A combination of record low interest rates, Government incentives, and a general fear of missing out (FOMO) is driving continued interest in the Australian property market, this despite much of the country still being under lockdown restrictions. The real estate industry has been quick to adapt its processes in order to meet buyer demand during lockdown, with the overriding message being quite clear that it is still possible buy property at this time. Here’s more on this topic from two Harcourts’ real estate professionals, as well as input on financing in lockdown from two Mortgage Express brokers.

One question many of our mortgage brokers report hearing from clients right now is: “Can I get a home loan or refinance my mortgage during lockdown?” The answer is yes! Although lockdown orders and social distancing measures have created a number of challenges for lenders and home loan customers alike, most are adapting processes to fit the new regime. Read on for more on this as well as tips from some of our mortgage brokers on how to improve your application.

Australians are missing out on the full potential of refinancing. Results from a recent study into borrowers’ understanding of refinancing, and their reluctance to refinance, has revealed a number of startling results. And if you need a reminder about the value of refinancing, here’s a case study from mortgage broker, Alisha Scappin who recently helped her client save $65,000 by refinancing a home and investment property.

If past Olympic Games are anything to go by, hosting the 2032 Olympic Games will stimulate the host city’s economic recovery and create thousands of jobs for locals. What’s more, off the back of major infrastructure being planned ahead of the games, economists are predicting a significant rise in house values across Queensland’s south-east corridor, with a number of property hot spots already being identified.

For many Australians, the key to a comfortable retirement lies in being mortgage-free. Yet many homeowners struggle to pay back their mortgage ahead of retirement, while some even end up with a bigger loan than when they started. If you’re working towards being mortgage-free, there are a few strategies that can help you get there. In this guide, we outline 3 steps to being mortgage-free.

Mortgage stress. That’s the term used to describe the financial stress felt by those homeowners who devote more than 30 per cent of their income to paying a mortgage. Those dealing with mortgage stress may be struggling financially, finding it-increasingly harder to make ends meet, living from pay check to pay check. If you’re facing a similar situation, here’s a useful guide to recognizing mortgage stress, and some ways to help you tackle it.

Tens of millions of Australians are currently affected by the extended lockdown restrictions in New South Wales and Victoria, many of whom will be unable to work or earn an income during lockdown. Along with a host of Government support packages targeting those businesses impacted by a loss of earnings, lenders are stepping up to assist their customers affected by tightened lockdown restrictions. Read on to find out what support may be available to you.

As Australia continues to deal with a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the country, Government has announced an increase in the COVID-19 Disaster Payments for those affected by Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspots. For those outside the declared hotspots, who may still be affected by lockdown restrictions, states and territories are also providing financial assistance. Here’s a brief synopsis of the support you may be entitled to.

On 28 July 2021, federal government, in conjunction with NSW and Victoria state governments, announced that it would be extending new support packages to businesses impacted by extended lockdowns. And more recently, South Australia and Queensland state governments have also offered support. If your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, read on to find a brief snapshot of the financial assistance or other types of relief you may be eligible for.

Buying a car isn’t like buying an item of clothing! You can’t return it if you don’t like it. And unless there’s an actual fault, the seller has no obligation to refund you or to accept any liability if you’ve simply changed your mind. Because the car buying process is fraught with opportunity to make bad decisions and even lose money, it helps to know in advance what pitfalls you may face. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when buying a car.