Australian borrowers have received another reprieve with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today cutting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. How much could this decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? This is the second cash rate cut in 2025, as the RBA attempts to ease cost-of-living pressures on Australian families. RBA Governor Michele Bullock said in a statement  that the Board was satisfied that the risks to inflation had recently become more balanced. “With inflation expected to remain around target, the Board therefore judged that an easing in monetary policy at this meeting was appropriate,” Governor Bullock said. How much might your mortgage repayments now decrease? Unless you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, hopefully your bank will soon follow the RBA’s lead and decrease the interest rate on your variable home loan. For an owner-occupier with a 25-year loan of $500,000 paying principal and interest, this month’s 25 basis point rate cut means your monthly repayments could decrease by about $77 a month. That would put $924 a year back into your household budget. If you have a $750,000 loan, your monthly repayments will likely decrease by about $115 a month – or $1380 per year. Meanwhile, a $1 million loan could decrease by about $154 a month – or $1848 a year. This all assumes that your lender automatically passes on the full 25 basis point cut to your home loan. Another thing to consider is that not all lenders automatically reduce variable home loan repayment amounts in line with rate cuts. Some lenders simply maintain your repayment amount at the old level. It’s just that more of your money goes towards paying off the principal (rather than the interest) each month. But you can ask them to reduce your repayments in line with their cuts. To find out what your lender is doing with your loan, get in touch with us in a few days once the dust has settled. Feeling the strain of your mortgage? Let’s talk Even with this latest rate cut, many Australian households are still grappling with living costs and interest rates that are higher than when they first took out their home loan. If it’s been a while since your last home loan review, now could be a good time to check in. You might be able to improve your situation – and we’re here to help you explore your options. This could include renegotiating with your current lender, refinancing to another lender, or debt consolidation. Every household is unique, and we’re committed to helping you find a solution that fits your needs. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

It’s a common belief that real estate values double every decade. But is this true? New research reveals how much home values have increased over the past ten years. It’s no surprise that something as big as Australia’s $11 trillion housing market has generated its fair share of myths and misconceptions. Chances are you’ve come across a few yourself – maybe along the lines of ‘great houses sell themselves’, ‘the listing price is non-negotiable’, or ‘you need a 20% deposit to buy a home’. One comment we often hear wheeled out at social gatherings is that property prices double every 10 years. But how accurate is this? Here’s the latest research. How has the property market performed recently? Looking back over the past year, home values have climbed 3.2% nationally to $825,000 , adding about $25,000 in value to the average Aussie home. Stretching the lens out further, CoreLogic says that in the past five years, property prices have increased 39.1%  – an upswing that’s added around $230,000 to Australia’s median home value. So do values double every 10 years? It turns out that over the decade to April 2025, home values have, broadly speaking, fallen short of doubling. Data from CoreLogic shows that on a national basis, property prices have climbed 67.3% in the past 10 years  (certainly nothing to sneeze at, though!). Here are the gains each capital city has made over the past decade: – Adelaide: 93.6% (the capital city closest to doubling) – Brisbane: 91.2% – Hobart: 86.4% – Sydney: 61.6% – Canberra: 60.7% – Perth: 55.6% – Melbourne: 43.8% Only one city – Darwin – saw a decline in values (-0.5%) over the past 10 years. Bear in mind that in some cities with average higher property prices, such as Sydney and Melbourne, some home owners may have pocketed bigger gains in dollar terms as a result of price rises over time, despite the smaller percentage gains. Time to dispel another myth The same CoreLogic data seemingly busts another myth – the one about home values across our major cities being more likely to notch up bigger gains than regional properties. Since 2015, home prices have come closest to doubling in country New South Wales (up 97.5%), regional Tasmania (96.1% higher) and regional Queensland (up 91.5%). All told, property prices across the nation’s combined regional markets are 87.5% higher than they were 10 years ago, compared to 61.7% gains across our combined capital cities. Once again, though, keep in mind that capital city properties ($905,000 median value) are often worth more than regional properties ($673,000 median value), and therefore could realise higher gains in dollar terms, despite smaller percentage gains. The bottom line Generalisations may make for great barbecue conversations. But when it comes to major financial commitments such as buying a home, it pays to stick to the facts. Many locations and individual properties haven’t – and quite possibly never will – double in value every ten years. That doesn’t mean that your home won’t enjoy significant gains in value over time. Add in a home loan that’s right for your needs, and home ownership can make a valuable difference to your personal wealth. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

