Property
The benefits and challenges with buying a property off the plan
15 January
Buying property off the plan offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with some challenges. This guide will explore the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. Advantages of Buying Off the Plan More Customisation...[Read More]
Cheaper houses have lift-off as guarantee takes effect
15 January
The signature election housing policy of the federal government is worsening affordability for first time homebuyers, even as it gets more people into home ownership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned on widening eligibility to a five per...[Read More]
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
15 January
Waning consumer confidence could give the Reserve Bank pause as it mulls hiking interest rates at its next meeting. Household spending data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Monday showed consumers were gathering steam late last...[Read More]
High cash rates no barrier to housing boom, data shows
15 January
Three Reserve Bank interest rate cuts were widely credited with accelerating growth in property values last year, but historical data shows the most drastic price surges aren’t always due to falling borrowing costs. The 8.6 per cent increase in...[Read More]
RBA official’s advice to borrowers over inflation data
15 January
The Reserve Bank’s deputy governor has brushed off a surprisingly soft inflation print, reiterating to borrowers they should not expect any more mortgage relief soon. Inflation figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday...[Read More]
Where home prices could take off or crash land in 2026
15 January
History shows it’s a brave ploy to bet against the Australian property market. Yet a dramatic reversal in interest rate expectations means 2026 is looking a little softer for real estate. Opposing forces should see prices continue to break records...[Read More]
Oasis tour tunes up economy but clouds rate cut hopes
15 January
Australians splashed out on Black Friday sales, concerts and sporting events, putting household spending on track to exceed central bank forecasts. Household spending rose one per cent in November, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed on...[Read More]
National home price hit a new record high in 2025
8 January
Entering the property market just got a bit harder after the national home price reached a record $880,000. The new high in December followed monthly growth of 0.1 per cent, and growth of 8.8 per cent over the year, the PropTrack report released on...[Read More]
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
8 January
A softer-than-expected inflation result will boost the case for the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates steady, but there’s still plenty in the detail to suggest a February hike remains in play. Headline inflation slowed from 3.8 per cent to 3.4...[Read More]
Weaker housing market tipped as rate hike fears mount
8 January
The housing market is tipped to start weaker in 2026 with confidence dented by fears the Reserve Bank’s next move will be a rate hike, a leading property data provider says. Cotality’s national Home Value Index recorded the smallest gain in five...[Read More]
Home approvals surge but affordability still an issue
8 January
Home approvals in Australia have surged to a three-and-a-half year high but construction challenges will continue to constrain progress on housing affordability. The number of dwellings approved for construction jumped 15.2 per cent to 18,406 in...[Read More]
One-in-five solar panels degrading faster than expected
7 January
Most solar panels gradually lose their energy-generating powers over time, but roughly a fifth have been found to degrade much more quickly than expected. Tiny hairline cracks and other minor manufacturing flaws missed during quality control testing...[Read More]
Financial security: four key strategies to safeguard your financial future
1 January
Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly. Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]
Some steps you can take if you are struggling to make mortgage repayments?
1 January
Owning a home is a significant milestone. However, the financial responsibility of mortgage repayments can be daunting for some homeowners. In times of financial difficulty, it’s essential to find ways to manage your mortgage and avoid defaulting...[Read More]
New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
1 January
When Australians wake up to a new year, changes to government payments and policies will impact the finances of millions of households. From Thursday, the maximum cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be slashed from $31.60 to...[Read More]