The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, stating it believes the changes will reduce the time to save a deposit by up to four years. On 25 August, the Labor government announced plans to bring forward the start of the First Home Guarantee Scheme to 1 October 2025, three months…
At the August board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) dropped the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.60%, providing welcome relief for home loan customers. The 3rd rate cut in 2025. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lowered interest rates by 25 basis points to bring the cash rate down to 3.60…
At the July board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the official cash rate on hold at 3.85%. This went against most opinions which believed the cash rate would be reduced. After 2 rate cuts (0.50%) so far in 2025 the RBA shocked most people by keeping the official cash rate on hold…
With the end of financial year (EOFY) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your finances, review your goals, and set yourself up for a strong start to the new financial year. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or just keen to keep your cash flow in check, here are some…
At the May board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) dropped the official cash rate to 3.85%, backing up the rate cut from February this year. Inflation continues to moderate. In their market statement the RBA said Inflation has fallen substantially since the peak in 2022, as higher interest rates have been working to…
Buying your first home can be a daunting task, especially with the financial hurdles involved. However, various government grants and concessions are available to help first home buyers across Australia. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs and make homeownership more accessible. Here’s a breakdown of the grants and concessions available in each state…
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can be a significant expense when buying a home. It protects the lender if you can’t meet your mortgage repayments, but it doesn’t benefit you directly. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to avoid paying LMI, making homeownership more affordable. What is LMI and Why Do You Need It?…
At the April board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the official cash rate at 4.1% after the February rate cut, maintaining that the outlook remains “uncertain”. As widely expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1%, following February’s long-awaited 25-basis-point cut. Economists at each of the…
At the February board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) provided home loan customers with some relief by lowering the official cash rate by 0.25% to 4.10%. According to the RBA Underlying inflation is moderating The RBA reported that Inflation has fallen substantially since the peak in 2022, as higher interest rates have been…
Saving for your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it can feel daunting at the outset. With the right strategies, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality sooner than you might think. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to accelerate your progress, here are some practical tips…