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December 18, 2024

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…
News
December 11, 2024

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…
News
December 4, 2024

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…
News
November 27, 2024

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…
News
November 20, 2024

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…
News
November 13, 2024

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…
News
November 6, 2024

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…
News
October 30, 2024

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…
News
October 23, 2024

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…
News
October 16, 2024

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,…
News
October 9, 2024

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…
News
October 2, 2024

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…
News
September 25, 2024

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…
News
September 18, 2024

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…
News
September 11, 2024

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…
News
September 5, 2024

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…
News
August 29, 2024

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…
News
August 22, 2024

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…
News
August 15, 2024

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…
News
August 8, 2024

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…
News
August 1, 2024

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…
News
July 25, 2024

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…
News
July 17, 2024

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…
News
July 10, 2024

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…
News
July 3, 2024

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…
News
June 26, 2024

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…
News
June 19, 2024

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…
News
June 12, 2024

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. (more…)
News
June 5, 2024

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…
News
May 29, 2024

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. (more…)
News
May 22, 2024

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…
News
May 15, 2024

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…
News
May 1, 2024

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…
News
April 24, 2024

How to know if you’re paying a fair price

We all love the idea of nabbing a bargain property, but for most home buyers the real issue is whether they’re overvaluing a place – and paying too much in…
News
April 17, 2024

Can you remember your home loan interest rate?

Where you put your car keys, who won the footy premiership three years back, the new prime minister of New Zealand’s name – all very much socially acceptable things to…
News
April 10, 2024

Plot twist: Millennials are Australia’s most active property investors

When it comes to buying investment properties, younger Australians are punching above their weight, with Millennials taking the title as the nation’s most active generation for property investment. (more…)
News
April 3, 2024

Homeowners now an extra $71,000 richer (on average!)

You may not feel richer, but if you’re a homeowner, there’s a decent chance your personal wealth has surged over the past 12 months thanks to soaring property values. And…
News
March 27, 2024

FOMO, FOBO and FOOP – how they can hold you back

Nobody likes missing out on a good thing. But then again, who likes overpaying? So how do you strike the right balance when both fears can work against one another?…
Uncategorized
March 20, 2024

Explainer: how construction loans work

There’s something very special about moving into a newly built home or putting the finishing touches on a major renovation. Maybe it’s the look and feel of new paint and…
Uncategorized
March 13, 2024

Why offset accounts are hitting new highs

Spare cash can be tight right now (cost of living crunch, anyone?). But if you’ve still got some savings plus a home loan, there’s a way you could make your…
Uncategorized
March 6, 2024

How long does it really take to get a home loan?

Need a home loan in a hurry? You could be in luck. Plenty of lenders are keen to crunch loan approval times at present – but there’s a lot borrowers…
News
February 28, 2024

Where are the bargain homes located in your suburb?

Location may be a big driver of property prices, but in any given suburb a few streets can be all that separates paying top dollar for a home or potentially…
Uncategorized
February 21, 2024

Home buyers rejoice! More listings are hitting the market

Great news for home buyers! After an extended run of low listings, the number of homes coming onto the market is skyrocketing. So could this have an impact on the…
Uncategorized
February 14, 2024

They’re back! Why property investors account for one-in-three new home loans

Lending to property investors is soaring once again. We lift the lid on what’s driving investor interest – and what it could mean for the property market throughout 2024. (more…)
News
February 8, 2024

When will the next RBA cash rate call be made?

Happy days! The Reserve Bank kept rates steady in February. But a shake-up in the number of times our central bank meets each year is raising questions about how long…
News
February 1, 2024

4 tips for self-employed home loan applications

Applying for a mortgage when you’re self-employed may have you jumping through more hoops. But it needn’t deter you from getting into the property market. Here are 4 tips to…
News
January 24, 2024

First home buyers charge back into the market

Hats off to Australia’s first home buyers! The latest lending data shows they’re refusing to let last year’s rate hikes and rising property values dampen their goal of buying a…
News
January 18, 2024

How your deposit size can shape the rate you pay

It’s commonly known that the bigger your deposit, the smaller your home loan, and thus, the lower your monthly repayments. But today we’ll look into another way your deposit size…
News
January 11, 2024

The pros of having a mortgage broker on your side

What exactly can a mortgage broker do for you? Well, we don’t mean to toot our own horn, but we can make your home loan journey a whole lot easier,…
News
January 3, 2024

5 New Year’s resolutions for your home loan

Thought of a New Year’s resolution yet? Or perhaps you’ve broken one already? Either way, check out our list of possible mortgage goals for 2024 – try one, or have…
News
December 20, 2023

Merry Christmas! Season’s greetings from all of us to you

The year has flown past, and as our thoughts turn to trees, tinsel and turkey, we’d like to thank all our fantastic clients for your support throughout 2023. It’s been…
News
December 13, 2023

Ho ho ho! The smart move that has 1 in 10 borrowers feeling jolly

Home owners have been battling rising interest rates for over a year and a half now. But a new report reveals the important step some savvy borrowers are taking to…
News
December 6, 2023

What’s tipped for house prices in 2024?

