f you’re a first-time investor or it’s been a long time since you last bought property, the property hunt can be a daunting prospect. Like any other major purchase, solid preparation helps to ensure a smoother journey. “Think of it like travelling to a foreign place – most of us … Read more
Bright colours and patterns are in, stark whites are out. Home offices are gradually being taken over by more integrated spaces and curves are back in a big way. The design trends of 2023 are here and they are making a departure from some of the popular looks of last … Read more
Australians who’ve put up with successive interest rate rises from the Reserve Bank (RBA) would understandably be excited at the prospect of rates going down. After all, a borrower with the Australian average loan size of about $600,000 now pays $1155 more on their mortgage each month than they did … Read more
If you’re among the borrowers who locked in a fixed-rate loan when rates were at record lows, then you’re in a more fortunate position than most other home owners with a mortgage. Those who opted for a variable rate loan have seen their repayments climb over the past year, with … Read more
Of all the rooms in a home, the bedroom is the one where a modest amount of cash can make the biggest impact when it comes to renovating or remodelling. We asked two designers for their expert tips on how to beautify your boudoir for $5000 or less. Create a … Read more
Home owners and buyers agonising over how much interest rates could increase over the coming months have been given a glimpse into the Reserve Bank’s thinking with the release of its quarterly economic update. The RBA’s February Statement on Monetary Policy outlined the bank’s assessment of the economy and what Australians can … Read more
After one welcome month’s holiday from interest rate rises, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has voted to lift the cash rate for the ninth time in the recent round of hikes, to push it 25 points higher to 3.35 per cent. It’s still unlikely to be the last hike of 2023, … Read more
Mortgage-holders and home buyers can expect more interest rate rises in the first quarter of this year, but the good news is that most economists now predict the official interest rate will start coming down by late 2023 or early 2024. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate could … Read more
The number of borrowers switching lenders hit an all-time high in August last year, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting home loans valued at $18.88 billion were refinanced, up 5.3 per cent on July. While rising interest rates are recognised as a key driver, borrowers also look to refinance … Read more
The government’s controversial program, which allows first homebuyers to choose between paying stamp duty or an annual land tax on properties up to $1.5 million, came into affect on Monday 16th January 2023. The legislation passed parliament last year and also applies to those who entered the market from November … Read more