes that could help you get into the property market with less than the typical 20% deposit.

For starters, in October last year the federal government expanded the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) so that all first home buyers are now eligible to buy a home with as little as a 5% deposit – and not pay lenders mortgage insurance.

Then in December, the federal government launched its long-awaited Help to Buy shared equity scheme.

Under the scheme, eligible home buyers only need a 2% deposit. From there, the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home and up to 30% for existing homes, in exchange for an equity stake in the property.

There are also potential state and territory first-home owner grants and stamp duty concessions you may be eligible for, meaning you could already have enough saved up to buy your first home.

Get in touch today and we’ll help you crunch the numbers.

Potential goal 2: leverage newfound equity in your home

As we touched on earlier, national property prices have increased 8.7% over the past 12 months.

In the same period, we had three RBA cash rate cuts, meaning interest rates are lower than they were 12 months ago.

Now, with those two special ingredients combined, you could potentially refinance your home loan to a lower interest rate, cash out some newfound equity in your current property at the same time, and use that equity to invest in an investment property, shares, or a renovation.

Contact us today to get a clearer picture of your home’s potential equity – and how you could use it to achieve your financial goals in the year ahead.

Potential goal 3: refinance to a more competitive interest rate

The mortgage market remains highly competitive on the back of three rate cuts in 2025, with some lenders recently trimming their variable home loan rates.

So there’s a chance you could be eligible for a lower rate, especially if you’ve had the same home loan for a while.

Refinancing to a more competitively-priced loan could put money back in your pocket during 2026 (and beyond), or help you enjoy loan features better-suited to your needs.

Contact us today for a home loan review. The odds of another RBA rate cut this year are looking increasingly slim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a special rate cut of your own!

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.

As the Christmas and New Year’s festive season rolls around, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your trust and support throughout 2025.

Fortunately, we had a bit more to smile about this year, with three RBA rate cuts and national property prices increasing by 8.7%.

That said, 2025 wasn’t without its hardships, with many families around the country still facing cost-of-living pressures and inflation starting to creep back up again (which inevitably brings with it talk of rate hikes, rather than cuts).

Looking ahead, if there’s anything we can do to help ease any cost-of-living pressures you may be experiencing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can review your home loan.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to buy your first home, second home, or an investment property (or a family member mentions any of the above over the Christmas catch-up), we hope you think of us!

But for now, take a well-earned pause, enjoy the festive moments, and spend time with the people who matter most.

While the year ahead will no doubt bring its own surprises, one thing remains constant: our commitment to supporting you at every stage of your property journey.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas, a relaxing break, and a bright, opportunity-filled year ahead. We look forward to supporting you again in 2026.

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.

You might’ve seen recent headlines that national property prices made another big jump this year. But do you know exactly how your suburb and property type performed? Well, today we’ll show you how to find out in just a few quick clicks.

Over the past year, home prices have risen 8.7% nationally, according to PropTrack.

If you think that’s impressive, over the past five years, property values have jumped more than 50% nationally.

The question is, what’s the current market value in your neck of the woods?

Here’s how to find out.

Does your neighbourhood top the table for price growth?

To discover what the average home is worth in your neighbourhood, and how much values have increased in the past year, head to Domain’s online property price calculator.

With any luck, you’ll be pleasantly surprised (note: you can toggle between ‘house’ and ‘unit’).

You could be among the home owners around Australia who have seen their place outstrip the national uptick (remember that’s 8.7% in the past year).

Domain data shows there have been some stand-out suburbs.

Houses in Adelaide’s Blair Athol notched up 17% gains in 2025 to reach a median value of $802,500.

Houses in Cabramatta, in Sydney’s south-west, jumped 18% to hit a median of $1.152 million.

Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge (median value $830,000) recorded price growth of 13% in 2025.

Not far behind was the Perth suburb of Baldavis (median value of $720,000), where house price growth topped 11% this year.

And in Melbourne, houses in beachside Frankston North racked up 10% price gains to reach a median value of $650,000.

Why have home prices climbed?

Australia’s housing market staged a surprise turnaround in 2025, thumbing its nose at affordability challenges and cost-of-living pressures, to achieve above-decade-average price growth.

Three rate cuts in 2025, an expanded 5% Deposit Scheme and low volumes of homes listed for sale helped drive values higher.

Put your home equity to work

A rise in your home’s value offers more than bragging rights over Christmas lunch.

It could make you eligible for a lower-rate home loan, offer a source of funds to achieve personal goals in 2026, or be the key that lets you upgrade to your next home.

Call us to find out how you could make the most of a rise in your home’s value.

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.

Not so long ago plenty of economists were tipping a fresh round of rate cuts in 2026. But the picture’s not so clear anymore. There’s even talk of possible rate hikes next year. Here’s how you can prepare.

Talk about interest rates being unpredictable!

We started 2025 with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) cash rate sitting at 4.35%. February saw the first rate cut in five years. After two further rate cuts, the cash rate is down to 3.60%.

