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]

Cheaper houses have lift-off as guarantee takes effect

14 January

The signature election housing policy of the federal government is worsening affordability for first time homebuyers, even as it gets more people into home ownership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned on widening eligibility to a five per...[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]

Where home prices could take off or crash land in 2026

14 January

History shows it’s a brave ploy to bet against the Australian property market. Yet a dramatic reversal in interest rate expectations means 2026 is looking a little softer for real estate. Opposing forces should see prices continue to break records...[Read More]

The Australian dream rewritten: How the next generation can still own a home

8 January

For generations, property ownership in Australia was the ultimate milestone. Finish school, get a job, buy a house, raise a family. It was more than a financial goal — it was part of our national identity. But today, that dream feels very...[Read More]

National home price hit a new record high in 2025

7 January

Entering the property market just got a bit harder after the national home price reached a record $880,000. The new high in December followed monthly growth of 0.1 per cent, and growth of 8.8 per cent over the year, the PropTrack report released on...[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]

Home approvals surge but affordability still an issue

7 January

Home approvals in Australia have surged to a three-and-a-half year high but construction challenges will continue to constrain progress on housing affordability. The number of dwellings approved for construction jumped 15.2 per cent to 18,406 in...[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]

New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills

31 December

When Australians wake up to a new year, changes to government payments and policies will impact the finances of millions of households. From Thursday, the maximum cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be slashed from $31.60 to...[Read More]

Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young

31 December

Is the wealth gap between old and young Australians becoming a gulf? Former federal Treasury secretary Ken Henry has declared young workers are being “robbed” by the tax system, while ex-Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas calls the intergenerational...[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]