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Borrowers hoping for more cuts next year may need to adjust expectations after a run of higher-than-expected inflation.The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate at 3.60% in December, but inflation has climbed to 3.8% after four consecutive monthly increases. If inflation remains above the 2–3% target band in 2026, the RBA is unlikely to cut rates – and some economists warn the next move could even be up.Speaking after the decision, RBA governor Michele Bullock said: “I don't think there are interest rate cuts on the horizon for the foreseeable future.”Economist Warren Hogan went further, calling on the RBA to start hiking rates from the first quarter of 2026.How this affects your loan in 2026Coming off a fixed rate – Your repayments may jump. Reviewing your loan now can help you plan ahead and avoid pressure later.On a variable rate – Banks can change pricing independently of the RBA. A quick comparison may uncover a sharper rate or a more stable structure.Planning ahead – The next six months will be important as lenders adjust to shifting inflation expectations and new lending rules. Being proactive can help you stay in control of your repayments.If you’d like clarity on how the rate outlook affects you, I can review your loan and show you your options for the year ahead.If you’d like clarity on how the rate outlook affects you, I can review your loan and show you your options for the year 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 Rates on hold but outlook shifts

A major shared-equity scheme has finally launched, giving eligible buyers a new low-deposit pathway into the market.Help to Buy went live on 5 December, three years after it was first proposed. Under the scheme, the federal government contributes up to 40% of a new property’s purchase price and up to 30% of an existing home. Buyers need only a 2% deposit and pay no lenders’ mortgage insurance.Key eligibility pointsThe government takes an ownership share in your property.You must be an owner-occupier.Income thresholds apply – $100k for singles, $160k for single parents and joint applicants.Why buyers are considering itWhy buyers are considering itHelp to Buy can open doors for people who remain priced out even after using other schemes. By reducing upfront and ongoing costs, it can make buying sooner a realistic option.But there are trade-offsShared equity affects your long-term position, and lenders assess these applications differently. It’s important to compare this path with other ways into the market.Reach out if you’d like to see how Help to Buy compares with your other pathways into the market.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 Help to buy opens new pathways

An impending change could reduce how much some borrowers can borrow – but the impact will vary widely between authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) that issue home loans.From 1 February 2026, ADIs must ensure no more than 20% of their new home loans go to borrowers whose loan size is six times their income or more. For context, that would mean a loan of more than $600,000 for someone earning $100,000 a year.The new rule aims to cool higher-risk lending and keep the financial system stable.What is an ADIAn ADI is a financial institution licensed by the government to hold your money, which includes all the major banks you know – CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ – along with many smaller banks, credit unions and building societies. Non-bank lenders aren’t ADIs because they don’t take deposits; they only offer loans.Five key takeawaysSome borrowing limits may tighten if your income and loan size sit near the threshold.Different ADIs, different results – lenders interpret the rules differently, so borrowing capacity can vary a lot.A bigger deposit helps – lowering the loan-to-income ratio can expand your options.Income matters – even a small rise can improve your position.Broker guidance is crucial – especially when lenders start applying their own internal policies on top of this new rule.Wondering how the changes affect your borrowing power? I can compare lenders and help you find a structure that fits your plans.Check your borrowing positionHit 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 New lending rules may affect borrowing

Low stock and rising prices are creating a tougher market for buyers but unexpected opportunities for homeowners.Australia’s median property price rose 1.0% in November and 3.1% over the quarter, according to Cotality. At the same time, SQM Research reports total listings fell 5.4% month-on-month and new listings dropped 11.3%. With fewer homes hitting the market, buyers are competing harder for what’s available. If you’re buyingExpect more competition – fewer listings mean faster sales.Pre-approval boosts your chances – sellers often choose buyers who can move quickly.Clarity is key – knowing your budget and non-negotiables helps you avoid overpaying.If you’re a homeownerYour equity may have grown – rising prices can improve borrowing options.Equity can unlock upgrades – refinancing, renovating or upsizing become more achievable.A quick equity check helps you plan – and shows what’s possible next year.If you want to check your borrowing position or understand how much equity you’ve gained, I can run the numbers and show you your options.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 Tight supply keeps prices climbing

