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 […]
The silver lining of a cooling property market for home owners
While rising prices were the talk of the town not so long ago, the tide has started to turn, with property values beginning to soften – but it’s not all bad news for home owners. While we’re far from a market collapse, it’s only natural for home owners to be concerned that their valuable asset […]
What’s a competitive rate right now? Nearly 50 lenders offer variable rates below 6%
Great news! Homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the cash rate on hold in August. But just because the cash rate is sitting tight, doesn’t mean you have to. As many as 49 different lenders are now offering variable interest rates starting with a 5, up from […]
Was your offset account flagged in the ASIC investigation?
So it turns out some mortgage offset accounts haven’t been working as intended, according to a recent investigation. Here’s how to check if your home loan offset account has actually been helping you save. Offset accounts are popular among Australian borrowers, with more than one-in-two (55%) home loans now having an offset. If that sounds like you, […]
