If you haven’t looked into refinancing since the start of higher interest rates, it might be time to ask yourself ‘why not?’ New research shows it could be time to try again – especially if you want to start 2025 off on the right foot. A new report from Canstar shows more than one in five borrowers were able to negotiate a better interest rate from their lender this past year. One in ten successfully switched to a new lender in the last 12 months. Even so, fewer home loans have been refinanced this year compared to 2023. With rates looking like they might

As we head towards the end of 2024, let’s take a look at how property markets performed over the last year – and discover what the experts say may lie in store for home prices in 2025. 2024 has been a year of change, with property values and market conditions shifting across many of our state and territory capitals. In fact, the only constant has been the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate, which has held steady at 4.35% since November 2023. After a year that saw home values rise nationally by 5.5%, according to CoreLogic, it’s worth looking at what we

The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund a vacation property. It’s that time of year when we lock up our home, load up the car, and hit the highway to unwind with an all-too-brief sea or tree change. It can add up to a wonderful experience, and some holidaymakers will stretch the vacation buzz a lot further by

There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis? Fun fact: more than 3 million Aussies have a backyard swimming pool or spa. That’s about one-in-eight Australians, or as many as one-in-four in areas like the Gold Coast. This popularity isn’t surprising. Pools offer plenty of fun, with perks that go beyond staying cool in summer. A pool can help you stay

You’ve seen the perfect piece of land but you’re not quite ready to build. No problem – a land loan can be a handy finance solution. However, it can work a bit differently from a regular home loan. Here’s what you need to know. Not everyone wants to buy an established home or even a house and land package. Sometimes you just want to buy a vacant block, pay it down and give yourself a breather before paying for the cost of building a home. Or maybe you’ve seen an exceptional block listed for sale that ticks all the boxes

Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So it’s worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties. Even the most attractive homes can hide unwanted surprises, and it’s not always easy to spot a problem property. Arranging a pre-purchase pest and building inspection gets a professional on the case to possibly reveal any dodgy or deteriorating building work or hard-to-spot pest infestations. It can help you avoid unplanned repair bills and/or provide a red flag that you’re looking at a property