For generations, Australians have proudly embraced the phrase “the lucky country.” It rolls off the tongue easily, evokes sunshine and freedom, and reassures us that somehow, no matter what happens, we’ll land on our feet. But when Donald Horne coined the phrase in 1964, he wasn’t congratulating us; he was warning us. He argued Australia’s…
Will today’s younger generations end up wealthier, happier, and more secure than their parents? That used to be a no-brainer. For much of Australia’s modern history, each generation climbed the economic ladder higher than the one before it. More education, better jobs, bigger homes, longer lives. But that narrative is now being questioned, especially by…
Higher rental costs are reshaping the value proposition of the First Home Guarantee, with new analysis from Cotality comparing the additional cost of time in the rental market and potential LMI costs, with the additional interest cost of a 5% deposit home loan. While the scheme comes with higher interest costs, the savings on rent…
There’s a wave of optimism building in Australia’s property and construction sector and it’s being powered not just by cranes and concrete, but by artificial intelligence. According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), putting AI to work in planning approvals could be the breakthrough needed to unlock more than 1.2 million homes over the next…
Australia’s rental market is seeing renewed strength as national vacancy rates reach a new record-low, according to Cotality’s latest Quarterly Rental Review. Cotality’s seasonally adjusted Rental Value Index saw national dwelling rents post a 1.4% rise in Q3, its largest three-month increase since June 2024, and a significant uptick from the 1.1% lift recorded in…
The great Australian dream of a house on a quarter-acre block is slowly giving way to something different – courtyards replacing backyards, and townhouses replacing detached homes. New data from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) shows that gentle density – housing like townhouses, terraces, and duplexes – is becoming more common across our cities. HIA’s…
One of the most common questions I get asked is “When should I buy my next (or first) investment property?” But that question is pretty much like asking “How long is a piece of string?” There are a lot of variables to consider. It’s true, being a savvy investor is about timing. However, instead of…
If you’ve ever tried running a business—or even building a property portfolio—with your partner, you’ll know it can be both incredibly rewarding and, at times, incredibly stressful. The kitchen table becomes a boardroom, the bedroom becomes an office, and before you know it, every day feels like Groundhog Day. But it doesn’t have to be…
Have you ever wondered what the real fix for Australia’s housing crisis might look like? Well, buckle up because it might not be what you expect. Here’s a bold assertion that’s bound to stir up some debate: the only way to truly resolve our housing crisis is for house prices to rise. Yes, you heard…
What if I told you that nearly half the cost of your next property isn’t the bricks, the land, or even the builder — but taxes? That’s the hidden truth behind Australia’s housing market, and it’s crippling wealth creation for investors and homeowners alike. Residential property may be the cornerstone of financial security for many…