2025 in Review — What It Means for Homeowners and What to Expect in 2026
2025 in Review — What It Means for Homeowners and What to Expect in 2026 As we look back on 2025, the property and mortgage landscape gave both borrowers and investors plenty to think about. From interest rate shifts to evolving buyer behaviour, this year provided insights that will shape the way Australians think about […]
How the Updated 5% Deposit Scheme Works in Real Life (Post–1 October 2025)
How the Updated 5% Deposit Scheme Works in Real Life (Post–1 October 2025) The Government’s major changes to the First Home Guarantee take effect on 1 October 2025, reshaping the path to homeownership for thousands of Australians. In Part 1, we covered what the scheme is and what changes on this date. In Part 2, […]
The New 5% Deposit Rules: What First-Home Buyers Need to Know From 1 October 2025
The New 5% Deposit Rules: What First-Home Buyers Need to Know From 1 October 2025 From 1 October 2025, the Australian Government will roll out major changes to the First Home Guarantee (FHBG), commonly referred to as the 5% Deposit Scheme. These changes aim to expand eligibility, increase flexibility, and make homeownership more achievable for […]
Is Now the Right Time to Refinance? Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know
Is Now the Right Time to Refinance? Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know With inflation trending in the right direction and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cutting the cash rate three times in 2025, many homeowners are asking a familiar question: Is now a good time to refinance? The answer depends largely on your […]
Buying Beyond Your Backyard – A Practical Guide to Investing Interstate
Buying Beyond Your Backyard – A Practical Guide to Investing Interstate For many Australians, property investment begins close to home. It feels familiar, convenient and easier to understand. But as markets shift, affordability tightens, and new growth pockets emerge across the country, more investors are now exploring opportunities beyond their own backyard. Buying an investment […]
Redraw vs Offset: What First-Home Buyers Should Know
Redraw vs Offset: What First-Home Buyers Should Know If you’re planning to buy your first home, you’re not alone. It’s one of the busiest times in the property market, with plenty of listings and strong competition among buyers. That’s why it’s important to be well prepared before you start house hunting. Beyond interest rates, there […]
Steps to Improve Your Credit Health Before Applying for a Mortgage
Steps to Improve Your Credit Health Before Applying for a Mortgage When you’re getting ready to apply for a mortgage, one of the most powerful moves you can make is to check — and strengthen — your credit health. A strong credit profile can mean better loan options, lower interest rates, and smoother approvals. On […]
How Your Credit Report Affects Your Home Loan Application
How Your Credit Report Affects Your Home Loan Application When you apply for a home loan, your lender looks beyond your income and savings. They also want to understand how you’ve managed credit in the past — and that’s where your credit report plays a major role. Your credit report acts as a snapshot of […]
Understanding Your Credit Report and Credit Score
Understanding Your Credit Report and Credit Score When you’re preparing to buy a property, your credit report is one of the most important tools lenders use to assess your mortgage application. Think of it as your financial track record — a detailed snapshot of how you’ve managed credit and debt over time. Understanding how credit […]
Using Your Equity to Buy an Investment Property
Using Your Equity to Buy an Investment Property If you’ve paid down your home loan somewhat or your property has appreciated in value, you may be able to use your home’s equity to fund an investment property purchase. Knowing how to use your home equity can help you achieve financial goals, but it’s important to […]
