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With the cash rate on hold, many borrowers are taking a closer look at their home loans. If you haven’t reviewed yours in a while, it may be worth exploring whether your current loan still suits your situation. With cost-of-living expenses still stretching household budgets, even a small reduction in your interest rate could make a meaningful difference to your monthly repayments.Refinancing isn’t right for everyone, but it’s always worth understanding your options. Here’s what to consider before you decide. Switching could make a meaningful difference Interest rates can vary significantly between lenders. According to MoneySmart.gov.au, there can be a difference of more than 2% between variable home loan rates on the market. Depending on your loan size, this could translate to a meaningful difference in what you’re paying overtime.If you’ve been with the same lender for some time, you may also be stuck paying ‘loyalty tax’. Lenders often reserve discounts and deals for new customers rather than existing ones, making it even more important to regularly review your home loan and compare others.Factor in all fees and chargesBefore refinancing, it’s important to understand the fees and charges that may apply. These can include:Break fees — if you’re on a fixed-rate loanDischarge fees — charged by your current lender to close your loanApplication fees — charged by the new lender to set up your loanSwitching fees — if you stay with the same lender but change loan productsStamp duty — depending on your state or territory Weighing up these costs against any potential change in your repayments is an important part of deciding whether refinancing makes sense for your circumstances. Be aware of Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance Before refinancing, it’s worth having a clear picture of your home’s current market value and how much equity you hold, particularly given that property values have fluctuated across many markets in recent years.If you hold less than 20% equity in your property, refinancing may trigger a requirement to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It’s also worth noting that LMI is generally not transferable between lenders, meaning even if you paid it on your original loan, you may need to pay it again on a new one.This is an important cost to factor in when reviewing whether refinancing is the right move for you. Consider the loan term When refinancing, it’s important to pay attention to the loan term. Resetting to a longer term, such as 30 years, generally means paying more interest over the life of the loan, even if the rate is lower.Depending on your circumstances, it may be worth considering a loan term that aligns closely with what remains on your current loan. Be intentional with interest-savings features When rates are rising, having a financial buffer can help ease pressure on your budget. Features like an offset account or redraw facility allow you to keep extra funds … [Read more...] about Is refinancing still worth considering?

Australia’s property market is moving through a softer phase. Rising interest rates, stretched affordability, and the federal budget’s tax reforms have eased buyer demand. This is particularly evident across Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, where prices have drifted lower since the start of the year.Conditions vary considerably by location, property type, and price bracket. While some markets continue to hold firm, others are seeing more listings, longer selling times, and vendors with greater motivation to negotiate.For buyers who are prepared, a quieter market can present a different set of opportunities than what was available during the peak. So, what does a softer market actually mean for buyers? Falling prices may make entry easier Property values have been recording noticeable declines across a number of markets, with Sydney, Melbourne, and the ACT among the areas seeing the most movement. Auction clearance rates have hovered around 50% in recent weeks, a level hitting a six-year low and some experts are now expecting price declines of up to 10%.While falling prices can reduce the entry point for some buyers, lower values don’t automatically translate to greater affordability. Higher interest rates affect how much buyers can borrow, which remains an important consideration regardless of where prices sit. Less competition, more motivated sellers As market conditions soften, buyer competition has eased in many areas, though supply constraints in some locations mean demand remains relatively firm.In markets where the balance has shifted, vendors may have greater motivation to negotiate. This can create more room for discussion around price, purchasing conditions, and settlement terms than was typical during the peak of the market. Vendor discounting We are already seeing vendors discounting their prices amidst weaker market conditions.According to Cotality, buyers have been paying around 5% less than the original asking price for private treaty purchases across capital cities in recent months, which is above the decade average of 3.3%.The federal budget’s proposed changes to negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax discount have also added uncertainty for investors, with some agents already adjusting price guides in response to weaker demand.Properties are also taking longer to sell in many markets. For buyers, more time on the market can mean more opportunity to research, compare, and enter into negotiations without the same pressure that characterised the peak of the cycle. Different real estate methods Given the changing market, some sellers may opt for “expression of interest” (EOI) campaigns or private sales, rather than auctions. This can be beneficial for buyers, as it gives them more time to make calculated purchasing decisions.With an EOI, buyers are invited to submit their best and final offer in writing by a specific date, along with their preferred terms and … [Read more...] about What a softer market means for investors and owner-occupiers

