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 can also have upsides, including the potential for a lower rate right now. Home loans come in all shapes and [...]
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 from terrace homes so that you can choose a place that’s suited to your goals and needs. Australians are blessed [...]
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 are three resolutions worth considering for 2025. There’s no denying that 2024 was a tough year for many mortgage holders [...]
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 cuts always dangling just out of reach, coupled with inflation, 2024 was tougher than many families anticipated. Please know that [...]
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 try again – especially if you want to start 2025 off on the right foot. A new report from Canstar shows more [...]
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 in store for home prices in 2025. 2024 has been a year of change, with property values and market conditions [...]
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 good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund 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 affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis? Fun fact: [...]
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 a bit differently from a regular home loan. Here’s what you need to know. Not everyone wants to buy an [...]
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 health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties. Even the most attractive homes can hide unwanted surprises, and it’s not always easy [...]
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 you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas. “Are we there yet?” It’s the catch cry of kids [...]
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 (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the LMI, not the [...]
