Property

Doubling housing supply incentive could help renters

20 March

Renters could save $90 a week if Australia meets its housing targets but more incentives are needed to address shortfalls. The federal government has vowed to build 1.2 million well-located homes by 2029, but is expected to fall short by 462,000...[Read More]

Home owners reap windfall as buyers warned on new units

19 March

Holding onto a house for ten years is a good way to make a buck, but an apartment off the plan could leave sellers out of pocket. Home owners cashing in made a record median profit of $306,000 in the final three months of 2024, CoreLogic data...[Read More]

First-home buyers need more than a rate cut, banks say

20 March

First-home buyers are still struggling to get into the market despite a surge in property interest after recent rate cuts. The Reserve Bank in February announced a 25 basis point cut in the official cash rate – the first reduction in more than...[Read More]

10 ways to reduce your household energy use

20 March

As a homeowner, you’re likely aware of the increasing costs associated with household energy consumption. This is why cutting down on energy use can mean big savings. In addition to the financial benefits, reducing electricity use can help to...[Read More]

Financial security: four essential steps to protect your future

13 March

Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly.  Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]

Consumer confidence surges on back of interest rate cut

13 March

The Reserve Bank’s first rate cut since 2020 has delivered a welcome boost to the economic outlook, but Australian consumers are still more pessimistic than optimistic. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer confidence survey posted a strong...[Read More]

Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment

6 March

Relief for mortgage holders may have created pain for aspiring home owners after house prices surged to record highs following an interest rate cut. Though national prices experienced a small dip in recent months, they increased by 0.4 per cent in...[Read More]

RBA deputy denies rate cut contradicted own forecasts

6 March

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s deputy governor has defended the board’s decision to cut interest rates despite its own staff warning inflation would stay higher in the long term. In its February Statement on Monetary Policy, RBA economists...[Read More]

Revelations in minutes of interest rate drought breaker

6 March

If people want to know what’s in store for interest rates, there are two places they should look. Minutes from the Reserve Bank’s February board meeting show members highlighting the importance of inflation and wages data to its decision to cut...[Read More]

‘Short window’ as property prices rebound on rate cut

5 March

Australia’s short-lived housing price downturn appears to be over as a modest interest rate cut fuels expectations for those seeking to get on or move up the property ladder. Property values rose 0.3 per cent across the country in February,...[Read More]

Dodgy builder ‘nightmares’ spark protections shake-up

5 March

Home owners will soon be able to make an immediate insurance claim on shoddy construction without builders collapsing or disappearing. Victoria’s oft-maligned domestic building insurance scheme is set to be overhauled under legislation to...[Read More]

Renting a property to live in: key considerations and questions for your landlord

27 February

Renting a property is a significant decision that can impact your lifestyle, financial situation, and overall comfort.  Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, relocating for work, or downsizing, understanding the rental process and...[Read More]

Australia must build out of crisis amid shocking data

26 February

Australia must “build its way” out of the nation’s housing crisis as a new report urges red tape to be slashed to boost productivity in the industry. The nation’s supply of new housing has been restricted for three decades due to falling...[Read More]

‘Snakes and ladders’: townhouse boost under new rules

26 February

Neighbours in one state will lose the right to appeal townhouse developments up to three storeys, in a push to get more young people into Australia’s tight housing market. Continuing her housing announcement blitz, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan...[Read More]

Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss

26 February

Australia is leading the solar race worldwide thanks to widespread adoption of rooftop panels but the asset could present a serious challenge to the national grid in the short-term, a leading energy regulator has warned. Australian Energy Market...[Read More]