With property prices easing in some markets and recent federal budget housing tax reforms appearing to reduce investor competition, conditions may be becoming more favourable for first-home buyers. In this type of environment, there could be more choice, less pressure and more room to negotiate than we’ve seen in recent years. Buying your first home can feel like a big leap, especially when prices, rates and lending rules are constantly changing. But the start of a new financial year provides a great opportunity to reset, get organised and understand what support may be available to help you take the next step.Here are some tips if you’re looking to buy your first home this new financial year. 1) Review your finances Before you start browsing listings or attending open homes, the most important thing you can do is to get your finances in shape.Lenders don’t just look at your income. They’ll analyse your spending habits too, examining bank statements to build a picture of how you manage money day-to-day. That means your finances need to tell a good story.Go through your statements and ask yourself what subscriptions, memberships, or recurring expenses you could cut or reduce. Even modest changes that are sustained over a few months can meaningfully strengthen your application and show lenders you’re financially disciplined. 2) Create a budget and supercharge savings If you don’t already have one, a budget can be a useful tool for understanding your finances. Consider mapping out your after-tax income alongside your expenses, which might fall into essentials (like rent, groceries, utilities, and insurance) and non-essentials (such as eating out, entertainment, and hobbies).From there, it can be interesting to see how much could potentially be saved each month. A well-known framework is the 50/30/20 rule — 50% toward essentials, 30% toward lifestyle, and 20% toward savings. Keeping separate bank accounts for each “bucket” is something many people find works well for them. 3) Do a credit check It’s worth taking a look at your credit report before you apply for a home loan. Lenders typically review your credit history as part of their assessment process.Under the Privacy Act 1988, you’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report every three months from each of Australia’s three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and illion.Your credit report generally includes information such as:Your borrowing history over the past five yearsAny credit applications you’ve madeYour repayment history Each bureau also assigns a credit score, calculated on a different scale: Because each bureau uses its own scoring system, your score may vary between them, and different lenders may use different bureaus.If you spot any errors or information that doesn’t look right, contact the relevant credit reporting bureau directly to have it investigated and corrected. 4) … [Read more...] about 5 tips for first-home buyers to kick off the new financial year

Rising interest rates have stretched affordability to its limits, and the federal budget’s proposed tax reforms have only added to the uncertainty. The result? Buyers are pulling back, and auction clearance rates are feeling the pressure. In case you missed it, the latest federal budget proposed new changes that are set to take effect from 1 July 2027. This will limit negative gearing for residential property investments to new builds and replace the 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount for individuals, trusts and partnerships with cost base indexation and a 30% minimum tax rate on capital gains. The good news for existing investors is that these changes will be limited in their impact. Properties you already owned on or before 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 are exempt from the negative gearing changes. And if you sell a property, the new CGT rules only apply to any profit earned after 1 July 2027. If you’re planning an upcoming winter property purchase, we can explain your borrowing capacity and organise pre-approval on your finance. Interest rate news At its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate on hold at 4.35%, following three consecutive rate hikes so far this year.Inflation is easing with Australia’s annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropping to 4.2%, which is down from 4.6% in March.However, the RBA’s preferred measure of inflation, which is called underlying inflation, still sits at 3.4%. That’s above the 2–3% target band that the RBA needs to hit before it will consider cutting rates.RBA governor Michele Bullock recently said higher interest rates were working, but struggling households could face up to two more years of cost-of-living pain.“These increases have been necessary to tighten financial conditions and slow growth in demand in the economy to ensure we get on top of inflation,” she said.“We have already seen some signs that this tightening has worked, but it will take one to two years for the full effects to flow through the economy.“Now I recognise this is a difficult time for many households facing cost-of-living pressures, but it is important we bring inflation under control.”If your repayments are starting to feel like a stretch, it’s worth thinking about refinancing sooner rather than later.That’s where we come in. We’ll compare the market on your behalf and find a home loan that works for your financial situation and goals. And if you’re a property investor trying to make sense of the federal budget’s changes, we can help you understand what it means for your portfolio.The next cash rate decision lands on 11 August. Opinions are divided on what comes next, with some economists predicting more rises ahead, while others believe the peak is already behind us. We’ll keep you updated in the coming months. Home value movements Australia’s national home values were flat in May, which could be a sign that the housing market is continuing to lose momentum across most … [Read more...] about After years of relentless growth, Australia’s property market is showing signs of slowing, with home values stalling in some cities and falling in others.

