Moving or upsizing to a bigger house is a significant financial decision. Perhaps you feel too cramped where you are, have received a financial windfall, or simply have itchy feet; it might be tempting to buy a bigger house. But bigger properties come with higher costs, and it’s not just the higher mortgage repayments. Before…
More new homeowners are rejecting yesterday’s sentiment of owning their own castle and buying investment properties before their own home instead. Driven by affordability and smart financial forecasting, Australians are investing as they’re starting to see the benefit of owning rental properties as a strategic move up the property ladder. Our investors are getting younger,…
With our housing markets picking up around Australia there’s a whole young generation of first-home buyers getting onto the property ladder. The problem is, many of these First-time property buyers forget that the purchase price is not the end of their homeownership financial outgoings. There are a number of expenses that will continue for as…
The federal government’s Help to Buy scheme is before the parliament. Both the Coalition and the Greens are opposed to it. If the bill is passed, the government will provide an equity contribution of up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home, and up to 30% for an existing dwelling, with buyers…
It’s no secret that Australians are now valuing sustainable, energy-efficient homes not just for environmental reasons but as a smart way to save money. With the cost of living pressures escalating, incorporating energy-efficient features into homes is becoming a financially savvy strategy. This trend is especially relevant as high utility bills are increasingly stretching household…
In a remarkable display of market strength, Australian homeowners in key capitals have witnessed their property equity soar by over $100,000 in just the past year. The PropTrack Home Price Index for March reveals a noteworthy trend: even with a surge in listings, property prices have not only held firm but reached new heights, underscoring…
A key financial goal for most people is to eventually repay their home loan. Last year I outlined 3 questions you must ask yourself to determine whether repaying your home loan is your top priority – see here. The internet is filled with countless ideas on how to repay your home loan faster. However, many of…
Properties in some Aussie suburbs are being snapped up at record rates as issues of scarce supply and high demand continue to strain the market. Recent Ray White data reveals that time on the market (how long it takes to sell a property) is still significantly higher in most cities across the country compared to…
New data reveals the Australian suburbs in each State where house price growth has outperformed the rest over the past 12 months. PropTrack data highlights suburbs with the strongest growth in values over the past year in each statistical area 4 (SA4) region, which are geographical areas defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics with a minimum population…
From granny flats to kitchen renovations and even new driveways, Aussies love to look for property upgrades that will increase the overall value of their property. After all, renovations are a great way to make your home more functional, comfortable and liveable. Have you ever wondered if adding a swimming pool is one of the…
