When you’re navigating the home loan market, one of the key decisions is whether to go with a standard principal & interest (P&I) loan (where you repay part of the loan plus interest) or an interest-only (IO) loan (where during a set period you pay only interest). Let’s dive into how interest-only loans work in…
At the November board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the official cash rate on hold – dashing hopes for a Cup Day rate cut. Following on from the November meeting the RBA basically ruled out any further change to the cash rate in 2025, meaning mortgage holders will need to wait…
Buying a home is more than just finding the right street, school zone or mortgage rate. For many Australians today, it means finding a home that’s kinder on the planet and kinder on your power bills. Green home loans – also called eco mortgages, energy-efficient home loans or sustainable mortgages – are increasingly relevant. Here’s…
If you already own a home, you might be sitting on a hidden opportunity: equity. That extra value can be the key to moving into your next, bigger home – without having to save a full deposit from scratch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what equity is, how to access it, and how…
Many Australians know that superannuation is central to retirement planning — but fewer appreciate how super can also act as a vehicle for property investment. When used correctly, superannuation (in particular via a Self-Managed Super Fund, or SMSF) can open doors to property assets, tax advantages, and greater control over your retirement portfolio. But it’s…
In today’s economic climate, finding inventive ways to cut everyday costs can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. By adopting some creative strategies, you can reduce expenses without sacrificing your lifestyle. Here are some practical ideas to help you save money on daily expenditures. Embrace the ‘No Spend’ Challenge Designate specific days or…
At the September board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has opted to maintain the official cash rate at its current rate of 3.60 per cent, as widely expected by market. Following discussions on 29 and 30 September, the Monetary Policy Board announced its rate decision this afternoon (30 September), holding the official cash…
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…