The votes have been cast and it’s clear Labor will hold the reins of federal government for another 3-year term. We look at what this may mean for first home buyers and current home owners. As the election dust settles, it’s time to get back to business as usual. But there could be a few changes on the horizon depending on whether you’re planning to buy a first home or you’re already a home owner. But first, where is the property market currently at? As we approach the mid-point of 2025, the property market is still notching up gains . Home values nationally rose 0.3% in April, taking Australia’s median home price to a new record high of $825,349. For that amount, mustering up a 20% deposit calls for savings of around $165,000. But you may be able to buy with less under a number of Labor election promises and initiatives. 5% deposit scheme to be expanded The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) already offers an opportunity for eligible first home buyers to get into the market with just a 5% deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance. From January 2026 the scheme will be expanded. Every first home buyer  will be eligible to purchase a home under the HGS, with income caps for applicants to be scrapped, property price limits to be increased, and the removal of caps on the number of people who can apply for the scheme each year. Increased supply of new homes just for first home buyers CoreLogic points out that first home buyer incentives often do very little to improve housing affordability . In fact, they can push up property prices by boosting demand. A potential long-term fix is to build more houses. Labor has promised to help ease pressure on demand by investing $10 billion in building up to 100,000 homes reserved exclusively for first home buyers . The Grattan Institute crunched the numbers, finding that if all 100,000 homes are built, house prices could soften by up to 2.5% , potentially offsetting any possible price increases from the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. Help to Buy shared equity scheme The Albanese government has pledged to go ahead with its Help to Buy scheme for first home buyers. The idea is that the federal government will chip in as much as 40%  of the cost of a first home while buyers need as little as a 2% deposit. Help to Buy has been a slow burn, having been part of Labor’s 2022 election platform . The delay in its rollout is partly due to each state and territory government  needing to pass its own legislation to make Help to Buy a reality. It’s a case of ‘watch this space’ to know when the scheme will finally get off the ground in your state or territory. Current home owners can soon access cheaper batteries One in three Australian households now have solar, but only one in forty households have a battery. That could soon change, with current homeowners being able to access the Cheaper Home Batteries Program  from 1 July 2025. It’s hoped that the subsidy program will push down the cost of buying and installing a household solar battery by 30% – or about $4000 per battery – and help households reduce reliance on the grid. The government estimates that homes with existing rooftop solar could save up to $1,100 on their annual power bill. Talk to us to know how you could benefit With a range of schemes and benefits up for grabs, it can be tricky to work out what you may or may not be eligible for. From buying a first home, to making your current home more eco-friendly, we can guide you through the funding solutions to help you achieve your property goals. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

There’s a common misconception around offset account home loans that making loan repayments more frequently helps to pay off the balance much sooner. We bust that myth and reveal the real secret to harnessing the power of your offset account. You may have heard that making repayments more frequently , say weekly instead of monthly, helps pay down a loan sooner. That can be the case with a standard home loan. But if you have an offset account home loan, the secret to paying off your loan sooner is maximising the balance of the linked offset account. Let’s look at how this works. Paying weekly or fortnightly versus monthly A common hack to save on home loan interest is to pay half your monthly loan repayment each fortnight . Or a quarter of your monthly repayment each week. The idea is that by paying that respective amount weekly or fortnightly, you’ll make the equivalent of an extra month’s repayment each year. It’s a simple strategy, and the hope is that you don’t really notice the extra cash being funnelled towards your home loan. However, if you have an offset home loan, the frequency of repayments is less important. What really matters is having as much spare cash as possible sitting in the linked