For homeowners in Australia, now might be the perfect time to consider growing a property portfolio. Property values are on the rise and an undersupply of housing is driving up rental prices. Using the equity in an existing property could help you secure a viable investment. But before diving in, it’s essential to understand what equity is, how to build it, and how to use it wisely. Here are our top tips for using your home’s equity to build a property portfolio in Australia.

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.

If you’ve paid off part of your mortgage or made improvements to your home that have increased its value, you may have equity that could be used to buy an investment property. Equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you owe on your mortgage, and some lenders will allow you to tap into your home’s equity to use as collateral for a new loan. Done well, this type of property investment can yield excellent results, but it’s important you understand the risks too.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Australia’s borders have remained closed to foreign arrivals. As a result, the country has experienced its first negative population growth in over a century, a factor that directly impacts both the economy and the housing market. With borders pegged to re-open in mid-2022, experts are predicting more demand for property from migrants and foreigners seeking their own Australian dream. Here’s what foreign buyers need to know about buying property in Australia.

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.

With Financial Year End just around the corner, it’s a good time to start preparing for tax time. If you worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some tax deductible expenses you may be able to claim. Tax concessions for small businesses have also changed so it’s important you understand these. Here are 5 handy tips to help you prepare for tax time.

When you buy a luxury home, you’re buying more than just a property: you’re investing in a complete lifestyle. Luxury homes are fast becoming the next best thing to gold these days. Given the fact that they’re always in demand, it’s not surprising really that so many buyers are reaping the rewards of better returns in the long term. Take a look at some of the properties featured in Harcourts' Luxury Property Selection. Which one would you pick?

The Queensland Government has announced changes to Queensland rental legislation. Under the proposed reform, landlord’s lose the right to refuse pets, tenants can modify rental properties without landlord’s consent, rental properties will need to meet prescribed standards, and landlords will lose their right to end a lease. Take a look at how these changes could impact you as the owner of a rental property.

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Do you have your own ABN? If you answered yes to both, you may want to consider applying for a chattel mortgage. A chattel mortgage is a common way Australian businesses finance cars and there are significant financial benefits to financing your car using a chattel mortgage. Read on to find out if this finance option is right for you.

Access to funding is critical for many small businesses. Unfortunately, traditional lenders don’t typically lend to businesses that don’t have an extensive trading history. Which is why many businesses resort to using their personal mortgage, a personal loan or credit card to fund their business, believing this is a viable and cost-effective alternative. Here’s why we think it’s vital to separate personal and business finance.