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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

Property investor activity is close to eight-year highs, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed. Investors took out 37.7% of all new home loans in the June quarter, well above the five-year average of 32.7%.PropTrack senior economist Angus Moore said the number of new loans going to investors had increased steadily over the past 18 months, following a quiet period from mid-2022 (when interest rates started rising) and into 2023.“Activity from non-investors has picked up too, but not to the same extent. What this means is, investors are making up a very substantial share of new lending – close to as high as we’ve seen in a couple decades in some of the smaller states, and nationally about the highest since 2017,” he said.Depending on your situation, the potential benefits of property investing may include:Rental income – providing a steady cash flow that can help cover loan repayments.Capital growth – offering potential for long-term gains as property values increase.Tax deductions – delivering negative gearing and depreciation benefits.Portfolio diversification – offsetting the shares you might have in your superannuation.Leverage potential – controlling a large asset with a relatively small upfront deposit.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 Investor borrowing jumps in latest figures

Australia’s new home sales remain at elevated levels, despite a 6.4% month-on-month decline in July, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).HIA senior economist Maurice Tapang said the decline was likely due to buyers bringing forward their purchases to capitalise on end-of-financial-year sales in June, rather than a change in underlying demand, as new home sales in the three months to July rose by 15.9% – the highest level since the September quarter of 2022. If you’re thinking about buying a new home, it’s important to remember that construction loans differ from standard home loans. Here’s how:Funds are released in stages rather than as a lump sumRepayments usually cover interest only during the construction periodInterest is charged only on the funds that have been drawn downInspections are carried out before each stage payment is madeThe loan typically converts to a standard mortgage once construction is completePlease reach out if you’re interested in learning more about construction loans and how they could help you finance a new build.Want to compare construction loans? Get in touchHit 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 snapping up new homes, despite monthly dip

An enormous number of Australians have been refinancing their home loans this year. In the June 2025 quarter, the number of mortgages that were refinanced with external lenders was 0.8% higher than the March 2025 quarter and a striking 20.9% higher than June 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This surge in refinancing coincided with interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia in February and May, which prompted many lenders to reduce their home loan rates. For borrowers, refinancing has been a way to secure lower repayments, lock in a sharper deal or access equity for other financial goals.If you’re thinking about switching lenders, it’s important to do your homework. Refinancing can deliver big savings, but it’s important to choose the right lender, loan and structure. Fees and charges can erode the benefit of switching, and each lender has its own credit policies that can affect your borrowing power.Review your loan nowHit 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

The decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce the cash rate earlier this month doesn't just mean lower repayments for most borrowers – it also means the average person's borrowing capacity has increased, as occurred following earlier rate cuts in May and February.With rates now lower, lenders are starting to adjust their serviceability buffers. That shift means borrowers can show they can afford more on paper, effectively lifting their borrowing capacity. For some, it could be the difference between missing out and finally being able to secure their preferred property.Furthermore, PropTrack economist Angus Moore has estimated that every change of 0.50 percentage points in the cash rate equates to a change in borrowing power of about 5%.While a stronger borrowing capacity is welcome, it’s important to borrow within your means.Your borrowing capacity can vary significantly from lender to lender, which is why it’s important to work with a mortgage broker who understands the different credit policies of different banks.Want to know your borrowing power? Let’s talkHit 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 Borrowing power jumps after RBA’S latest rate cut

Australia’s banks have strengthened their commitment to supporting customers experiencing financial hardship, with new industry guidelines aimed at making assistance more compassionate and easier to access.Released by the Australian Banking Association (ABA), the updated guidelines outline best practice for how banks should assist customers who are under pressure – whether due to illness, job loss, relationship breakdown or rising living costs.ABA chief executive Anna Bligh said banks were focused on removing barriers and improving how they respond to financial difficulty. “When people are doing it tough, the last thing they need is a complicated or stressful process to get help,” she said.The revised guidelines build on the existing Banking Code of Practice and encourage banks to:Spot warning signs earlierReach out proactivelyHave clearer, more empathetic conversationsProvide practical, personalised supportIf you’re struggling with your mortgage or other repayments, don’t wait until things spiral. Banks are ready to help, and early assistance can make a real difference.Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to understand your options or get help negotiating with your lender – I’m here to support you through the process.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 Banks update guidelines to better support struggling customers

The federal government has released 50,000 new places under the Home Guarantee Scheme for the 2025-26 financial year, giving more Australians the chance to enter the property market sooner.The scheme is designed to support those who often face the biggest challenges breaking into the market — including first home buyers, single parents and regional buyers. Since its launch in 2020, more than 230,000 people have benefited from the Home Guarantee Scheme.Rather than requiring a 20% deposit, eligible participants can buy with as little as 5% — or just 2% for single parents — without paying lender’s mortgage insurance. That helps reduce upfront costs and brings home ownership within reach faster.The new allocation includes:35,000 places under the First Home Guarantee (for first home buyers)10,000 places under the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (for regional first home buyers)5,000 places under the Family Home Guarantee (for single parents) The government has also extended both the Regional and Family Home Guarantees beyond their original mid‑2025 expiry, ensuring continued support for those who need it most.If you’re in one of the eligible groups, the opportunity to buy may be closer than you think.Are you eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme? Let’s find out.Check your eligibilityHit 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 50,000 new home guarantee scheme places released for 2025-26