Entries by david

A record 82% of home loans rely on mortgage brokers. Here’s why.

What does Australia have in common with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands? In all three countries brokers facilitate more than 80% of new mortgages. We explain why. The numbers say it all. Last year, brokers in Australia arranged one home loan every 38 seconds. Why have brokers become the go-to partner for home loan […]

What does a good home loan rate look like now?

A fourth rate rise for 2026 has just made checking your home loan rate a priority. But what does a ‘good’ rate look like right now? We reveal what’s currently a competitive rate, and how you may be able to land one. Let’s not sugarcoat this. Four rate hikes in just eight months is leaving […]

RBA hikes cash rate for fourth time this year, up to 4.60%

Here we go again … The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate for a fourth time this year to 4.60%. Check out this week’s article to find out why they felt the need to pass on more borrowing pain to mortgage holders. Following hikes in February, March and May, this latest […]

How you could still negatively gear a rental property

The federal budget introduced major tax reforms for property investors, but it may still be possible to enjoy the potential tax benefits of negative gearing. Here’s how it could be done. The 2026 Federal Budget may have changed many of the rules for property investors. But a rental property can still be an attractive long-term […]

Why holding out for lower prices could hurt first home buyers

In today’s easing market, it may be tempting to wait for property prices to fall further. But it’s a strategy that could see first home buyers left disappointed. We explain why. There is no shortage of media headlines touting big falls in home prices. But the reality may be less sensational. While some property values […]

Spring selling season is here. What’s different in 2026?

Australia’s peak property season is underway, and spring 2026 is shaping up as a buyers’ market. Here’s what the experts say we can expect in the weeks ahead. Spring is traditionally the biggest selling period of the year for real estate. It’s a season that can see more homes come onto the market, with listings rising, on average, […]

Could rates lift off again before Xmas? Here’s how to prepare

Several of the big banks have pivoted on their rate outlook, and are now predicting rate hikes (rather than no change or a fall) this side of Christmas. It could be a cue for homeowners to plan rather than panic. After three back-to-back rate hikes earlier this year, homeowners have enjoyed a welcome break from further rate […]

Could you spot a property scam? Spoiler alert: over 2 in 5 can’t

Property transactions involve big bucks – and that makes them a big target for scammers. With large sums of money at stake, we reveal what to look out for, and how to protect yourself from property settlement scams. Mention ‘scams’ and it’s easy to think of dodgy investment schemes or fake online stores that take […]