As home finance experts, we love keeping Australians like you up to speed on finance news, home advice and tips to grow your wealth.
On June 1st, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that first home buyers across the state will be exempt from paying stamp duty on existing and new homes up to $650,000. There will also be stamp duty concessions for properties between $650,000 and $800,000. The changes, which will come int...
If you’re thinking about applying for a home loan, it’s important to gain an understanding of what the banks and lenders look for in the approval process. The lender will assess your financial position and ability to service the loan, and based on the level of risk that you impose to them, wil...
The Federal Government announced its budget, earlier this month, placing a strong focus on first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme was introduced as part of the big housing affordability measure, where from 1 July 2018 individuals will be able to apply to withdraw voluntary contri...
The commitment of mortgage repayments, is likely the largest expense your clients have each month. This is why taking a break from paying their home loan could be the solution to temporarily alleviate financial burden.
Adding a self contained unit, or ‘granny flat’ to your home can be a cost effective way to provide a home for elderly relatives or older children struggling with rising rent. It can also be a great way for homeowners and investors to generate extra cash flow through rental income and increase the...
From small DIY fix-ups through to major re-construction projects, renovations can be a great way to add value to your home. There are a number of finance options available to renovators, so it’s important to understand which type is best suited to your circumstances.
Tax time can be stressful, but with a bit of preparation and organisation, you might be able to save yourself time, energy, and most importantly, money. The additional funds will be particularly useful if you’re looking to apply for, or make extra payments toward your home loan.
Although the market is typically a little slower during the cooler months, there are advantages to selling during winter. Serious buyers will be on the lookout for property regardless of the time of year, and you may find there are fewer homes for sale, therefore less competition. Here’s a few th...
Buying off-plan can be more affordable and flexible than buying an existing property. However, it’s important you’re fully aware of all the benefits as well as any potential pitfalls, in particular those related to lending conditions.
If you’re like many Australians who currently rent but would one day like to own their own home, you’re not alone. Having to pay rent, utility bills and other expenses, whilst trying to save for a house deposit may seem unattainable, but with some discipline and commitment it can be done.
Anyone who has ever had a mortgage will most likely tell you that they wish to have it paid off before the end of the loan term. For many of us it can be easy ‘to fall asleep’ on our home loan as we continue to automatically make the mortgage repayments without giving it a second thought. Howeve...
Earlier this month, premier Daniel Andrews announced a scheme to have stamp duty cut for first home buyers in Victoria. Starting July 1, 2017, if the government plan is approved, anyone buying a house for the first time will not pay stamp duty, providing the value of the house is up to $600,00...
For many people, buying property is the biggest financial investment they’ll ever make, so it pays to do the homework. Today, home buyers are faced with a number of hurdles to jump through, more than ever before. Tighter lending restrictions, foreign investors and large deposits required are j...
