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Expert insights, market updates, and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your home loan journey.
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RBA June 2026: Hold or Hike? What 31 Economists Are Saying Ahead of the June 16 Decision
18 of 31 economists expect the RBA to hold at 4.35% on June 16. Westpac revised its forecast to August and September hikes, targeting a 4.85% peak. Market pricing implies 60bp more of tightening. The CAMA Shadow Board assigns 70% probability to more hikes. Full breakdown of each camp's case with charts and repayment scenarios.
April CPI Data: Trimmed Mean Drops to 3.4% — What It Means for Rate Relief in 2026
The ABS April 2026 monthly CPI indicator showed headline inflation at 4.4% annually, with trimmed mean falling to 3.4% from 3.5%. Monthly CPI fell 0.1% seasonally adjusted. The RBA meets June 16. Most economists expect a hold, with rate cuts unlikely before late 2026 or early 2027. Full data, three rate scenarios, and repayment impact by loan size.
Australia's Property Market Crunch: Budget Reforms, Auction Collapse, and Rising Compliance Costs
Three forces are hitting Australian property simultaneously. CBA cuts price growth forecast to 3%. National clearance rate falls to 52.2%, Brisbane collapses to 20.1%. CSLR levy costs projected to hit $107m by FY2027, five times the $20m statutory cap. Full data with charts and what it means for buyers, investors, and borrowers.
What the Auction Data Really Shows: CGT and Negative Gearing Changes Are Already Reshaping the Property Market
CBA cut dwelling price growth forecast from 5% to 3% for 2026. The negative gearing removal on established properties is equivalent to a 90-155bp investor rate rise. Inner-city apartments are most exposed. New builds are exempt and remain the most tax-advantaged residential investment structure in Australia.
Auction Results May 2026: Sydney Clearance Rate Hits Post-COVID Low as Budget Shocks the Market
Sydney dropped to 61.4% clearance (down from 73.6% a year ago). Melbourne at 62.1%. Brisbane collapsed to 34.5%. National clearance rate: 54.7% across 2,104 auctions for the week of May 16 2026. Full city-by-city breakdown with charts and what the numbers mean for buyers, sellers, and investors.
Construction Loans in Australia 2026: Complete Guide to Finance a New Build
A construction loan works differently from a standard mortgage, funds are released in progressive drawdowns as each building stage completes, and you pay interest-only on the drawn amount during the build. New builds are now the most tax-advantaged property type in Australia after the 2026 Budget. Here's everything you need to know.
Rentvesting in Australia 2026: Buy Where You Can Afford, Live Where You Want
Rentvesting means buying an investment property in an affordable market while continuing to rent in your preferred location. It's the strategy thousands of Sydneysiders and Melburnians are using to enter the property market without compromise. Here's how the finance, tax, and strategy work.
APRA's 3% Serviceability Buffer: Why It Limits Your Borrowing, And What Might Change
The APRA 3% serviceability buffer is the single biggest reason Australians are told they can't borrow as much as they expect. It stress-tests your loan at your actual rate plus 3%, instantly reducing your borrowing capacity by 20–25%. Here's how it works, its history, and the current debate about reducing it.
Can't Make Your Mortgage Repayments? What to Do in 2026
With the cash rate at 4.35% and household budgets under pressure, mortgage stress is real. If you're struggling to make repayments, or worried you soon will be, here is exactly what to do, in what order, and what your lender is legally required to offer you.
Home Loans for Visa Holders in Australia: Complete 2026 Eligibility Guide
Permanent residents (189, 190, 186) borrow on the same terms as citizens. Temporary residents (482, 494, 491) need FIRB approval and are generally restricted to new builds with an 80% LVR cap. NSW adds an 8% Foreign Buyer Surcharge. Complete visa-by-visa breakdown with lender tips.
How to Improve Your Borrowing Power in Australia (2026 Guide)
Banks assess your borrowing capacity using an APRA 3% buffer, HEM living expenses, and a 6× DTI cap. Eight proven strategies, from slashing credit card limits to choosing the right lender, can add $50,000–$200,000 to your ceiling before you apply.
Negative Gearing & CGT Reform: What the 2026 Budget Means for Every Property Investor
The 2026 Budget restricts negative gearing to new residential builds and replaces the 50% CGT discount with CPI indexation from 1 July 2027. Complete guide: who is grandfathered, how carry-forward losses work, the new build exemption, and the 5 steps to take before the deadline.