If buying a home is at the top of your wish list for 2024, don’t miss our rundown on how the property market has fared in 2023 – and why…
Uncategorized
November 29, 2023

More lenders sign up to low deposit first home buyer scheme

First home buyers with a small deposit now have an even wider range of lenders to choose from. We reveal the latest banks to join the 5% deposit scheme that’s…
News
November 22, 2023

How to manage your home loan over Christmas

It may be called the silly season but a few smart strategies could help you enjoy the festive season this year without missing a beat on your home loan. Check…
News
November 15, 2023

The big stretch: should you extend your loan term?

If the November rate hike will seriously stretch your finances, one potential solution may be to extend your loan term. It can ease the hip pocket pain by lowering monthly…
News
November 7, 2023

RBA increases the cash rate by 25 basis points, up to 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points, taking it to 4.35%. So just how much will this year’s Melbourne Cup day…
News
November 1, 2023

Brokers help settle a record 7-in-10 new mortgages

Mortgage brokers have notched up a new personal best, with seven out of every 10 new mortgages settled thanks to their help! It’s a sure sign that mortgage brokers are…
News
October 25, 2023

Revealed: the four cities tipped to be future property hotspots

No matter whether you’re in the market for a home or an investment property, it makes financial sense to buy in an area where values are tipped to rise. But…
News
October 18, 2023

How much can you really save by refinancing?

Not sure what refinancing is all about? You’re not alone. Our quick explainer lets you master the basics and helps you work out how much you could save. Home loan…
News
October 11, 2023

One-in-three first home buyers use guarantee schemes

Know anyone who wants to buy their first home? A new report confirms that low deposit schemes are getting younger buyers into a place of their own sooner. First home…
News
October 4, 2023

The one big factor pushing house prices up

Property prices have soared almost 7% this year alone. With the upswing predicted to continue, we unpack what’s driving national housing values higher – and why it could pay to…
News
September 27, 2023

Flat chat: why units could soon become hot property

Apartments stand out as an affordable choice when it comes to cracking the property market, not to mention downsizing. But a looming shortage may soon push unit values higher. For…
News
September 20, 2023

3 ways pre-approval can give buyers an edge

There’s a lot to be said for having your home loan pre-approved. But does pre-approval mean you’re putting the cart before the horse? Definitely not. Here are three ways pre-approval…
News
September 13, 2023

Property market climbs towards new peak

The property market has thumbed its nose at higher interest rates, with values rising almost 5% since March. Here’s why national housing prices are climbing higher. Australia’s housing market is…
News
September 6, 2023

How does your home loan compare?

No change to the cash rate again this month, but lenders’ mortgage rates have been jumping around more than a bunch of toddlers at a Wiggles concert. We reveal the…
News
August 31, 2023

Low deposit first home buyers now have $82,000 in equity

First home buyers who bought into the market using the federal government’s 5% deposit scheme have racked up $82,000 in home equity on average, new data shows. It’s been three…
News
August 23, 2023

Help to Buy Scheme set to kick off in 2024

The highly anticipated Help to Buy Scheme will kick off next year, giving more Aussies a chance to score their dream home. Today we’ll unpack how the new federal government…
News
August 17, 2023

More Aussies turn to mortgage brokers for a hand managing hikes

An avalanche of rate hikes over the past 18 months has supersized home loan repayments. But savvy homeowners aren’t panicking. In fact, more mortgage holders than ever before are reaching…
News
August 9, 2023

Sneaky rate hikes – is your lender behind them?

The Reserve Bank (RBA) may have kept the cash rate on hold but that hasn’t stopped some lenders from hiking their variable home loan rates. Here’s how borrowers are fighting…
News
August 2, 2023

Has the tide turned? What the RBA rate pause means for homeowners

Mortgage holders rejoice – the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold in August for the second month in a row. So have we finally reached…
News
July 27, 2023

Why are fixed rates still rising? And when might they drop again?

With plenty of pundits tipping interest rates will start to fall in the next 12 months, we look at why the big banks are hiking their fixed rates – and…
News
July 19, 2023

Where homeowners are spending $1 billion a month

Australians are showering their homes with $1 billion worth of love each month as home improvement spending ramps up. We look at the cost of popular renovations – and how…
News
July 12, 2023

Could apartment living help you dive into the property market sooner?

