Property
Top 5 ways to add value to your home (and Top 5 ways to over-capitalise)
13 February
When it comes to increasing your home’s value, smart investments can yield significant returns, whether you’re preparing to sell or simply enhancing your living space. However, not every renovation or improvement guarantees a positive return....[Read More]
Big bank clips rates as RBA mulls next move
5 February
NAB has become the first big bank to reduce fixed-interest mortgage rates in 2025, as expectations of an impending Reserve Bank rate cut remain high, despite surprisingly strong retail spending. Rate tracking by comparison site Canstar shows NAB...[Read More]
Interest rate cut hopes rise on soft inflation print
30 January
Interest rate relief could be around the corner after underlying inflation came in below expectations. Core inflation fell to 3.2 per cent in the year to December, opening the door for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate at its next...[Read More]
Solar boost could mean good news for renters, regions
29 January
Low-income households, renters, and people in regional and rural areas could be among those who benefit most from greater investments in solar energy projects. Environment and community groups issued their assessments on Tuesday after Energy...[Read More]
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
22 January
Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]
Ways for consumers to put the ‘sun tax’ in the shade
22 January
For those who can afford it, adding a battery could beat the “sun tax” that will further deplete the once-generous rate of return for rooftop solar pioneers. A third of Australia’s households have rooftop solar and almost three quarters of the...[Read More]
Protect your home against dry weather threats with these steps
16 January
Protecting homes from dry weather threats, such as bushfires, requires proactive measures and preparedness. Here are some steps to help protect your home: Maintain the exterior: Clear roofs, gutters, and chimneys of debris regularly to prevent the...[Read More]
Property investing: comparing residential with commercial real estate
16 January
In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the...[Read More]
Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut
15 January
Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]
Steps to take if you can’t afford your mortgage repayments
9 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]
6 tips to overcome the deposit barrier
2 January
In Australia, the deposit barrier is a significant challenge for many people who wish to buy their own homes. Saving up for a deposit can be a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers. The good news is that there are various...[Read More]
Rate cuts on horizon in mixed 2025 for the economy
1 January
Australians have endured taxing economic conditions in the past calendar year, but there is cause for cautious hope in 2025. Long-awaited interest rate cuts are broadly expected in the first half of the year, providing household budgets with...[Read More]
Consumers taking charge: energy saving tips for 2025
1 January
Smarter use of common household appliances – fridges, washing machines and even the toaster – could cut power bills in 2025, an electricians’ network says. The toaster may be a smaller contributor to the power bill but is still worth...[Read More]
The importance of home and business security and insurance over the holiday period
19 December
The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and, often, travel. Whether you are taking a family road trip or simply enjoying time away from work, the festive period brings unique risks to your home, business, and personal belongings....[Read More]
The women who could soon influence your mortgage
18 December
An economics professor and a regional bank chief will have a say on Australians’ mortgage rates after the biggest shake-up to the operations of the Reserve Bank of Australia in decades. Australian National University professor Renee Fry-McKibbin...[Read More]