RBA Raises Cash Rate to 4.35%: Third 2026 Hike Explained
The RBA raised the cash rate 0.25% to 4.35% on 6 May 2026, back to its November 2023 peak. With CPI at 4.6% and all Big 4 banks passing on the full hike, here's what it means for your mortgage repayments, the inflation outlook, and what to do next.
Borrower Confidence Crisis: How Rising Rates Are Triggering a Sydney and Melbourne Housing Downturn
Mortgage Choice research shows 80% of brokers now report neutral-to-negative client outlooks. Sydney clearance rates have crashed to 53%, Melbourne to 54%, and new listings are running 18% above year-ago levels. Full data breakdown with interactive charts, and what it means for buyers, sellers and existing mortgage holders.
Third Rate Hike Looming: What Falling Property Prices and Rising Mortgage Costs Mean for Existing Holders
All four major banks predict a May 2026 RBA hike to 4.35%. Sydney and Melbourne prices are already falling. Roy Morgan projects 1.6 million mortgage holders (30.3%) will be at risk of mortgage stress. Full repayment impact tables, city-by-city forecasts and 5 actions to take before the May decision.
SMSF Property in 2026: Rules, True Costs and Risks Every Trustee Must Know
Buying property through your SMSF? The $1.07 trillion SMSF sector holds $168 billion in property, but the rules, costs and compliance risks are significant. Full breakdown of LRBA borrowing, sole purpose test, Division 296 tax from July 2026, true setup costs, and ATO penalties.
RBA Raises Rates Again: Second 2026 Hike Takes Cash Rate to 4.10%
The RBA raised the cash rate to 4.10% on 17 March 2026, its second consecutive hike of the year. The close 5-4 vote, full big-four bank pass-through, and what it means for your mortgage repayments, explained with interactive charts.
AI Property Data and the Future of Australian Homes: What's Changing in 2026
Cotality's 5.5 billion property records and 2.5 million algorithms are reshaping how Australians buy, sell and finance homes. From AI valuations accurate to within 3%, to smart home tech adoption, discover how artificial intelligence is transforming Australian real estate in 2026.
Australia's Two-Speed Property Market: Every Capital City Analysed (March 2026)
Perth sprints at 2.3% monthly growth while Melbourne flatlines. Darwin surges 16% annually. Interactive charts break down median prices, listing supply, rental yields, and monthly momentum across all 8 Australian capital cities.
APRA DTI Rules 2026: How the New 6x Lending Limit Affects You
APRA now limits banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans at a debt-to-income ratio of 6x or higher. Learn how to calculate your DTI, who is affected, exemptions, and strategies to stay within the limit.
Debt Recycling Explained: Turn Your Home Loan Into Tax-Deductible Debt
A complete guide to debt recycling in Australia. Learn how to convert non-deductible home loan debt into tax-deductible investment debt, with worked examples, step-by-step scenarios, risks, ATO rules, and expert tips to build wealth faster.
What Will a $1M Property Cost in 2035? Inflation Impact
With inflation reshaping the Australian economy, the true cost of owning a $1 million property by 2035 could surprise you. We break down projected property prices, mortgage costs, stamp duty, and total ownership expenses across every capital city using real inflation data and forecasts.
Australian Property Prices 2026: Median Price Growth by Capital City
Track Australian residential property median prices across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. Interactive charts showing monthly and annual price changes reveal a two-speed market.
CGT Reform 2026: How Capital Gains Tax Changes Impact Property, Renters & Landlords
Comprehensive guide to Australia's proposed CGT reforms. Understand how changes to the 50% CGT discount and negative gearing will affect property investors, renters, first home buyers, and the housing market.
RBA Raises Rates to 3.85%: What Borrowers Need to Know
The Reserve Bank has lifted the cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85% at its February 2026 meeting. Here's how this affects your mortgage and what you should do next.
Best Sydney Suburbs for First Home Buyers 2026
Discover which Sydney suburbs offer the best value for first home buyers in 2026, from the Hills District to growth corridors in the North-West.
First Home Guarantee Expanded to $1.5M in NSW: What This Means for You
The First Home Guarantee price cap has increased to $1.5 million in NSW. Here's how to take advantage of this scheme and buy with just 5% deposit.
