By Mark Daniels With autumn now underway, many prospective buyers may feel like turning over a new leaf with a home or investment property purchase. This time of year can present unique opportunities. There is often less competition compared to the busy spring market, and some sellers may be more motivated to secure a sale before winter, which may create more favourable conditions to negotiate. As interest rates and property market conditions continue to evolve, staying infor

With interest rates rising in recent months, many Australians have seen their mortgage repayments increase. As a result, more homeowners are starting to ask whether refinancing their home loan could help them reduce costs or improve their loan structure. In fact, refinancing activity has surged. Last year, more than 640,000 homeowners switched their home loan, representing a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous year. So, what exactly does refinancing involve, and ho

When it comes to buying an investment property, you don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to your own backyard. Looking beyond your local market, including interstate, can open up new opportunities when the timing is right. Often referred to as “borderless investing”, this approach allows you to tap into growth in different regions. However, investing in a different state comes with its own considerations. Understanding how it works, where the opportunities may be, and wha

Why Speaking With a Broker Early Matters Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many Australians will make, and the steps you take before  your property hits the market can dramatically influence your outcome. Preparation isn’t just about styling or photography,  it begins much earlier, with a clear understanding of your financial position, your property’s true value, and your strategy for what comes next. Selling your home isn’t just a real estate

Why It’s Costing Us Time, Money — and Driving Property Prices Higher  by Mark Daniels New research based on ABS and Census data, combined with congestion modelling by iSelect, reveals how much time Australians are losing in traffic across the nation’s 11 largest cities.  The Real Cost of Traffic  — and How It Shapes Property Demand Traffic isn’t just frustrating — it’s expensive. New research shows the average Australian driver now loses 2 days and 11 hours every year sitting

How It Helps First‑Home Buyers in 2026 The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)  is a federal initiative designed to help Australians save for their first home faster and more tax‑effectively  by using the superannuation system. Introduced in 2017, the program remains an important part of the national first‑home buyer toolkit in 2026. What the FHSSS Allows You to Do The scheme lets eligible first‑home buyers make voluntary contributions  into their super fund — and later wit

What First‑Home Buyers Need to Know in 2026 The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)  is Australia’s flagship federal program  helping eligible buyers enter the property market with a smaller deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) . It has become one of the most widely used pathways into home ownership, especially after major reforms took effect from 1 October 2025 . What the HGS Offers The HGS allows qualifying buyers to purchase a home with: As little as 5% deposit , and No

How Australia’s Nationwide Program Works in 2026 The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)  remains one of Australia’s longest‑running and most recognizable forms of first‑home buyer assistance. Although it operates across every state and territory , the specifics — including grant size, eligibility criteria, and property value limits — vary because the scheme is administered at the state/territory level , not federally. What unifies FHOG nationwide is its core purpose: to help first

The Australian Government’s Help to Buy scheme is now open, giving more Australians the chance to step into home ownership sooner. With just a minimum 2% deposit, eligible buyers can access support from the Government, which contributes up to 30% of the purchase price for existing homes or 40% for newly built homes. This shared equity initiative helps bridge the gap between what you can borrow and the home that meets your needs, making your savings go further. With 10,000 pla

Nothing compares to that feeling of buying your first home. If you’re planning a 2026 property purchase, saving the deposit is often one of the biggest hurdles. Careful planning and perseverance can play a role in working towards this goal. Here are some tips to help you work towards your savings target. Set a savings goal The first step is to work out how much you’ll need for your deposit. Check out what properties in your preferred suburbs are selling for, and from there, y

Property investment looks different for everyone, with no single approach suiting every situation. As market conditions, lending rules and affordability, continue to change, planning and preparation are becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation for investors. With a new year underway, many property investors are reviewing their goals and plans for the months ahead. Whether you already own an investment property or you are planning your first purchase in 2026