Most borrowers spend more time thinking about how much they can borrow than how their variable vs fixed rate decision actually gets made. Which makes sense — the borrowing capacity question feels urgent. But the structure question? That’s the one that follows you for the next 25 years. And right now, in mid-2026, the variable […]
Offset vs redraw is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up your home loan. Interestingly though, most people don’t fully understand the difference until it’s too late. The good news is, explaining offset vs redraw is not that complicated. On the surface, they can look similar, plus both can help you reduce interest […]
You’ve probably heard the word “stagflation” appearing in the news with increasing frequency. It sounds technical and a little alarming, and given what’s happening in the Australian economy right now, it deserves a clear, honest explanation. This isn’t scaremongering. It’s about understanding what stagflation in Australia means in 2026, and what, if anything, you should […]
Almost every single person, couple, family or investor deliberately looks at houses over their budget when searching for something to buy. They might justify it in different ways, but curiosity always ends up winning. It feels harmless at the time, though studies show that how this simple act of curiosity can have far greater and long […]
Most Australians set up their home loan then don’t even consider a mortgage review for years. That can be expensive. Interest rates move, property values change and lenders release new loan products all the time. So borrowers who never check their mortgage often end up paying a “loyalty tax” simply for staying where they are and […]
Buying your first home alone is becoming less common. New CommBank data released on 12 March shows that 6 in 10 first home buyers are now co-buying with someone else. Instead of purchasing property individually, buyers are increasingly teaming up with friends, siblings or family members to enter the market. It’s a shift that reflects […]
Most people think the biggest cost of buying a home is saving the deposit, but that’s only part of the story. When purchasing a property in Australia there are a range of additional costs that many buyers do not anticipate. These include government charges, legal fees, inspections, bank costs and other expenses that appear during […]
Property auctions in Australia are iconic. They can be fast, intense, and emotionally charged, and while they offer opportunities, they can also cost buyers dearly if approached without a plan. So what’s the best auction strategy for you if you find yourself in the heat of battle? Whether you’re a first-home buyer, investor or experienced […]
For many young Australians, breaking into the property market in 2025 feels harder than ever. With median house prices in Sydney and Melbourne sitting well above $1 million, saving a 20% deposit while paying rent can feel like an uphill struggle. It’s no surprise then that rentvesting is moving from niche strategy to mainstream trend. In fact, […]
Over the last few year we’ve seen an increase in activity amongst Australian property investors – including heavier gearing. In the September 2025 quarter, investors made up around two in every five new home loans, even as first homebuyer activity softened and property values continued to rise across much of the country. From 1 February […]