A surge in new listings would normally cool the market – but this time, buyers are snapping up good homes faster than they’re appearing.Australia’s median property price rose 1.1% in October – the strongest monthly gain since mid-2023 – and is now up 2.8% over the quarter. Every capital city recorded growth, with five hitting new highs, according to Cotality.At the same time, SQM Research reports a sharp lift in stock: total listings rose 10.9% in October and new listings jumped 18.2%. Normally, that much fresh supply slows price momentum. This time it hasn’t. What’s really happeningBuyer demand is running ahead of supply, even with more homes coming to market. Rate cuts earlier this year have boosted confidence and borrowing power, so well- located homes are still seeing quickly.What smart buyers are doing right nowInstead of waiting for conditions to cool, buyers are:Getting pre-approval earlier so they can move fast when the right home appears.Expanding their search radius into neighbouring suburbs.Stress-testing their budget at higher rates to avoid overstretching.If you want to stay competitive while prices are climbing, I can help you understand your borrowing power and compare lenders before you start making offers.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 More homes for sale, but prices rising

The 5% Deposit Scheme has quietly become one of the most powerful tools first home buyers have – and the latest expansion is a genuine game-changer.From 1 October, the scheme now offers unlimited places and no longer has income caps. Eligible buyers can purchase with just a 5% deposit and avoid the large cost of lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI), provided the property sits under your location’s price cap (from $500,000 in regional South Australia up to $1.5 million in Sydney).The interesting shift isn’t just the expanded access – it’s how it’s expected to reshape competition. Without income caps, higher-earning couples who were previously excluded can now enter popular markets, which may push more demand into price ranges just under the caps. What this means in practiceMore buyers competing for townhouses and units in suburbs close to cap thresholds.Fast-moving markets, as buyers with small deposits can now act sooner.Larger borrowing amounts, because deposits are smaller and LMI isn’t required.Think before using the schemeThink before using the schemeEven though the deposit hurdle is lower, your long-term repayment comfort still matters. A higher loan balance means repayments need to fit safely within your budget and buffers.If you want to check whether you're eligible - or see what your repayments might look like under the scheme - I can run the numbers for you.Check your 5% deposit optionsHit 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 Big boost for first home buyers

A record number of Australians are switching lenders – and for good reason.ABS data shows external refinances in the September quarter climbed 25.2% on last year and hit an all-time high. This isn’t happening because borrowers are restless – it’s happening because the savings are too big to ignore.Lenders have been adjusting pricing unevenly after recent rate cuts. Some have passed on reductions in full, while others have made smaller movements. That means two borrowers with the same loan size can now be paying vastly different amounts each month.What’s driving borrowers to switchBorrowers coming off older fixed rates or legacy variable rates are seeing meaningful savings. Even a reduction of 0.30 to 0.50 percentage points can free up thousands per year.Three tips before you consider refinancingNew-to-bank offers are often sharper than existing-customer rates.Some lenders are repricing quickly, so some deals don’t last long.Make sure your loan matches your financial goals – it’s not always about the lowest rate or fees.If you’re wondering how much you could save by switching, I can compare lenders for you, while ensuring your new loan is in line with your strategy and goals.Compare your rate to today’s marketHit 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 Refinancing surges as borrowers chase better deals

Good news if your budget’s been under pressure – mortgage interest charges are finally moving in the right direction.The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports mortgage interest costs dropped 1.4% in the June quarter and another 3.8% in the September quarter, helped by three rate cuts earlier this year.How borrowers are taking advantage of lower ratesRebuilding savings buffers. A small monthly lift can add up fast.Putting extra into their loan. Helpful while rates settle into a new range.Reviewing their loan. There are big differences between some lenders. Why this mattersEven though rates have fallen, you might still be on a loan priced for old conditions. Lenders are shifting sharply right now, and the ‘lazy tax’ can creep in if you stay put without checking.A quick check can show where you standIf you want to see whether your rate is still competitive, I can review it quickly and show you what your savings might look like if you stayed, renegotiated or switched.Compare your rate to today’s marketHit 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 Rate cuts easing repayment pressure