offset account – or accounts. How to harness the power of your offset account An offset account is an everyday account linked to your home loan. For the purpose of monthly interest calculations, every dollar in the offset account is deducted from the balance of your loan – usually calculated on a daily basis. So if you have $20,000 in the offset account and a home loan of $500,000, you only pay interest on $480,000 ($500,000 less $20,000). It makes an offset account a powerful tool to reduce the loan interest you pay each month. Better still, as your loan repayments stay the same every month, a greater proportion of your repayment goes towards paying down the loan balance (principle), rather than interest. This further reduces each monthly interest charge. In this way, your offset account can help you fast-track your way to mortgage freedom. Making the most of an offset account The golden rule to maximising the interest savings of an offset account is to keep as much money in your offset as possible . And some home loans even let you have multiple offset accounts. Every day that your money is sitting in an offset account is another day you pay less interest on your home loan. If you can tick this box, you’ll be using an offset account effectively, and the frequency of your home loan repayments won’t really matter. Want to know more about offset account home loans? Offset account home loans can come in different shapes and sizes. Some only allow you to link one offset account, with others you can link many accounts, and you may also be able to attach a debit card to your offset account/s. If you’d like help figuring out what offset loan might be a good fit for you, get in touch today. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Tariff-triggered cuts to interest rates could be just around the corner, with Australian borrowers the likely winners if they come to fruition. US trade policies have hit media headlines this month following Donald Trump’s controversial tariff announcements on 2 April. The flow of tariff announcements coming out of the US has rattled share markets globally, driven by uncertainty plus fears of an economic slowdown in the US . However, there may be a silver lining to the tariff cloud for Australian home owners. All four of Australia’s major banks are predicting solid cuts to interest rates – and they could come sooner rather than later. Here’s what the big banks are saying could happen. The cash rate could fall to 3.35% NAB believes the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is likely to act quickly, with a 0.5% rate cut in May , followed by 0.25% cuts in July, August, November and even February 2026. Over at ANZ, the forecast is for the RBA to cut the cash rate by 0.25% in May , followed by 0.25% cuts at its July and August meetings. That could see the cash rate drop to 3.35% by August, down from 4.1% at present. Meanwhile, the experts at Westpac expect three more 0.25% rate cuts  this year. And the CommBank view is that the RBA will likely cut rates by 0.75% in total  by year’s end, adding that “ a rate cut in May is a done deal ” depending on inflation figures. No guarantees Given the fast-moving tariff situation, it’s no surprise all four big banks have highlighted that their rate forecasts are not set in stone. And of course, it’s the RBA that calls the shots on the cash rate. On that front, the RBA isn’t giving much away. In its latest (April 15) Board meeting, the RBA kept rates on hold, saying it wanted to wait and see how US trade policies could impact the Aussie economy, job market and its arch-enemy – inflation. We won’t know how inflation is tracking until 30 April when the latest figures come out  – about a fortnight before the RBA meets again on 19-20 May. Long story short, it’s a case of ‘watch this space’ – for a few weeks at least. Building costs could rise A downside of US tariffs is a possible impact on new home building costs. If Australia ends up facing higher prices for materials used in construction, we could see price increases for new home builds and renovations . So it’s worth speaking to us about your borrowing power if you’re planning a big construction project in the near future. Could you make a rate cut of your own? If the major banks are right, we could see rates start to fall as soon as next month. But home owners may be able to enjoy a rate cut of their own even earlier. Plenty of lenders are offering home loan rates that start with a 5 . That provides lots of potential for you to save by switching to a new loan. It could also be an opportunity to enjoy improved loan features. Contact us today to see how your home loan shapes up. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Did you know that the average home owner saw their property’s value rise $46,000 per year over the past five years? Today we’ll look at ways you could put that recent increase in equity to further use. The five years since 2020 have seen plenty of action. From the pandemic (let’s not go there again), through to a change in government, and some notably wild weather events around the country, there’s been no shortage of highs and lows. Chances are, you’ve seen a few changes of your own. Maybe a new career or the arrival of a new family member. Through it all, your home’s value has likely been steadily rising in the background. