The Australian housing market is in crisis: soaring prices, increasing rental stress, declining homeownership rates and a growing number of people experiencing homelessness. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $33 billion housing investment plan in his government’s latest budget. This is a central plank of Labor’s re-election pitch, aimed at showing housing commitment by: Making it…
Owning a home has long been considered a cornerstone of the great Australian dream. For many, it’s not just about securing a place to live, it’s a symbol of financial stability, success, and a ticket to long-term wealth. But as property prices have skyrocketed, outpacing inflation and wage growth, homeownership has become increasingly difficult to…
For young Australians, breaking into the housing market feels tougher than ever. Many now fear they’ll never be able to own a home. Despite public debates on whether it’s truly harder to buy a house than it was decades ago, falling homeownership rates across generations suggest the market has indeed shifted significantly against those just…
Retirement is meant to be the time to relax, enjoy life, and reap the rewards of decades of hard work. Yet, for many Australians, the dream of a carefree retirement is increasingly overshadowed by the burden of a lingering mortgage. Owning your home outright by retirement was once a hallmark of financial security. But now,…
Most homeowners keep a close eye on interest rates. After all, it’s one of the biggest factors influencing mortgage repayments. But there’s another rising cost that has been quietly creeping up—one that you can’t negotiate, refinance, or shop around for. Council rates. Over the past decade, council rates have surged by 39% nationally, outpacing inflation…
Buying your next home can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first home. It’s exciting but full of complexities. While it’s likely to be the largest financial transaction you will ever make, we’ve found that many home buyers are poorly prepared to ensure they make a good purchase decision. And it’s not their…
When it comes to buying a new property, one of the first things to think about is how much money you can afford to repay each month. While taking out the largest mortgage possible might seem tempting, the higher the mortgage, the higher the repayments, so too much could see you end up with very…
Did you know that more than 80 per cent of Australia’s houses have less than half the energy efficiency rating of homes built to today’s standards? That’s a staggering statistic, but it also highlights a growing issue for homeowners and property investors alike. With rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, buyers are now seeking…
Is your current home the right fit for your lifestyle – or are you struggling to find a place that truly meets your needs? For many Australians, “rightsizing” has become the answer, as they search for homes that better align with their stage of life and evolving personal needs. However, in the pursuit of finding…
With more suburbs reaching the million-dollar mark, many potential homebuyers are left wondering just how much they need to earn to join the million-dollar homeowners club. You may be surprised to learn that the salary required to buy a $1 million property isn’t as high as you might think. What does it take to buy…