Property values have continued to rise in the first quarter of 2024, with strong growth reported across all major capital cities. Despite a pessimistic outlook by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the value of residential real estate increased to an estimated $10.4 trillion at the end of February (a new record high), while combined capital values are up 10.2% over last year’s figures. With the possibility of interest rate cuts looming, the market is gearing up for a strong year ahead.

If you’re a first home buyer ready to embark on your journey to home ownership, one important consideration is the size of your deposit. Not only does your deposit determine how much you could borrow, but it can also impact the interest rate and other fees you may be charged for your mortgage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through what you need to know about deposits, including how much you'll need, alternative options available, and some essential tips to help you secure your dream home.

As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it's important to take proactive steps to ensure you're making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, business owner, or investor, EOFY is when we wrap up the current financial year, complete bookkeeping tasks, lodge tax returns, and prepare for the new financial year. Set yourself up for financial success with these essential tax tips for end of financial year.

If you’re finding it tough to manage your mortgage repayments, you’re not alone. The rising cost of living, unexpected expenses and changes to income have left many Australians feeling similar financial pressure. But the good news is that help is available, and taking steps early on can make all the difference. Here’s a look at the options that may be available to you, if you’re experiencing financial hardship or are at risk of mortgage stress.

If the chaos of the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed. In recent years, we’ve seen income levels fluctuate, house prices soar, and the cost of living rise to record-new levels. These changes significantly impact how people manage their budget and mortgage repayments. Whether you’re looking to save money with a favourable interest rate, finance a renovation to improve value, or access equity for further investment, refinancing your home loan could be a smart move. Find out if refinancing is right for you by exploring the benefits in various scenarios.

Buying a home at auction can be an exciting experience, with the potential to secure a desirable property at a price you’re prepared to pay. Two important factors to consider before bidding at an auction are getting finance-ready and being insurance-ready. With Harcourts’ Blue Friday taking place on Friday, 13 September 2024, you’ll have a unique opportunity to secure your dream home at Australia’s biggest single day auction event. Here are our tips to help you prepare to buy a property at auction.

Winter in Australia can bring chilly weather, with parts of the country experiencing near-freezing temperatures. Turning up the heaters to stay warm can push up the power bills, and with the high cost of living that can really stretch the budget. Even though we're halfway through the season, there are still a few things you can do to improve your home's comfort and reduce your energy bills. Here are five ways to winter-proof your home and save on energy costs.

A home loan used to set you up for retirement, but now many Australians face working beyond retirement age or retiring with significant mortgage debt. As home buyers get older and rising house prices and living costs require bigger mortgages, "forever loans" are becoming more common. This shift in how Australians view mortgages requires new strategies like rent-vesting or buying with family or friends, while financially preparing for retirement is essential in this challenging landscape.

Australia’s borrowers have been given another reprieve, with the Reserve Bank of Australia leaving the cash rate on hold for a fifth consecutive board meeting in June 2024. With inflation remaining stubbornly high however, the RBA has retained the option of a further rate hike if needed. If you're considering refinancing your home loan, the process is simpler than you might think. Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in refinancing and how to know when it’s the right time to refinance.

Australia is consistently ranked as one of the most desirable countries for expatriates, and in a recent study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Australia took out the top spot for professionals seeking to relocate internationally. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, enjoy a high quality of life, or find a safe and stable environment, Australia has much to offer those seeking a new way of life. Here are the top reasons why expats keep flocking to Australia to set down roots all over the country.