Blog
Election 2025: what’s on offer for first home buyers?
Australians will head to the polls on May 3, and with housing affordability shaping up as a key election issue, we unpack how the two major parties are pledging to…
Home owners notch up gains of $230,000 in just 5 years
Did you know that the average home owner saw their property’s value rise $46,000 per year over the past five years? Today we’ll look at ways you could put that…
Why 1-in-2 families are thinking of refinancing
The RBA may have swiped left on an April rate cut, but plenty of home owners are taking matters into their own hands by refinancing to save on interest with…
Sounds of silence: how traffic noise can impact property values
‘Close to public transport’ is often touted as a plus for home buyers. But new research shows just how much close proximity to a busy road, railway or flight path…
5 fun (and budget-friendly) ideas for an Easter staycation
This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips…
Low cost renos to help keep your home cosy this autumn
It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home…
Was that the shortest property downturn ever?
The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why…
Major change coming to mortgage rules for university grads
Good news for the three million Australians who have a student debt. New rules are on the cards that could soon increase their borrowing power when applying for a home…
The scheme that’s helped 193,000 Aussies buy a first home
If you’re in the market for a first home, there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the Home Guarantee Scheme, and it could slash the time it takes…
What happens to my home loan if interest rates fall?
Great news for home owners – plenty of economists are tipping an RBA rate cut for February. Assuming it happens, once the celebrations have died down, what next? We explain…
The top 5 location turn-offs for Aussie home buyers
Ever spotted a bargain property and then thought to yourself: ‘What’s the catch?’ Well, more often than not there’s a good reason behind a lower-than-expected price tag. And while an…
How to finance your 2025 home renovation
Bathroom blitz? Kitchen kit out? Or perhaps some landscaping love might be on your house upgrade wishlist for 2025? If so, it’s worth knowing what reno finance options are available.…
Decisions decisions… Fixed-rate vs variable home loan rate
Amid growing expectations of rate cuts in 2025, sticking with a variable home loan rate can seem like a no-brainer. But not so fast. Locking in your home loan rate…
House, apartment or townhouse? The pros and cons of each
There’s much more to property in Australia than just houses or units. And if you’re in the market for a home or investment property, it helps to know your townhouses…
Three financial New Year’s resolutions to tackle 2025 head-on
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re like most people, they’re likely related to health, fitness or abstinence. But why not consider a financial one too? Here…
Merry Christmas! And thanks for your support in 2024!
With the holiday season upon us, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our amazing clients for your trust and support throughout 2024. With the hope of rate…
Have you refinanced recently? It could be time this summer break
If you haven’t looked into refinancing since the start of higher interest rates, it might be time to ask yourself ‘why not?’ New research shows it could be time to…
How did property prices go in 2024? And what’s tipped for 2025?
As we head towards the end of 2024, let’s take a look at how property markets performed over the last year – and discover what the experts say may lie…
Thinking of buying a holiday home? Here’s what to weigh up
The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a…
Thinking of installing a swimming pool for summer?
There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be…
Buying land to build on later: what you need to know
You’ve seen the perfect piece of land but you’re not quite ready to build. No problem – a land loan can be a handy finance solution. However, it can work…
Do you really need a building inspection?
Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So it’s worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of…
Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?
With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling – and how…
How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?
Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance…
How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed
It’s the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your…
What’s going on with negative gearing?
Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why it’s so popular among investors,…
How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)
Planning to buy your first home? It takes (on average) about five to six years to save a deposit at present. But who’s got the patience to save for six…
Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?
Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Here’s why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than…
Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker
Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? It’s unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out…
TikTok vs talking to your broker? It’s no contest
TikTok and Instagram reels are fun, fast and free – but it’s important to be picky about whose content you’re viewing, especially if you’re in the market for a home…
Fixed rates tumble: a sign of things to come?
When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may…
The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on
When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being…
How much has your home’s value risen by?
We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe…
Property market set to blossom this spring
The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to…
How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity
Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market…
Does your job come with home loan perks?
Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today we’ll look…
Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors
A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters – and it’s changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal what’s happening across the rental…
Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders
Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the…
Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?
Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. We explain what’s…
How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?
As property prices hit record highs across a number of cities, it’s no surprise that new home loan balances are also nudging towards fresh peaks. Today we’ll reveal what the…
50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents
The new financial year has kicked off with a bang for first home buyers! A whopping 45,000 more places have opened up for them under the Home Guarantee Scheme, as…
Will home prices keep rising over the next year?
Property prices are expected to keep climbing higher through to mid-2025 – though not everywhere, according to a new report. We reveal where prices are tipped to go up, and…
Rate cuts? Pencil them in for 2025
Put the party pies on ice and postpone those rate-cut celebrations for a while yet. The much-touted rate cuts we’ve been waiting for may not arrive until 2025. Here’s why…
Is a tree or sea change on your horizon?
Fresh air, no bumper-to-bumper traffic and more affordable home prices. There’s plenty of appeal in regional living, including a chance to potentially reduce your home loan. The classic tune ‘Home…
Why three-in-four Aussies turn to a broker for home loan help
You might have seen a headline or two about a particular big bank being at war with brokers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our mission is – and…
First home buyers turn to Bank of Nan and Pop
Nan and Pop have always been good for birthday money, but one-in-10 grandparents are taking their generosity to the next level: helping their grandkids buy a first home. Most of…
What you should know before buying ‘subject to finance’
Not sure if you’ll get the thumbs up for a home loan? But you really, really like that house that just popped up? Making an offer ‘subject to finance’ could…
Not feeling the budget love? 4 ways you could still get ahead
If the latest federal government budget is leaving you hungry for perks and savings, you’re not alone. We’ve had a brainstorm and here are four ways you could start working…
Low deposit scheme helps over 150,000 families buy sooner
Whether you’re rat running your local streets, or have a knack for always picking the fast-moving supermarket queue – everyone loves a good time-saving hack. Well, today we’ll let you…
Here’s why your borrowing power might soon get a lift
Who doesn’t love a tax cut? Most of us are now only weeks away from saving on our tax bills, with Stage 3 tax cuts to kick in from 1…