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With established property prices climbing, more Australians are finding better value in building. This is reflected in new data from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), which shows new home sales rose 25.9% in September and 4.0% over the quarter.HIA chief economist Tim Reardon said lower interest rates, government incentives and rising property prices have made building comparatively more affordable. In many areas, construction now stacks up better than buying an existing home.Financing a build comes with different challenges – progress payments, loan approvals and cost variations all need careful planning. While building can offer long-term value and access to incentives, managing cash flow and unexpected costs can be tricky. Five tips for financing a new home buildSet a clear budget – include a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs.Secure pre-approval early – it defines your borrowing power and helps you plan your build with confidence.Understand your loan – funds are released in stages, so know when payments occur.Plan for cash flow – you may have to pay rent or a mortgage while building.Stay in touch – advise your lender quickly if costs or plans change.Thinking about building? Let’s chat about your finance options before you start comparing floor plans.Plan your build budgetHit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Buyers turning to new builds as affordability shifts

If you’ve noticed fewer bank branches in your neighbourhood lately, you’re not imagining it – and you’re certainly not alone in looking elsewhere for help with your finances.The number of bank branches across Australia has fallen sharply, down 5% over the past year and a staggering 33% over the past five years, according to Canstar analysis of official banking data.As banks move online, many borrowers are turning to mortgage brokers for personalised guidance that big institutions can no longer provide in person. With most transactions now handled digitally – from opening accounts to applying for loans – fewer people are visiting branches at all. Instead, borrowers are seeking the human support they once got over the counter from brokers who can meet face-to-face or online, explain complex lending options, and guide them through the process from start to finish. It’s little wonder brokers are now responsible for a record 77.6% of all new home loans, up from 67.2% just two years ago, according to Cotality research. Unlike banks, brokers can compare dozens of lenders to help you find a loan that genuinely suits your needs.Importantly, as part of the Best Interests Duty, brokers are legally required to act in your best interests – something banks don’t have to do. So as the traditional branch network continues to shrink, more Australians are choosing brokers for expert guidance, wider choice and a service that puts them first.Please reach out if you’re thinking about buying a property or refinancing an existing loan, so I can compare the market for you and manage your application.Need a home loan? Let's chat.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Bank branch closures drive record broker demand

Selling conditions in Australia’s housing market have shifted slightly, with properties spending a little longer on the market – but sellers are still achieving strong results.New data from Cotality shows that the median time to sell a home by private treaty rose to 30 days in the September quarter, up from 27 days a year earlier. A longer selling time typically signals a dip in buyer urgency. However, the median vendor discount – the gap between a home’s listing price and its final sale price – narrowed from 3.3% to 3.2%, suggesting buyer activity remains firm and sellers are still in a strong position.For buyers, this combination of slower sales and firm prices means the market remains competitive, yet there’s still room to negotiate. To find a good home at a fair price, consider the following:Get your finances ready. – Secure pre-approval so you can act quickly when the right property appears.Know the market. Research recent comparable sales to understand what homes are really worth.Be realistic. Aim for value rather than chasing bargains in a competitive market.The best buyers in this market are the ones who’ve done their homework – and have their finance lined up before they start looking.Get pre-approved and be ready to move fast.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Homes taking slightly longer to sell — but prices staying firm

When comparing home loans, it’s easy to focus on the headline rate – but that number doesn’t tell the full story. The comparison rate shows the true cost once most fees are included.Here’s how it works:Interest rate – what you’re charged on the loan balance.Fees – upfront, ongoing or annual costs added in.Comparison rate – combines both, giving a clearer picture of what you’ll actually pay. While Lender A appears cheaper, Lender B may cost less overall.Keep in mind: comparison rates are based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Most home loans are much larger and longer, so treat the rate as a guide – not a guarantee.Want to know which loan suits your unique situation? Let’s compare your options side-by-side.Rates, prices and lending policies are shifting – so now’s a smart time to check your finance. If you’re planning to build, buy or refinance, let’s make sure your loan is set up for what’s ahead.Need a home loan? Let's chat.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Comparison rates explained — and why they matter

