If you’re looking to buy your first home in 2026, one of the first big questions is whether an apartment or a house makes more sense for you, which often comes down to your lifestyle, financial situation and what you’re working towards. Each option comes with its own benefits and trade-offs, so understanding the differences can help you make a more confident decision. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each. Apartments Pros Lower price tag Buying an apartment may allow

For many property investors, 2025 offered compelling reasons to buy. The cash rate came down three times and property prices soared in many markets, driven by lower rates, tight housing supply and government incentives. Meanwhile, rents continued to climb across much of the country. So, following February’s cash rate increase, what might investors expect next? Below we explore key investment property trends likely to shape the market in 2026. Uneven price growth across market

Loyalty is an honourable trait, but not necessarily when it comes to your home loan. Sticking with the same lender indefinitely may mean you’re paying what’s known as a ‘loyalty tax’. This often shows up as higher interest rates compared to what new customers are offered. With interest rates on the rise, now could be a good time to check whether you are paying loyalty tax and it may be worthwhile exploring your options along the way. What is loyalty tax? Loyalty tax refers to

Nothing compares to that feeling of buying your first home. If you’re planning a 2026 property purchase, saving the deposit is often one of the biggest hurdles. Careful planning and perseverance can play a role in working towards this goal. Here are some tips to help you work towards your savings target. Set a savings goal The first step is to work out how much you’ll need for your deposit. Check out what properties in your preferred suburbs are selling for, and from there, y

Property investment looks different for everyone, with no single approach suiting every situation. As market conditions, lending rules and affordability, continue to change, planning and preparation are becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation for investors. With a new year underway, many property investors are reviewing their goals and plans for the months ahead. Whether you already own an investment property or you are planning your first purchase in 2026

As interest rates shift and the property market evolves, your mortgage may not be something you set and forget. Just like your financial goals, your home loan needs can change over time, which is why it’s worth checking in regularly. If you haven’t reviewed your loan in a while, now could be a good time to do a quick health check. Read on to see what your home loan health check could uncover. Why reviewing your home loan matters What worked when you first bought your home mig

Buy now, pay later. Sounds convenient and harmless, right? It’s no surprise that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay have surged in popularity as it lets you split purchases into smaller, interest-free instalments (as long as you pay on time). In fact, the value of BNPL transactions in Australia is expected to jump from about AU $17 billion in 2023 to an estimated AU $30.71 billion by 2029. But there’s a catch. Earlier this year, significant changes rolled out f

Well, that’s almost a wrap on 2025 and what a year it’s been for the property market. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from 2025 and see what aspiring property purchasers can expect from 2026. Looking back on 2025 Interest rates came down The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) started the year with a bang, with a cash rate cut in February of 0.25% to 4.10%. Rates held steady in April, but borrowers celebrated again in May, when the RBA cut the cash rate a further 0.2

For many young Australians, home ownership can feel more like a distant dream than something within reach. Rising living costs, strong property price growth and slow wage increases have put real pressure on those hoping to buy their first home. Research by Deloitte Access Economics earlier this year, highlighted just how challenging the landscape has become. Average home prices rose 67% from $548,000 to $915,000 in the decade to 2023, while average weekly incomes for Austral

Home prices continue to climb across Australia. In October, national dwelling values rose 1.1% – the strongest monthly gain since June 2023. Several factors are fuelling the uptick in growth. One is the lack of housing supply in many markets. The expansion of the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme from 1 October also saw a surge in first homebuyer activity and added demand to the lower and middle price points of the market. The scheme has made it easier for first home

The festive season is a time to celebrate, relax and connect with loved ones, but it can also put extra pressure on the household budget. With the rising cost of living, a little planning can go a long way towards keeping the season merry without overspending. The festive season can be expensive, especially with the current cost-of-living crisis and increasing financial pressures on households. A study by ASIC last year found that Aussies estimated they would spend an averag

Imagine waking up in a cosy mountain retreat or in a beach shack overlooking the ocean – all in your very own holiday home. Sounds dreamy, right? Whether you’re after a sea change, a tree change, or simply a place to unwind, investing in a holiday home can be an attractive way to diversify your property portfolio and create a retreat to escape to. But before you turn this dream into a reality, here are a few reality checks you may need to consider before you dive in. Plan how

While some property investors prioritise rental yield – that is, how much income a property earns, as a percentage of its value – others see capital growth as the ultimate objective. There is no guaranteed way to predict the future capital growth of a suburb, but there are growth indicators that can be a strong sign that property prices will increase. In the current buying climate, with historically low listings and strong demand for available properties, doing your homework

Following three cash rate cuts so far this year, the lending and borrowing environment in Australia has changed drastically. As a result, more and more borrowers are breaking out of ‘mortgage prison’ and refinancing their home loans to more competitive options. If you’ve been trapped with the same lender for some time, you may be able to break free and find a more suitable home loan elsewhere. What is mortgage prison? While there are no barred windows, high walls or guard tow

First home buyers can now purchase a property with as little as 5 per cent deposit without copping lenders’ mortgage insurance, after the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme came into effect on 1 October. It’s expected that  70,000 first home buyers  will make the most of the scheme in its first year of expanded access. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of before you dive in. But first, let’s take a look a

Refinancing Options With interest rates falling this year, more Australians are taking a fresh look at their home loans. In fact, close...

Home Buying a home comes with one of the biggest decisions you’ll face – do you go for a brand new build or choose an established...

First Home Guarantee Scheme From 1 October 2025, the government’s First Home Guarantee scheme will expand, making it possible for more...

Analysis Inflation has been heading in the right direction and the Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate three times in 2025....

Living Room Buying an investment property in another state or territory can open the door to a range of new opportunities. From more...