Insights

Australians will head to the polls on May 3, and with housing affordability shaping up as a key election issue, we unpack how the two major parties are pledging to help first home buyers. Housing affordability has reached boiling point. Both Labor and the Coalition agree on this. But they’re offering different solutions for first…

Did you know that the average home owner saw their property’s value rise $46,000 per year over the past five years? Today we’ll look at ways you could put that recent increase in equity to further use. The five years since 2020 have seen plenty of action. From the pandemic (let’s not go there again),…

The RBA may have swiped left on an April rate cut, but plenty of home owners are taking matters into their own hands by refinancing to save on interest with a lower rate. There’s nothing like a rate cut to put a spring in home owners’ steps. February’s 0.25% rate cut, for instance, saw consumer sentiment jump…

‘Close to public transport’ is often touted as a plus for home buyers. But new research shows just how much close proximity to a busy road, railway or flight path can impact property values. Location, location, location. When you’re hunting for a new home, most people are on the lookout for an abode that’s close…

This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips to enjoy a memorable getaway – at home. Fun fact: 2025 sees the Easter public holidays fall in the same week as Anzac Day. That…

It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills. It’s almost time to pack away the boardies, swap sarongs for sweaters and cross from cricket to footy. As…

The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why now could be a good time to buy. Jeepers. That didn’t last long. Back in early January, CoreLogic declared Australia’s housing market had entered ​a downturn after…

Good news for the three million Australians who have a student debt. New rules are on the cards that could soon increase their borrowing power when applying for a home loan. Heading off to uni can be a great investment in your skills and qualifications, potentially leading to a higher income over the course of…