Following three cash rate cuts so far this year, the lending and borrowing environment in Australia has changed drastically. As a result, more and more borrowers are breaking out of ‘mortgage prison’ and refinancing their home loans to more competitive options. If you’ve been trapped with the same lender for some time, you may be able to break free and find a more suitable home loan elsewhere. What is mortgage prison? While there are no barred windows, high walls or guard tow

Global events can feel distant from everyday decisions like buying a home or reviewing a mortgage. However, international uncertainty, including geopolitical conflict and economic volatility, continues to influence Australia’s lending and property landscape in subtle but important ways. Understanding these connections can help borrowers make more confident, informed choices. Interest Rates and Inflation Don’t Exist in a Vacuum Global instability has contributed to higher ener

With interest rates rising, many borrowers are taking the time to review their home loan arrangements. A review of your loan structure may assist in managing repayments, subject to your individual circumstances. Offset accounts and redraw facilities are features offered on some home loans. When used appropriately, they may help reduce the interest payable and overall loan costs, depending on individual circumstances. Offset accounts An offset account is a transaction or savin

Property investors may be motivated by different goals. With changing market conditions and some areas seeing slower price growth, some investors may be placing greater focus on rental yield and cash flow rather than capital growth alone. This shift may influence both property selection and financing decisions. If you’re considering investing in property, here’s what to know about rental yields and why they matter. What is rental yield? Rental yield is the annual rent generat

For many homeowners, timing can be one of the challenges when purchasing their next property. If you’re planning to sell your current home to fund your next purchase, a bridging loan may be worth considering. Mortgage brokers have reported increased interest in bridging finance , as some buyers consider alternative ways to navigate higher living costs and rising interest rates. Here’s how this type of finance works, along with some key considerations to keep in mind. What is

National property values have risen for six consecutive months, while the cash rate has dropped to 3.6 per cent – its lowest since April...