At a time when the cost of living is sky-high and property prices are on the rise again, many young people and families are under pressure to secure or protect their properties. The problem is that at times when emotions are heated and financial stress is rife, family feuds, fallouts and arguments easily erupt. Here…
Articles by Kate Forbes

Kate Forbes is a National Director at Metropole assisting our high net worth clients safely grow, protect and pass on their wealth. She has 25 years of investment experience in financial markets on two continents, is qualified in multiple disciplines, and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
The latest Proptrack Home Price Index showed home values have remained resilient to higher interest rates this year, and this continued in November with prices continuing to lift and hitting fresh record highs in many markets, although the pace of growth has slowed due to the increase in properties coming to market. Further, it showed…
It’s happened again. The Reserve Bank has hiked interest rates in November, ending a four month reprieve for mortgage holders amid renewed fears that inflation is not falling fast enough. RBA govenor Michelle Bullock said on Tuesday that inflation is still too high, requiring action. “Inflation in Australia has passed its peak but is still…
Australia has long been viewed as home to some of the most liveable cities and most beautiful beaches but now our nation has clinched the 4th spot in a ranking of best countries in the world. Based on global opinion, US News & World Report along with marketing company WPP and the Wharton School of…
If you’re thinking you can invest in cash flow to grow your wealth, I have news for you. It never has been the case, but especially in 2023 in the current investment environment, chasing cash flow might not be the most financially rewarding decision. Here’s why – and what you should do instead. What are…
Australia’s property investors have faced many headwinds of late, with interest rate hikes, land tax increases, and market uncertainty driving a wave of investors to exit the property market across the country. But investors in some states are struggling more than others. Recent PropTrack figures reveal that Victoria had the highest share of investment property…
We haven’t fallen of the “fixed rate cliff “and we’re not getting a load of forced or distressed property sales. The resilience of household borrowers in the face of surging interest rates has surprised Reserve Bank researchers. In fact most Australian households have successfully manage increased mortgage repayments, according to the recently published Financial Stability…
The Spring selling season has arrived. Will this now bring good news for buyers who have been faced with limited options for much of this year? Well, according to PropTrack’s Senior Economist, Eleanor Creagh, the choice has improved significantly in the major capitals, with buyers benefiting from the rush of properties hitting the market. She…
Our housing markets experience ups and downs don’t they? Although home prices experienced a dip in 2022, it was nothing compared to the surge experienced during the pandemic when interest rates hit record lows. Looking back over a longer period of 10 years, it is clear that almost all suburbs have experienced price growth, with…
When I first started investing people had a personal relationship with their bank managers, but things have changed significantly over the last few decades. The fact is when you go into a bank, you are on your own when it comes to your own financial interests. Everyone may be friendly and eager to help when you walk…