All aboard! The affordability of just one extra train stop
If you’ve just boarded the home buyer express, chances are ‘value’ is high on your list of neighbourhood must-haves. Well, it turns out that house hunters who are happy to stay on the train for just one more stop can be rewarded with savings totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Bank of Mum and Dad stumps up $40,000
They say there’s nothing quite like a parent’s love. Well, perhaps except for a parent’s love plus an extra $40,000 to help buy your first home. Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of family support – plus other ways to buy a first home that give mum and dad a break.
What are the chances of another rate cut this year?
The Reserve Bank has the cash rate in a holding pattern, and several of the big banks have scaled back their predictions of another cash rate cut in 2025. Here’s what it could mean for your home loan.
Separating? Understand your home loan options
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal.
99% of brokers have helped their clients secure a lower rate By
Switching to a new home loan might sound like a hassle. But new research shows brokers don’t just make refinancing easier, they can also help home owners secure a lower interest rate – and much more.
Countdown to be in your new home by Christmas
The clock is ticking towards the festive season, and home buyers still have a small window of opportunity to be settled in their new place by Christmas Day. The good news is that a broker can help you get there.
Jump into the market up to 4 years sooner with 5% deposit scheme
If you’re like most first home buyers, you’ve probably realised by now that saving up for a 20% deposit can be a real slog. But what if we told you that you now only need a 5% deposit? And better yet, you could already have that amount ready to go now.
5 steps to help you find a competitive edge this home-buying season
Spring is traditionally the peak season for property, and three rate cuts this year could further fuel buyer competition. Check out five steps that can give you a valuable head start this spring.
5% deposit scheme expands early – will it increase house prices?
The popular Home Guarantee Scheme that lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit has been expanded sooner than expected. But an unexpected twist means first home buyers may want to bring forward their buying plans.
Surge in switching: 1,000 home loans refinanced every day
Three rate cuts since February have spurred home owners to take a closer look at their home loan. Turns out plenty have found a loan better suited to their needs elsewhere, with 100,000 home loans refinanced in the past quarter.
Third rate cut delivered this year as RBA trims cash rate to 3.60%
Borrowers around the country have been delivered a sunnier financial outlook this month after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today trimmed the cash rate by another 25 basis points to 3.60%. How much could your monthly mortgage repayments decrease?
Skipping pre-approval sees 1-in-10 first home buyers miss out
Buying a first home isn’t always easy, and first-timers sometimes miss out on a place they’ve set their heart on. But more than one-in-ten first-time buyers have missed out simply because they didn’t have home loan pre-approval.
How your home can help your kids get a great education
Location, location, location. Or should we say: education, education, education. New research shows homes in the catchment areas of sought-after public schools can command six-figure price premiums. Here’s why.
Newly built homes notch up strongest sales in 3 years
There’s a lot to love about buying a brand new home, and sales of recently constructed homes have increased 19% over the last quarter. We look at the pros and cons of buying a new home – and the financial incentives available to new home buyers.
Has your borrowing power increased in 2025?
If you haven’t checked your borrowing power recently, it might be worth another look. A lot has happened in 2025, and your borrowing capacity could be higher than you realise.
Two-thirds of borrowers could save by refinancing: report
Home owners hoping for rate relief in July may be disappointed, but it’s still possible to score a rate cut of your own by refinancing. Despite this, plenty of borrowers are sticking to an old loan – and it could be costing them.
Small deposit? 50,000 Home Guarantee Scheme spots just opened up
Growing a 20% deposit isn’t just challenging. It can be a (very) long slog. Fortunately, 50,000 new places in the popular 5% deposit Home Guarantee Scheme just opened up on July 1. Here’s how to secure your spot.
How to make an offer on a home
Finding the property that’s right for you and your budget is an exciting milestone! But what happens next? We explain how to make an offer and seal the deal.
Welcome back! Home lending jumps as first home buyers return
Here’s some warming news for winter – first home buyers are making a welcome return to the property market. Several factors suggest the stars may have aligned to make now a good time to take that first step on the property ladder.
Australian home price average tops $1 million
Property values nationally have passed a major milestone with the average home price pushing through the $1 million mark for the first time ever. Have you been putting off buying? If so, here’s how to get the ball rolling.

