A Beginner's Guide to Stamp Duty in Australia

Sep 25, 2024 3:54:31 PM

Stamp duty is one cost that catches people off guard when buying property in Australia. It’s a significant expense that needs to be factored into the budget early on. But what exactly is stamp duty, and how does it affect your property purchase? In this guide, we’ll answer some of the common questions around stamp duty, to make it easier for you to understand and to plan for this expense.


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Topics: First Home Buyer

What Bluey Taught Us About Real Estate & Kids

Sep 24, 2024 11:58:00 AM

From the out-of-this-world charm of ‘Sleepytime’ to Bingo's unexpected sightings of magic in the everyday, 'Bluey' is more than just a kids' show – it's a slice of life that resonates with adults, too.

Recently, an episode of Bluey called ‘Ghostbasket’ went viral as millions of fans across the globe wondered what it meant for the Heeler family Bandit, Chilli, Bluey and Bingo, the kid-friendly Australian cattle dogs as they embarked on their own real estate journey, in putting their home on the market ahead of making a move to a new location.


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Topics: Home and Lifestyle Tips

5 Money Saving Quotes to Keep You Motivated

Sep 24, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Saving money is a habit that can positively impact your financial future, yet it’s something so many of us struggle with. Finding motivation to stick to a savings goal isn’t easy but the key to financial success is consistency. Whether you’re building an emergency fund, saving for a big expense, or trying to manage your finances better, even small steps count! Here are 5 money saving quotes to keep you motivated on your money-saving journey.


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Topics: Home and Lifestyle Tips

5 Top Tips for First-Time Property Investors in Australia

Sep 23, 2024 4:59:55 PM

Australia's real estate market offers a wide variety of investment opportunities and the potential for strong returns. As a first-time property investor in Australia, making informed decisions about your investment is essential for a successful and profitable investment journey. To help you navigate the world of property investment for the first time, here are 5 top tips, from choosing the right property to managing your investment effectively.


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Topics: Investment Lending

Why Australians’ Borrowing Power May Soon Get a Boost

Sep 23, 2024 4:45:52 PM

As part of its focus on easing cost of living pressures, the Australian government has announced that all 13.6 million taxpayers in Australia will receive a tax cut on July 1 through the already legislated stage 3 tax cuts. In addition to this, households, small businesses and renters, amongst others, will benefit from a range of rebates aimed at easing cost of living pressures. While it’s good news for Australian taxpayers, tax cuts could also impact borrowing power, opening the doors for first home buyers and those looking to upgrade their home.


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Topics: First Home Buyer

Owning Property in a SMSF (Self-Managed Superannuation Fund)

Sep 23, 2024 4:44:00 PM

One of the reasons why SMSFs are the superannuation structure of choice for many Australians is the flexibility they provide to invest in assets not often available to members of larger APRA regulated funds, including industry and retail funds.
Larger super funds are certainly active in holding direct property assets however a member is unable to select a specific piece of real estate to hold within their account. This is where the SMSF comes into its own.


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Topics: Investment Lending

Navigating Retirement with Mortgage Debt

Sep 23, 2024 4:42:30 PM

As retirement age approaches, many Australian homeowners grapple with the daunting prospect of carrying mortgage debt into their golden years. Recent trends indicate a significant number of retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt, because of rising house prices, delayed entry into the property market, and other factors. Read on to find out more about what’s driving this trend, the impact it can have on homeowners, and potential solutions to alleviate the burden.


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Topics: Home and Lifestyle Tips

Repair Bad Credit and Improve Your Financial Position

Sep 23, 2024 4:42:09 PM

Bad credit can significantly impact your financial health, leading to higher interest rates on loans, difficulty securing credit, and even affecting your ability to get a mortgage. It happens when you miss repayments, default on loans, or make too many credit applications. Repairing bad credit is essential for gaining control of your finances and improving your financial position. Here are some actionable steps you can take to repair bad credit.


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Topics: First Home Buyer

Helping Homeowners Navigate Rising Insurance Premiums

Sep 23, 2024 4:37:45 PM

The Australian Insurance Industry has warned that insurance premiums will continue to rise as the frequency and severity of extreme weather events intensifies due to climate change. As one of the largest drivers of inflation, the sharp rise in home and car insurance premiums is a double whammy for homeowners already facing cost of living pressures. Despite these financial challenges however, it’s important not to underestimate the importance of maintaining sufficient insurance cover.


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Topics: Asset Lending

Buying Off the Plan - All You Need to Know

Sep 23, 2024 4:32:13 PM

Buying off the plan can be a savvy move for many Australian home buyers and investors, providing an affordable and flexible solution to buying property in Australia. As with any property investment however, there are pros and cons and it’s essential that home buyers understand what buying off the plan entails and what to expect. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the process, understand the benefits and pitfalls, and prepare you to make an informed decision about buying off the plan.


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Topics: First Home Buyer