Pulling down an older house and building new, or putting a duplex on a big block, is one of the most popular ways Shire families get the home they want without leaving the street they love. However, knockdown rebuild finance…
The negative gearing changes announced in the Federal Budget on 12 May 2026 start on 1 July 2027. They limit negative gearing on residential property to new builds, while properties investors already held on Budget night keep the current rules.…
With Shire house prices where they are, units and townhouses are often the first step into the area. Buying an apartment in the Sutherland Shire can be a smart move, but lenders look at apartments more closely than houses. The…
If you’ve used a few different borrowing power calculators, you may have noticed something confusing: different banks can tell you that you can borrow very different amounts of money. You might enter exactly the same income, expenses and debts into…
Please note: this article was published in August 2026 and updated on 1 October 2026 to reflect the Reserve Bank’s September rate rise and that the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes are now law. Interest rates and lender…
Each week, one of the most common questions I get is “Can I refinance if my home has gone up in value?” Short answer: yes, and it can be a smart move. Prices have softened in most capitals in 2026,…
Please note: this article was first published in June 2026 and updated on 1 October 2026 following the RBA’s September decision. Interest rates and lender policies may have changed since, so contact us for the latest information. After three cuts…
How much deposit do I need for a home loan? It is the first question most buyers ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the price, the lender, whether you qualify for a government scheme and whether…
Most borrowers know that offset and redraw facilities help reduce the interest on their home loan. Fewer know how differently they work, and how badly a mix-up can cost you come tax time. Here’s what you need to know. What…
Hearing the word “declined” from a lender can feel like a door slamming shut, especially when you’ve done everything right, saved your deposit, and genuinely believe you can comfortably service a loan. It stings. And if the bank has declined…