Getting finance when you’re self-employed can sometimes feel more complex than it is for salaried employees, but it’s far from out of reach with the right preparation and paperwork. There may be a few extra steps along the way, but being prepared can help put you in a stronger position when applying for a home loan. One of the most common misconceptions? That you need two years of financials before any lender will look at you. Some specialist lenders will consider applications with as little as 6 to 12 months of ABN history, depending on your overall financial position. More on that below.Here, we run through some of the self-employed finance options that could be available to you. Full documentation (full doc) loans A full doc loan is the more traditional type of mortgage that may suit self-employed individuals who have steady, well-documented income and up-to-date financial records. It often comes with lower interest rates compared to alternative documentation (alt doc) loans.To apply, you’ll typically need:One to two years of personal and business tax returnsNotices of AssessmentFinancial statements – profit and loss, balance sheetsIf you’re a company director paying yourself a salary, payslips may also be accepted as part of your income verification, depending on the lender Alternative documentation (alt doc) loans An alt doc loan is a type of mortgage that may suit self-employed individuals, freelancers, or business owners who don’t have the usual paperwork required for a standard home loan.Instead of relying on traditional documents like tax returns, some lenders may accept:Letters from your accountantBusiness Activity Statements (BAS)Business bank statementsAs these loans can involve a higher level of risk for the lender, they often come with higher interest rates and fees than full doc loans. Even so, for borrowers who can’t meet standard documentation requirements, they can be a pathway into the market. Some lenders will even consider reviewing or lowering rates at a later stage once full financials become available. What if you’ve been in business for less than two years? Most major banks require a minimum of two years of ABN history. But that’s not the full picture. Several specialist and non-bank lenders will consider applications with 12 months of ABN history – and in some cases as little as 6 months – provided your deposit is strong, your credit history is clean, and your business income is consistent.This is where working with a broker makes a real difference. A broker can help you identify lenders open to newer businesses and show you how to present your application effectively. How can you optimise your chances of success? Get your financial records in orderUp-to-date, accurate financial records make the application process smoother and give lenders a clear picture of your income. If your records are patchy or overdue, fix that before you apply.Keep business and personal … [Read more...] about Self-employed home loan options you might not know about

Have property prices already peaked, and is now the right time to buy? This is a question that many aspiring homeowners are weighing up. While it’s difficult to predict exactly where the market will peak or trough, many investors focus on longer-term trends rather than short-term movements. With the Federal Budget reshaping the investment landscape at the same time as interest rates push higher, the answer is layered.Cost-of-living relief was a key theme of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, with the Government scaling back negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions for investors in existing properties. The Treasury says this could help tens of thousands of Australians buy their first home over the next decade, by making more established homes available to owner-occupiers rather than investors.With that in mind, here are a few broader insights to help you understand the current market environment. Price growth is slowing According to Cotality data, every capital city across Australia recorded a slower pace of growth in April, suggesting a moderation in housing market conditions.The national home value index rose 0.3% over the month, marking the slowest rate of growth since January 2025. A range of factors are influencing this trend, including affordability and borrowing capacity constraints, along with broader economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation and consumer sentiment.The property market is fragmentedWhile growth slowed across all capital cities in April, market conditions are still playing out quite differently depending on the location.Sydney and Melbourne both saw values ease by 0.6% over the month. Sydney’s prices are now sitting around 1% below their November peak, while Melbourne has seen a slightly larger pullback, with values below recent highs.At the same time, other markets are continuing to move forward. Perth recorded a 2.1% increase in April, while Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin also saw values rise—albeit at a more measured pace than earlier in the year.Overall, the data highlights how varied the property landscape remains, with different cities responding in different ways to the current environment.There’s been a slowdown in buyer demandConsumer confidence has fallen sharply in recent weeks. The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence Index fell to one of its lowest levels on record, dating back to 1973. This suggests many households may be feeling more cautious in the current environment.This shift is also being reflected in market activity. Property sales across the capital cities are reportedly lower than this time last year and below the five-year average, pointing to a moderation in buyer demand.At the same time, listing levels are starting to lift in some markets. In Sydney and Melbourne, advertised stock is now sitting above average levels, giving buyers slightly more choice than they’ve had in recent months.Conditions look a little different across the mid-sized capitals, … [Read more...] about Have we reached the peak in property prices?

