Insight Property Finance

Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

June 29, 2023

Have you been keen to refinance but told you can't? You’re not alone. Many Australian households are currently locked into their home loans due to rising interest rates. But some banks have recently started to lower their serviceability thresholds.

Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

June 22, 2023

Despite the soaring cost of living and successive interest rate hikes, homebuying intentions have climbed, latest data shows. So why are so many people still chasing the great Australian dream? And what can you do to make your own dream a reality?

Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

June 14, 2023

Mortgage serviceability can feel like a frustrating hurdle to clear. But it‘s an important safeguard against borrowing too much, particularly in the current interest rate landscape.

RBA attempts to beat back inflation with another rate hike, up to 4.10%

June 6, 2023

Drumroll … The RBA has hiked the official cash rate for the 12th time since April 2022, increasing it to 4.10%. How much will this increase your monthly repayments? And how long does Philip Lowe plan to keep marching to this beat?

Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion

May 31, 2023

Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little wonder why.

Is the property market starting to rebound?

May 24, 2023

Navigating the Australian property market over the past year has felt like standing on shifting sands. But is the market starting to regain stability? And if so, what can you do now to make sure you’re ready to buy?

Property valuation: what you need to know when buying a home

May 17, 2023

When buying property, it’s good to know the market value. After all, you want to know you’re paying a fair amount. But the property’s value is an important consideration for your lender too. And their valuation may be quite different.

Heads up business owners: the asset write-off deadline is looming!

May 11, 2023

Business owners wanting to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the full cost have just over a month to act.

More home buyers set to benefit from low deposit, no LMI schemes

May 11, 2023

More Australians (and permanent residents!) will soon be eligible for a leg up into the property market under an expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. Today we’ll run you through all the upcoming changes to the low deposit, no lenders mortgage insurance schemes.

Homeowners brace as RBA raises cash rate to 3.85%

May 2, 2023

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for the 11th time in the past year, taking it to 3.85%. Have we finally reached the peak of this cycle? And how much will this latest rate hike increase your monthly repayments?