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]
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
14 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
14 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
14 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]
Oasis tour tunes up economy but clouds rate cut hopes
14 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]
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
7 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
7 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]
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]
Tips for making the most of your solar panels
25 December
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan. The benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
RBA reveals what’s needed to avert rate hikes in 2026
24 December
By the end of January Australians should have a clearer picture of whether they can expect interest rate hikes next year. Quarterly inflation data, due to be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on January 28, will confirm or allay...[Read More]
2025: The year the world chose direction
18 December
History rarely announces itself in dramatic bursts. More often, it reveals itself through quiet turning points — moments when trends harden into realities and choices can no longer be postponed. 2025 was one of those years. It did not deliver a...[Read More]
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
17 December
Economists have urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers to show greater spending restraint to take some heat out of the economy and spare Australians from more interest rate hikes. With the economy already pushing up against its speed limit, a modest recovery...[Read More]
‘Smash-hit’ battery scheme topped up, subsidies trimmed
17 December
More batteries in more homes is the promise of a federal government decision to triple the budget of a popular rebate scheme and wind back discounts for bigger systems. The subsidy, which has been in place for five months, will get a generous top-up...[Read More]