Savings: The Foundation of Your First Home Deposit
Saving for your first home is not just about how much money you have. Lenders also look at how your deposit has been built over time. Understanding the difference between savings and genuine savings early can make the entire home buying process clearer and far less stressful.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Helped with Christmas But Will It Hurt Your Mortgage?
Used BNPL to get through Christmas? You’re not alone. But with new credit rules now in place, even small pay-later habits could affect your chances of getting a home loan. Here’s what’s changed, what lenders are looking at, and how to make sure your BNPL use doesn’t hold you back.
Regional Victoria: Why buying now stacks up
Regional Victoria’s property market has hit a sweet spot in 2025. Towns like Ballarat, Bendigo and the Surf Coast are seeing steady growth supported by real demand, thriving infrastructure and better buyer choice. With balanced conditions and lasting value on offer, it’s an ideal time to make your move locally.
The Block Daylesford: TV Hype vs. Market Reality
The Block’s Daylesford finale made headlines for all the wrong reasons, but beyond the TV drama, the regional outcome was far from a failure. With three homes selling over $3 million and millions injected into the local economy, the real winner wasn’t the contestants, it was the town.
Five tips to get your property ready for sale
Spring is peak selling season, with listings up 14.4% in August alone. Warmer weather, blooming gardens, and longer days bring buyers out in force. If you’re thinking of selling, small changes like freshening up your street appeal or boosting natural light can make a big impact on both speed and price.
50,000 new places in the Home Guarantee Scheme
From 1 July 2025, an extra 50,000 places are available in the Home Guarantee Scheme, helping eligible buyers purchase a home with a smaller deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance. The scheme has already supported over 160,000 Australians since 2020, with tailored guarantees for first-home buyers, regional buyers, and single parents.
How property markets are performing throughout Australia
Australia’s property market is maintaining steady momentum, with dwelling prices rising 1.7% in the first five months of 2025. Perth leads annual growth at 8.6%, followed by Adelaide and Brisbane. Nationwide, demand is outpacing supply, fuelled by interest rate cuts, strong migration, and renewed buyer confidence.
How much do you need for a home deposit?
Buying a property but don’t have the deposit in cash right away? There may be an alternative worth considering. In some situations, buyers can provide a guarantee instead of upfront funds. It’s a tool that can offer flexibility without compromising the seller’s confidence, but how does it actually work?
What are deposit bonds and how do they work?
Buying a property but don’t have the deposit in cash right away? There may be an alternative worth considering. In some situations, buyers can provide a guarantee instead of upfront funds. It’s a tool that can offer flexibility without compromising the seller’s confidence, but how does it actually work?
Understanding conditional loan approval
Thinking about buying a property? You’ve probably heard the term “conditional approval” thrown around but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from unconditional approval? Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident, better prepared, and avoid surprises as you move through the home loan process.
How to use equity to purchase property
Equity in your home can open doors to new financial opportunities, including property investment, renovations, or debt consolidation. It’s about understanding what you’ve built up—and how to use it wisely. With the right guidance, equity can help you move forward with confidence, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks.
What are low-doc loans and who are they for?
Low-doc loans offer a solution for self-employed borrowers who lack traditional financial documents like payslips or tax returns. Instead, lenders assess income using BAS, bank statements, or accountant declarations. While these loans provide flexibility, they often require higher deposits and carry stricter conditions, making them best suited for specific borrower situations.














