While Government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant has already been snapped up by many Australians planning a new home build or a substantial home renovation, first home buyers looking to use Homebuilder to enter the property market, have been left feeling frustrated at not being able to factor the grant into their loan application. If you’re in a similar situation, we have some tips on what to do.

Despite the ongoing global pandemic issues and the resulting economic concerns, interestingly there have been a growing number of enquiries into and then sales of vacant land around the country. Surprisingly, a large proportion of these are from first home buyers, keen to take advantage of Government’s HomeBuilder stimulus package. If you’re looking to enter the property market, now may be the perfect time.

In these uncertain times, it’s not surprising so many Australians are being tempted by debt management firms promising a quick-fix solution, an end to crippling debt, and a way out of potential bankruptcy. Unfortunately, many of these businesses operate with little to no financial experience and no regulatory oversight, and their solutions can leave many people worse off in the long term. If you’re considering seeking a financial solution to your spiralling debt situation, it’s vital you heed this warning.

Earlier this year, the Australian Government launched the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, a loan scheme aimed at helping small to medium businesses with a Government-backed guarantee of 50 per cent of new unsecured loans up to three years, with an initial six month repayment holiday. Now Government is extending the loan scheme to “help businesses move out of hibernation”, with a few enhancements to the scheme. Find out what these are right here.

Having a home loan pre-approval in place before you go house hunting puts you in the best position to buy a property. Not only are you signaling to sellers that you’re ready to move with pre-approved finance to show you’re serious, a pre-approval can significantly improve your bargaining power too and is essential if you want to bid on a property at auction. Not sure where to start? Here are 4 steps to securing pre-approval.

While the thought of retirement might be exciting, for many it’s also fraught with some concerns, particularly around affordability. The days of relying on your “super” or the Government old-age pension are no longer the norm, which is why having a retirement plan in place is a non-negotiable. Investing in property could be the kickstart your retirement plan needs to supplement you in leaner times. But before you jump in, take a look at the pros and cons of property investment.

To boost new construction projects in the wake of COVID-19, the Federal Government will give eligible Australian homeowners a $25,000 grant to go towards a new home build or a substantial renovation of an existing home. The scheme is aimed at incentivising homeowners to invest in their properties while also providing much needed demand for the construction sector. Read on to find out if you are eligible for the grant.

If you missed out on the initial release of the Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, there is help at hand. Government has announced a further 10,000 spaces under the scheme will be made available for first home buyers from 1 July 2020 but warns that these are likely to fill up fast. Read on to find out how this scheme could help you into your first home.

The Australian Government’s Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme is set to help small and medium sized businesses impacted by COVID-19 with new initiatives and investment. The Government will be guaranteeing 50 per cent of new unsecured loans up to $250,000 . What’s more, with non-bank lenders like Prospa on board, business owners could have access to lending much faster.

For many Australian homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19, pushing pause on mortgage repayments has been a helpful option. For others, extending their loan term or reducing repayments has provided some much-needed financial and personal relief. But as we start to see an improvement in the current situation – and some definite “light at the end of the tunnel” – now is a great time to reassess your financial situation and put in place some plans to get back on track financially.