The Complete First Home Buyer Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in 2026, from government grants to deposit strategies.
SMSF Property Investment: Is It Right for You in 2026?
Everything you need to know about buying property through your Self-Managed Super Fund, including the pros, cons, and key compliance requirements.
RBA Holds Rates Steady: What It Means for Home Buyers
The Reserve Bank has decided to hold the cash rate at 4.35%. Here's what this means for your mortgage and the property market.
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Self-Employed Home Loans: Income Policies and How to Get Approved in 2026
A comprehensive guide to how Australian lenders assess self-employed income in 2026. Covers income verification types, documentation by business structure, add-backs, declining income policies, low-doc options, and expert tips to maximise your borrowing capacity.
Home Loan Pre-Approval: Complete Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about getting pre-approved for a home loan in Australia in 2026, including documents required, how lenders assess your application, common mistakes, and expert tips to strengthen your chances.
Hills District vs Outer Sydney for First Home Buyers
Comparing the pros and cons of buying in established Hills District suburbs versus emerging growth areas in Sydney's outer rings.
How to Buy Your First Home with Just 5% Deposit in 2026
A complete guide to purchasing your first home with minimal deposit using government schemes and smart strategies available in 2026.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Explained: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about LMI - what it is, how much it costs, and strategies to avoid paying it.
How Sarah Saved $47,000 by Refinancing Her Home Loan
A real case study of how one homeowner reduced her interest rate and restructured her loan to save big.
Business Owners: How to Buy Your Premises Through SMSF
A step-by-step guide for business owners looking to purchase their commercial premises through their Self-Managed Super Fund and pay rent to themselves.
Offset Account vs Redraw: Which Is Better for You?
Understanding the difference between offset accounts and redraw facilities can save you thousands in interest.
Investment Property in 2026: Sydney vs Brisbane Compared
Analysing rental yields, capital growth prospects, and affordability in Australia's two hottest property markets.
Buying at Auction: Your Complete Finance Guide
Auctions require different financial preparation than private sales. Here is how to be auction-ready.
Australian Property Market Outlook for 2026 (Updated)
What experts predict for property prices, interest rates, and buyer demand after the February 2026 rate hike.
Guarantor Loans: A Guide for Parents Helping Their Children Buy
Thinking of helping your child buy their first home? Here is what guarantor loans involve and the risks to consider.
2025 Year in Review: What Happened in Property
A comprehensive look back at the Australian property market in 2025 - the rate cuts, price movements, and key trends.
Interest-Only Loans: When Do They Make Sense?
Interest-only loans can be a smart strategy for investors, but they are not for everyone. Here is the full picture.
Buying a Home Over Christmas: Pros, Cons, and Tips
Is the holiday season a good time to buy property? The surprising advantages and what to watch out for.
November 2025 Rate Cut: Fourth Cut This Year
The RBA cuts rates again to 3.35%. What this means for borrowers and the property market.
Regional Property Investment: Hidden Gems in 2026
Regional markets often offer better yields and growth potential than capital cities.
Self-Employed? Here's How to Get a Home Loan in 2025
Being self-employed doesn't mean you can't get a home loan. Learn what lenders look for and how to strengthen your application.
Investment Property Tax Changes You Need to Know in 2025
Recent changes to depreciation rules, negative gearing, and what property investors should be doing now.
Fixed vs Variable in 2025: Which Should You Choose?
With rates falling, is it time to fix or stick with variable? We analyse the numbers.
First Home Guarantee Expanded: 50,000 Places Now Available
The federal government has expanded the First Home Guarantee scheme. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.
The Fixed Rate Cliff: Should You Refinance Now?
Millions of Australians are rolling off ultra-low fixed rates. Here's what you need to do.
2024 First Home Buyer Schemes: Complete Guide
All the government grants and schemes available to first home buyers in 2024, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
5 Costly Refinancing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Refinancing can save you thousands, but only if you avoid these common pitfalls that catch many homeowners off guard.
Tax Benefits of Investment Property: What You Can Claim
Understanding the tax deductions available to property investors can significantly improve your investment returns.
How Lenders Calculate Your Borrowing Capacity
Ever wondered how banks decide how much you can borrow? Here's an inside look at the assessment process.
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