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If you’re shopping in the ‘affordable’ bracket, competition may be getting tougher, not easier.Since the federal government expanded the 5% Deposit Scheme in October 2025, Cotality analysis shows homes under the scheme’s price caps have generally outperformed homes above them. In the December quarter, median prices rose 3.6% under the cap versus 2.4% above the cap. Why would the lower end grow faster?Buyers moved early. Some people acted ahead of the official start date to buy before conditions got tighter.Borrowing limits are doing the steering. With serviceability still a hurdle, more buyers are gravitating toward properties that feel manageable week to week.Quick reality check before you rely on the schemePrice caps matter (and vary by location).Not every lender treats the scheme the same way.Your borrowing limit still depends on normal credit checks.If you’re considering a purchase under the 5% Deposit Scheme cap, contact me and I’ll check eligibility, lender participation and what the repayments look like.See if you qualify for the 5% Deposit SchemeHit 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 Lower-priced homes are heating up

More investors are stepping back into the market – and the data shows it’s a big shift.The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the value of investor loan commitments jumped 17.6% in the September 2025 quarter, and was 18.7% higher than a year earlier.Investors now account for 40.6% of the value of all new loan commitments, the highest share since 2016. That tells us investor confidence is building, even as affordability pressures remain. What’s pulling investors back in?Price growth and rental demand are doing the heavy lifting.National dwelling prices rose 8.6% over 2025.Rents climbed 5.2% over the same period, supporting stronger rental income.Yields did edge lower, slipping from 3.7% at the end of 2024 to 3.6% at the end of 2025, because prices rose faster than rents. Even so, yields remain well above the pandemic low of 3.2% in 2021.For investors, yield is only one part of the equation. Borrowing capacity, cash flow buffers and loan structure also matter, because they determine how sustainable an investment is, not how profitable it looks on paper.If you’re thinking about investing, I can help you sense-check the numbers and see how an investment loan would stack up alongside your existing commitments.Run the numbers on an investment loan 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 Investors take larger share of lending

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