Consumers are reducing their reliance on credit cards – the number of personal credit cards in circulation in July was 1.7% lower than the year before, while the amount of credit card debt attracting interest was 0.4% lower, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. This reduction in credit card use is not only strengthening people's finances, but also their home loan applications.That’s because while it’s certainly possible to get a mortgage if you have a credit card, lenders tend to look more favourably on borrowers who either have lower credit limits or no credit cards at all.Why reduced credit card use can help your home loan applicationSafer profile – The less debt you have, the less risky you seem to lendersMore borrowing power – Fewer cards and lower limits mean banks are willing to lend you moreEasier to manage – With less plastic, it’s simpler to stay on top of your moneyIf you’re thinking about applying for a home loan, contact me for guidance on how to manage your credit cards and strengthen your creditworthiness.Need a home loan? Let’s chat.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Credit card use is down – which may AID property buyers

Australia's median property price has now increased for seven consecutive months, after rising another 0.7% in August, according to Cotality. Three main factors have been driving this price growth, Cotality said:The three interest rate cuts in 2025 have increased buyers' borrowing capacityWages have been rising faster than inflation, further increasing borrowing capacityDemand has been exceeding supply – the number of homes being purchased is about 4% higher than the five-year average, but the number of homes being listed for sale is about 20% below the average for this time of year Why get a pre-approval before you start your property searchShow you’re serious – sellers and agents generally prefer dealing with buyers who already have their finance in placeKnow your limit – knowing how much you can borrow means you won't waste time looking at homes you can’t affordAct fast – when you find your dream home, you can make a firm offer without waiting for the bankStrengthen your offer with pre-approvalHit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Property market strengthens amid tight supply

Borrowers are putting more money into offset accounts – and that’s cutting the interest they pay on their home loans.On average, borrowers in the June quarter had $11,435 in offset for every $100,000 they owed on their home loan – up from $10,647 the year before, according to Australia's banking regulator, APRA.What’s an offset account?It’s a bank account linked to your home loan. Whatever money you keep in it is counted against your loan balance, which means you pay less interest. For example, if you owed $500,000 on your home loan and kept $20,000 in your offset, you’d pay interest on only $480,000 (i.e. $500k minus $20k) – not the full $500,000. On a 30-year loan at 5.68%, that could mean saving over $100 per month.*When offset is usefulIf you keep a good amount of savings or regular cash flow in your accountIf you want the flexibility to access your money anytime, while still reducing interestWhen it may not be worth itIf your balance is usually low – the fee for an offset account might cost more than the interest you saveIf a basic home loan with a lower interest rate would leave you better off*This example is for illustration only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Savings will vary depending on your loan, interest rate, fees and charges. This information is general in nature and should not be taken as personal financial advice.Need a home loan? Let’s chat.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Rising offset savings ease mortgage pain

Fewer Australians are falling behind on their mortgages. In fact, the share of home loans running 30-89 days late dropped from 0.66% in June 2024 to 0.55% in June 2025, according to APRA, the banking regulator.Put simply, that means more than 99 out of 100 borrowers are up to date with their repayments – a really positive sign. Lower interest rates this year have helped ease pressure, and many households are managing their budgets better.The data also shows borrowers are making different choices with their new loans:More people are putting down bigger deposits – 69.6% had a deposit of at least 20% in June 2025, up from 68.1% the year beforeSome are stretching their borrowing power – 5.5% of new loans had a debt-to-income ratio of six times or more, up from 5.0% in 2024This mix shows that while most borrowers are in good shape, people approach home loans in different ways – some want the safety of extra equity, while others focus on buying power.If you’d like to talk through your own loan strategy – whether it’s planning a new purchase or refinancing an existing loan – please get in touch.Need a home loan? Let’s chat.Hit the button below to arrange a conversation with one of my loan specialists to find a deal that's best for your situation. Chat to us today We partner with over 50 lenders so you can find the perfect solutionFollow Facebook Linkedin Do you have questions about mortgages or loans?Ask us in the comments below … [Read more...] about Borrowers are keeping on top of their loans