And thanks to the RBA keeping rates on hold in December, that’s exactly where the cash rate will stay – at least until February when the Reserve makes its next rate call.

The thing is, as recently as October, several of the big banks were predicting lower rates in 2026.

Today, the odds of a rate cut early next year – or any time over the next 12 months – are looking increasingly slim.

Let’s take a look at why, and what you could do about it.

What’s stopping more rate cuts?

Three factors are keeping the cash rate in a holding pattern.

First, the Aussie economy is growing. It’s only managed growth of 2.1% for the year, but the direction is upwards.

In addition, the job market is strong. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in October, down from 4.5% in September.

The chief deal breaker for further rate cuts (for now) is rising living costs.

Inflation is currently at 3.8%, well above the RBA’s target range of 2-3%.

Following the December rate meeting, RBA Governor Michele Bullock told journalists “additional (rate) cuts are not needed”. Instead, she flagged the prospect of possible future rate hikes.

Long story short: official rate cuts appear to be off the table.

But that shouldn’t stop you from trying to make a rate cut of your own.

Let’s review your home loan

The mortgage market is highly competitive, with some lenders recently trimming their variable home loan rates.

So there’s a chance you could score a lower rate, especially if you’ve had the same home loan for a while.

Refinancing to a more competitively-priced loan could put money back in your pocket during in 2026 (and beyond), or help you enjoy loan features better-suited to your needs.

Contact us today for a home loan review – you could line yourself up with a rate cut in time for Christmas after all – or possibly even consider fixing it ahead of any more talk of rate hikes in 2026.

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.

Imagine being able to buy your own home with just a $12,000 deposit. That’s what the federal government’s new Help to Buy shared equity scheme can offer. But there are some pros and cons to be aware of. Let’s take a look.

Think back to 2022. That’s when the Labor government first proposed a new Help to Buy scheme.

It sparked plenty of interest back then. But three years is a long time to wait for anything, and chances are plenty of would-be home buyers have now forgotten about it ahead of its December 5 launch date.

Below we explain how Help to Buy works, and weigh up the potential benefits and drawbacks.

How Help to Buy works

Help to Buy is unlike any other scheme currently available.

It doesn’t offer a cash handout like the First Home Owner Grant.

And it goes beyond the 5% Deposit Scheme, which sees the government guarantee a first home buyer’s mortgage, so they can buy with a small deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance.

Instead, Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme.

Eligible home buyers only need a 2% deposit. From there, the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home and up to 30% for existing homes, in exchange for an equity stake in the property.

Here’s an example.

Olivia is a first home buyer. Using Help to Buy, she purchases an established home costing $600,000.

Olivia pays a 2% deposit of $12,000, and takes out a home loan for $408,000.

The government chips in $180,000 (30% of $600,000).

In this way, Olivia is able to pay the full $600,000 purchase price.

Help to Buy may benefit Olivia in two key ways.

First, it takes less time to save a 2% deposit than a 5% or 20% deposit. So Olivia can bring forward her home buying plans.

Secondly, because the government pays 30% of the purchase price, Olivia can take out a smaller home loan, which lowers her regular loan repayments, making home ownership more affordable.

Who is eligible for Help to Buy?

While Help to Buy is chiefly pitched at first home buyers, it’s also available to those returning to home ownership.

Along with the need to have at least a 2% deposit, income limits apply. Singles can earn up to $100,000 annually, or up to $160,000 for single parents and couples combined.

There are caps too on the value of properties that can be purchased under the scheme. These vary between states and territories as well as between metropolitan centres and regional locations.

Talk to us to find out if you’re eligible.

What to weigh up with Help to Buy

As we’ve noted, Help to Buy offers an opportunity to buy with just a 2% deposit, pay zero lenders mortgage insurance, and get started on the property ladder with a smaller home loan.

No rent or interest is owed on the government’s equity stake, though home buyers still pay upfront purchase costs such as stamp duty and legal fees.

The chief downside is that at some stage the government expects to get its money back.

Home owners using Help to Buy can repay the government’s 30% or 40% equity stake through either voluntary repayments, or from profits on the sale of the property, or when they have the money to do so at some future date, for example, by borrowing the funds.

But it’s important to know the fine print.

Home owners aren’t just expected to repay the government’s initial contribution.

The government’s share of a home is linked to the value of the property at the time of paying out the government’s stake.

Put simply, the government scores a slice of any profits made on the sale of a home in line with its equity stake.

Completing renovations can be more complicated too.

For any major home improvements, Housing Australia (which oversees Help to Buy) will organise a valuation both before and after the renovation.

While this ensures the home owner – and not the government – pockets any value-add from renovation spending, it does mean more hoops to jump through.

One further drawback – for now at least, is that very few lenders are participating in the scheme. More are expected to join from early 2026.

Talk to us to find out more

Help to Buy is currently limited to 10,000 home buyers each year.

As a new and very different way of helping home buyers, time will tell how Australians feel about sharing equity in their home with the federal government.

In the meantime, if you’re a first home buyer or returning to home ownership, talk to us about the various options to help you get started in the market.

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.

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.