30 June is fast approaching. For property investors, it’s a natural time to review your position and get records in order before the financial year closes. This year there’s an added reason to take stock. The Federal Budget introduced changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax that will affect the way residential property investments are treated from 1 July 2027. Existing properties are grandfathered, but if you’re planning your next move, it’s worth being across the details. For more information, read our Budget summary here.With that in mind, here are a few general practical areas worth reviewing before 30 June.Review your rental incomeWhen was the last time you reviewed your rental return?If it hasn’t changed for a while, it may be worth checking how it compares to similar properties in your area, particularly in the context of recent rate changes.You can get a sense of current market conditions by researching comparable listings online or speaking with a local real estate agent. We can also provide a market insights report if that’s helpful.If you’re considering any changes, it’s important to understand the relevant rules and requirements around rental increases, as these can vary.Review your property expensesIt may also be a good time to take a closer look at your property-related expenses and how they compare to previous years. This can help you understand where your costs are sitting and whether there may be opportunities to review them.Depending on your situation, some areas investors often look at include:Property management feesAdvertising or leasing costsRepairs and maintenance servicesInsurance premiumsAccounting feesLoan structure and interest rateIf it’s been a while since you reviewed your investment loan, we can help you understand how it compares in the current market. Consider whether any deductions apply to your circumstances The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides a list of common investment property expenses on its website.These expenses can be broken into three categories:Expenses you can claim a deduction for immediately, in the income year you incur them, such as interest on loans, council rates, repairs and maintenance, and depreciating assets costing $300 or less.Expenses you can claim a deduction for over several years, for example, capital works, borrowing expenses and the decline in value of depreciating assets.Expenses you can’t claim a deduction for, such as personal expenses, some capital expenses and the purchase of second-hand (or used) depreciating assets after 9 May 2017).It’s important to ensure any claims are accurate and supported by appropriate records. Common issues can include inaccurate claims, incomplete records, or uncertainty about how particular expenses may be treated for tax purposes.Some expenses may also have different tax timing treatment depending on your circumstances, so you should discuss what may apply to your situation with your accountant or tax adviser … [Read more...] about Get EOFY ready as a property investor

This month has been one of the most significant in recent memory for Australian property owners and buyers. The RBA lifted the cash rate for the third time this year, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down a Federal Budget that reshapes the rules for investors, first home buyers, and everyday Australians alike. We’ve pulled together the key updates below. Federal Budget 2026–27 The Federal Budget was handed down on 12 May. Here’s what matters most if you own property, are looking to buy, or run your own business.Negative gearing and capital gains taxFrom 1 July 2027, negative gearing will be limited to new residential builds only. The existing 50% CGT discount will be replaced with an inflation-adjusted cost base, and a 30% minimum tax rate on capital gains will apply to individuals, trusts and partnerships.The important thing for existing investors: your current properties are fully grandfathered. The new rules only apply to residential properties purchased after 12 May 2026. If you have questions about what this means for your situation, it’s worth speaking to your accountant or financial adviser.First home buyersThe 5% deposit Home Guarantee Scheme continues, meaning eligible buyers can enter the market without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The Budget also commits $2 billion to housing infrastructure, targeting 65,000 new homes, and extends the ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes.Cost-of-living reliefA new $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses removes the receipt burden for individuals and sole traders. A Working Australians Tax Offset (WATO) of up to $250 provides additional relief from 1 July 2027. Personal income tax rates will also fall – the 16% marginal rate drops to 15% from 1 July 2026, and to 14% from 1 July 2027.Small business and self-employedThe $20,000 instant asset write-off is now permanent for businesses with a turnover up to $10 million – meaning eligible purchases can be fully deducted in the same year rather than depreciated over time. From 1 July 2026, companies with turnover up to $1 billion will also be able to carry back tax losses from the previous two years. Again, your accountant will be best placed to advise on how these changes apply to your circumstances. Interest rate news The RBA raised the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.35% on 5 May – the third consecutive rise for 2026. The decision was voted 8–1 by the Board, a decisive shift from the narrow 5–4 split in March.Australia’s annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 4.6% in March, up from 3.7% in February and marking its highest level since September 2023. The RBA’s preferred measure, underlying inflation, held at 3.3%, still above its 2–3% target band.RBA governor Michele Bullock attributed the surge in Australian inflation to the oil price shock linked to the Middle East conflict and warned more cash rate hikes could be needed.“It’s a real income shock for Australia and the world,” … [Read more...] about The Federal Budget