Home, Loans & Property Blog

The federal government has handed down its 2026-27 Budget, introducing some of the most significant property tax reforms in decades. This Budget arrives at a pivotal moment. Housing affordability remains a key concern, with property prices rising by more than 400% since 1999, which is more than double the pace of wage growth. These conditions have made home ownership increasingly difficult for younger Australians, placing housing access firmly in the government’s spotlight. A

In the first board meeting of the year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate for the first time since 2023. Many economists predicted it would be increased in an effort to cool growing inflation. The cash rate is currently sitting at 3.85%. Data from the ABS last week revealed inflation increased in the 12 months to December, with the trimmed mean inflation (which removes some expenses that can fluctuate a lot, such as petrol) sitting at 3.3%. This

Saving a deposit for your first home can be tough, which is why some Australians team up with a sibling or friend to buy a home together. It’s an arrangement that can make ownership more achievable, especially when combined with the First Home Guarantee. The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase their first home with a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). The scheme can be used by two people jointly – and they don’t have to be a coupl

New data shows a sharp increase in the use of guarantor home loans. A guarantor home loan involves a close relative – generally one or two parents – offering their own property as security for part of the loan. This can allow a buyer to borrow up to 100% of the purchase price (and sometimes even more, to cover costs like stamp duty), without needing to pay lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). The pros of guarantor loans Buyers can get into the market sooner, without waiting to