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Here we go again … The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate for a fourth time this year to 4.60%. Check out this week’s article to find out why they felt the need to pass on more borrowing pain to mortgage holders. Following hikes in February, March and May, this latest 0.25% increase now brings the cash rate to the highest level it’s been in 15 years – since October 2011. The RBA’s Monetary Policy Board said in a statement that since the previous RBA meet

The federal budget introduced major tax reforms for property investors, but it may still be possible to enjoy the potential tax benefits of negative gearing. Here’s how it could be done. The 2026 Federal Budget may have changed many of the rules for property investors. But a rental property can still be an attractive long-term investment. And yes, you may still be able to benefit from negative gearing. The key lies in the type of property you buy. That’s because different rul

In today’s easing market, it may be tempting to wait for property prices to fall further. But it’s a strategy that could see first home buyers left disappointed. We explain why. There is no shortage of media headlines touting big falls in home prices. But the reality may be less sensational. While some property values at the luxury end of the market could be seeing price falls of up to 10%, it’s a very different picture at the more affordable end of the market. We look at wha

Australia’s peak property season is underway, and spring 2026 is shaping up as a buyers’ market. Here’s what the experts say we can expect in the weeks ahead. Spring is traditionally the biggest selling period of the year for real estate. It’s a season that can see more homes come onto the market, with listings rising, on average, by 15-20% compared to winter, as sellers take advantage of gardens that are in full bloom. This year, spring is starting out on a different footing

Several of the big banks have pivoted on their rate outlook, and are now predicting rate hikes (rather than no change or a fall) this side of Christmas. It could be a cue for homeowners to plan rather than panic. After three back-to-back rate hikes earlier this year, homeowners have enjoyed a welcome break from further rate rises in recent months. But the reprieve may be short-lived. Three of Australia’s four biggest home loan lenders have sounded the alarm on possible rate h

Property transactions involve big bucks – and that makes them a big target for scammers. With large sums of money at stake, we reveal what to look out for, and how to protect yourself from property settlement scams. Mention ‘scams’ and it’s easy to think of dodgy investment schemes or fake online stores that take your money and never deliver the goods. But scammers are getting smarter, and this Scams Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the dangers of property settlement scams.

While rising prices were the talk of the town not so long ago, the tide has started to turn, with property values beginning to soften – but it’s not all bad news for home owners. While we’re far from a market collapse, it’s only natural for home owners to be concerned that their valuable asset could be worth slightly less than it was a few months ago. In fact, national home prices are now 1.8% lower than they were in March, led by falling values in Sydney and Melbourne. Howev

Great news! Homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the cash rate on hold in August. But just because the cash rate is sitting tight, doesn’t mean you have to. As many as 49 different lenders are now offering variable interest rates starting with a 5, up from 38 at the start of June, according to Canstar. That’s a powerful incentive to check the rate you’re currently paying. If your home loan rate isn’t in the very low 6s or b

So it turns out some mortgage offset accounts haven’t been working as intended, according to a recent investigation. Here’s how to check if your home loan offset account has actually been helping you save. Offset accounts are popular among Australian borrowers, with more than one-in-two (55%) home loans now having an offset. If that sounds like you, chances are you may be concerned about a recent investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) tha

Waiting for home prices to ‘bottom out’ before buying may seem like a smart strategy but it could work against you. Here are the risks of holding out and hoping for lower prices. It’s no secret that some of the heat is coming out of the property market. Home buyers are now under less pressure to make a rushed decision, and more homes are coming onto the market, giving buyers greater choice. But holding off and waiting for prices to reach a low point may be a high-risk strateg