School holidays have already begun for some and for others, they’re just around the corner. With the kids at home and a break from work, it’s time to kick back and have some fun. But holiday fun can be expensive. If you are saving for a home loan deposit or are up to the hilt in home […]
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Are you in the market for a new home? While scouring real estate Websites is exciting, it’s a long road from the dream of home ownership, to actually owning your first home. Your first and biggest hurdle is getting a deposit and then having your mortgage approved. While lending requirements may have tightened since the […]
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Business is booming in Australia. As employment rises, and the private sector grows, there are 190 new office spaces currently under construction around Australia, according to CoreLogic data. This is good news, not just for people needing office space, but also for the general economy. ‘The office projects being constructed are worth a combined $7.1 […]
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The end of financial year (EOFY) is nigh. This time of year makes many of us quake in fear. Paperwork. Receipts. Tax. But what if EOFY could be an annual highlight? Just as New Year is a cause for celebration and renewal, EOFY can be a chance for you to get the most out of […]
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How many smashed avocado on toast do you need to forgo in order to afford your first home? Hopefully, none at all! The cost of your first home depends on your budget and a range of other factors, including any additional costs you’ll be up for and any grants you’re eligible to receive. So, before […]
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Renovations can be costly and stressful, but as long as you are increasing the value of your home, it can be a sound financial decision. Here are the various finance options available: Top up your current loan Since your equity typically increases over time, you can often borrow additional money on your existing loan. You […]
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Concern about the growth of mortgage lending across the banking industry has prompted the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to tighten requirements for banks offering interest-only loans. Here, we look at what the changes are, and how they are affecting the lending market. APRA is concerned that too many mortgage holders are paying interest only […]
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There are signs the strong Sydney and Melbourne residential property markets are beginning to slow, which is usual at this time of year. At the same time, other capital city markets are only exhibiting modest, if any, growth. Cameron Kusher, head of research for Australia at CoreLogic RP Data, says clear signs are emerging that […]
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Websites offering the ability to obtain a home loan online are becoming more popular – not only in Australia but also globally. These platforms offer what is known as ‘robo-advice’ – guidance and help provided online, instead of by a real person. Such advances in technology seem convenient for time-poor individuals, but are they really better […]
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Great news for first home buyers in the sunshine state: the First Home Owner’s Grant (FHOG) is being extended to 31 December this year. The Queensland state government initiative was due to expire at the end of June, but it was recently announced that under the 2017-2018 State Budget, funding would be allocated to extend […]
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