Buying a home for the first time can be challenging, especially with house prices soaring in recent years. So could switching from house hunting to unit searching be the way…
News
July 4, 2023

Mortgage holders breathe a sigh of relief as RBA puts cash rate on hold

Phew! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. So is the end of this rate hike cycle finally in sight?…
News
June 28, 2023

Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

Have you been keen to refinance but told you can’t? You’re not alone. Many Australian households are currently locked into their home loans due to rising interest rates. But some…
News
June 21, 2023

Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

Despite the soaring cost of living and successive interest rate hikes, homebuying intentions have climbed, latest data shows. So why are so many people still chasing the great Australian dream?…
News
June 14, 2023

Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

Mortgage serviceability can feel like a frustrating hurdle to clear. But it’s an important safeguard against borrowing too much, particularly in the current interest rate landscape.  It’s in the best…
News
June 6, 2023

RBA attempts to beat back inflation with another rate hike, up to 4.10%

Drumroll … The RBA has hiked the official cash rate for the 12th time since April 2022, increasing it to 4.10%. How much will this increase your monthly repayments? And…
News
May 31, 2023

Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion

Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little…
News
May 24, 2023

Is the property market starting to rebound?

Navigating the Australian property market over the past year has felt like standing on shifting sands. But is the market starting to regain stability? And if so, what can you…
News
May 17, 2023

Property valuation: what you need to know when buying a home

When buying property, it’s good to know the market value. After all, you want to know you’re paying a fair amount. But the property’s value is an important consideration for…
News
May 11, 2023

Heads up business owners: the asset write-off deadline is looming!

Business owners wanting to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the full cost have just over a month to act. That’s because the temporary…
News
May 10, 2023

More home buyers set to benefit from low deposit, no LMI schemes

More Australians (and permanent residents!) will soon be eligible for a leg up into the property market under an expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. Today we’ll run you through all the…
News
May 2, 2023

Homeowners brace as RBA raises cash rate to 3.85%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for the 11th time in the past year, taking it to 3.85%. Have we finally reached the peak…
News
April 26, 2023

Tips to help stay on top amidst the rate hike cycle

With every RBA rate rise announcement, mortgage holders brace themselves for impending repayment increases. Here’s how to stay on top of your mortgage and feel financially secure. Let’s face it,…
News
April 19, 2023

Property listings and prices are bouncing back

As property prices start to climb, listings are following suit. So if you’re hunting for a home, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been looking at the property…
News
April 12, 2023

What is the fixed-rate cliff and how can refinancing help?

You’ve probably heard the term “fixed-rate cliff” bandied about in finance news feeds. But what is it? And if you’re about to head over it, how can you prepare for…
News
April 4, 2023

Mortgage holders granted a reprieve as RBA puts interest rates on hold

And … exhale. After 10 straight rate hikes the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. But for how long? The…
News
March 29, 2023

Money habits that may raise lenders’ eyebrows

We all know being on our monetary best behaviour can help to land a home loan. But did you know there are common spending habits you may have that are…
News
March 22, 2023

Time to jump in? First home buyer deposit saving times plunge

Home loan headlines have been, let’s face it, a bit of a downer of late. But the good news is that first-home buyers are now reaching their 20% deposit goal…
News
March 15, 2023

Got an eagle eye on house prices? Rate rises are only part of the story

Rate rises can affect the property market, as we’ve all seen of late. But there are other factors that appear to hold longer-term sway over national house prices. In a…
News
March 7, 2023

Homeowners feel the pinch as RBA lifts cash rate to 3.60%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for a tenth straight meeting, taking it to 3.60%. How much will this rate hike increase your monthly…
Events
March 1, 2023

The latest twist in the tale of national property prices: explained

The property market has had more plot twists than a daytime soap opera in recent years. So getting the skinny on current trends is helpful when you’re planning to buy.…
News
February 22, 2023

Take the heat off rate hike fears with these 4 tips for buyers

Have recent rate hikes made you nervous about taking the plunge into the property market? You’re not alone; it’s a buyer’s market for a reason. Here’s how to stay cool…
News
February 15, 2023

How to prepare for a fixed-rate mortgage cliff

Do you have a fixed-rate mortgage contract that’s coming to an end soon? It can be a stressful time, particularly with rate rise news dominating the headlines. So today we’ve…
News
February 7, 2023

RBA hikes the cash rate for the ninth time in a row, to 3.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kicked off 2023 by increasing the cash rate a further 25 basis points to 3.35%. How much will this rate hike increase your…
News
February 1, 2023

Considering refinancing your mortgage? Here are some questions to ask

Home loan not up to scratch? Looking for a better rate? Or do you want to unlock equity? Then refinancing could be for you. But there are some important questions…
News
January 25, 2023

Can a job switch affect your mortgage application?

Changing jobs may offer more perks – higher income, greater fulfilment, and the opportunity for growth are often things people look for in a new gig. But could it also…
News
January 18, 2023

Planning a reno in 2023? Here are 4 tips for smooth sailing

Having a spruced-up home feels great. And it can also boost your home’s value. But, as exciting as the prospect of rolling up your sleeves and getting on with a…