For many Australians, the path to property ownership looks different to what it did a decade ago. With property prices remaining high in many popular suburbs, buyers are increasingly exploring alternative ways to enter the market without putting their lifestyle on hold. One strategy that continues to gain attention is rentvesting. While market conditions have changed, it remains a practical option for Australians who want to start building wealth through property while mainta

Purchasing, selling or renting a property involves sharing personal information, signing important documents and transferring large sums of money. While these processes are generally safe, it pays to understand some of the common warning signs that can arise throughout a property transaction. According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians reported losing more than $2 billion in scam-related losses in 2025. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods used

Buying your first home can sometimes feel like a race against the market. For years, many buyers faced rising prices, fierce competition and the pressure to act quickly when the right property became available. Today’s market is looking a little different. With more properties available in many areas and less competition than we’ve seen in recent years, first-home buyers could have more time to explore their options, compare properties and make informed decisions before makin

Many homeowners have a rough idea of what their property is worth, but fewer understand how the equity they’ve built up could support future financial goals. Whether you’re considering renovations, upgrading, purchasing an investment property or simply exploring your options, understanding equity can be an important starting point. Let’s take a closer look at how equity works and why it matters. What is equity? Equity is the difference between your property’s current market v

It’s been a challenging few months for property investors. Changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax (CGT) discount have fundamentally shifted the landscape for investors and prompted many to rethink their purchasing plans. From 1 July 2027, negative gearing for residential property investments will be limited to new builds, while the 50 per cent CGT discount will be replaced with cost-base indexation and a 30 per cent minimum tax rate on capital gains. Against th

Spring is traditionally the busiest time of the year in the property world. More sellers tend to list their properties during this season, when gardens are looking their best and pleasant weather makes weekend open homes and moving house easier. Many families also like to purchase in spring so that they can settle into their new home before Christmas and the new school year begins. However, this year’s spring property buying season is shaping up to look quite different from p

The Federal Government’s negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reforms represents a significant shift in how future property investments will be treated for tax purposes. For investors considering their next purchase, the changes may influence everything from the type of property they buy to how they assess cash flow and long-term returns. Legislated, many investors are reassessing their property purchasing plans and strategies. The core reforms have now passed Parliam

When you’re planning to buy your first home or investment property, getting your head around all the jargon can feel overwhelming. One term you’re likely to come across is ‘conditional pre-approval’. Many buyers think conditional pre-approval means they’re ready to purchase a property immediately. However, conditional pre-approval is only one step in the lending process. Buyers heading into spring should understand what still needs to happen before finance is formally approve

You might be earning the same income as you were six months ago, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can borrow the same amount. Understanding your borrowing capacity is an important step before you start your home-buying journey. Your borrowing capacity is influenced by a range of factors, and it can change over time, even if your income hasn’t. Interest rate fluctuations, regulatory settings, credit card limits, living expenses, existing debts, and lender policies can all

Few decisions have a bigger impact on your financial future than buying a property. Whether it’s your first home, your next home or an investment property, getting the finance right can make a significant difference for years to come. So why are more Australians choosing to work with a mortgage broker when making such an important financial decision? Broker market share has grown from 55% to 81% in just eight years, reflecting a growing preference for personalised guidance an

Renovating an investment property can help attract quality tenants, improve rental returns and potentially add value to your property. But before choosing paint colours or collecting quotes, it’s worth understanding how you’ll fund the project. Many investors focus on the renovation itself and overlook the impact their funding choice can have on cash flow, borrowing capacity and long-term costs. The good news is that there are several ways to finance a renovation, from access

After years of fierce competition, fast-rising prices and crowded auction weekends, the market is beginning to show signs of a shift. More properties are being listed for sale, homes are taking longer to sell, and buyers are becoming increasingly selective about what they’re willing to pay. One of the clearest signs of this changing market can be seen in auction clearance rates. Nationwide, fewer properties are selling under the hammer, with clearance rates recently dipping b

With the cash rate on hold, many borrowers are taking a closer look at their home loans. If you haven’t reviewed yours in a while, it may be worth exploring whether your current loan still suits your situation. With cost-of-living expenses still stretching household budgets, even a small reduction in your interest rate could make a meaningful difference to your monthly repayments. Refinancing isn’t right for everyone, but it’s always worth understanding your options. Here’s

Australia’s property market is moving through a softer phase. Rising interest rates, stretched affordability, and the federal budget’s tax reforms have eased buyer demand. This is particularly evident across Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, where prices have drifted lower since the start of the year. Conditions vary considerably by location, property type, and price bracket. While some markets continue to hold firm, others are seeing more listings, longer selling times, and

With property prices easing in some markets and recent federal budget housing tax reforms appearing to reduce investor competition, conditions may be becoming more favourable for first-home buyers. In this type of environment, there could be more choice, less pressure and more room to negotiate than we’ve seen in recent years. Buying your first home can feel like a big leap, especially when prices, rates and lending rules are constantly changing. But the start of a new finan

Getting finance when you’re self-employed can sometimes feel more complex than it is for salaried employees, but it’s far from out of reach with the right preparation and paperwork. There may be a few extra steps along the way, but being prepared can help put you in a stronger position when applying for a home loan. One of the most common misconceptions? That you need two years of financials before any lender will look at you. Some specialist lenders will consider application

Have property prices already peaked, and is now the right time to buy? This is a question that many aspiring homeowners are weighing up. While it’s difficult to predict exactly where the market will peak or trough, many investors focus on longer-term trends rather than short-term movements. With the Federal Budget reshaping the investment landscape at the same time as interest rates push higher, the answer is layered. Cost-of-living relief was a key theme of the 2026–27 Feder

30 June is fast approaching. For property investors, it’s a natural time to review your position and get records in order before the financial year closes. This year there’s an added reason to take stock. The Federal Budget introduced changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax that will affect the way residential property investments are treated from 1 July 2027. Existing properties are grandfathered, but if you’re planning your next move, it’s worth being across the d

Property investors may be motivated by different goals. With changing market conditions and some areas seeing slower price growth, some investors may be placing greater focus on rental yield and cash flow rather than capital growth alone. This shift may influence both property selection and financing decisions. If you’re considering investing in property, here’s what to know about rental yields and why they matter. What is rental yield? Rental yield is the annual rent generat

For many homeowners, timing can be one of the challenges when purchasing their next property. If you’re planning to sell your current home to fund your next purchase, a bridging loan may be worth considering. Mortgage brokers have reported increased interest in bridging finance, as some buyers consider alternative ways to navigate higher living costs and rising interest rates. Here’s how this type of finance works, along with some key considerations to keep in mind. What is a