Flexible Financial Solutions

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 home buyers. As polling day approaches, we break down what’s… Read More »Election 2025: what’s on offer for first home buyers?

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), through to a change in government, and some notably wild… Read More »Home owners notch up gains of $230,000 in just 5 years

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 to a three-year high. But with the Reserve Bank of… Read More »Why 1-in-2 families are thinking of refinancing

‘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 to public transport and other convenient transport infrastructure. But how… Read More »Sounds of silence: how traffic noise can impact property values

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 means that from Good Friday on 18 April through to… Read More »5 fun (and budget-friendly) ideas for an Easter staycation

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 we prepare for the cold to creep in, it may… Read More »Low cost renos to help keep your home cosy this autumn

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 property prices dropped -0.01% in November and -0.1% in December… Read More »Was that the shortest property downturn ever?

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 your career. The downside for many, though, is a lingering… Read More »Major change coming to mortgage rules for university grads

Finally, a long-awaited reprieve for borrowers. The Reserve Bank of Australia has today cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%. How much could this rate cut decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? And can we expect more cuts this year? This is the first time the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the cash rate since it slashed rates to 0.10% in… Read More »RBA cuts the cash rate for the first time since 2020

If you’re in the market for a first home, there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the Home Guarantee Scheme, and it could slash the time it takes to buy a place of your own by several years. Here’s how it works. Saving that all-important 20% deposit for a first home isn’t easy – especially given the current cost of living crunch. In… Read More »The scheme that’s helped 193,000 Aussies buy a first home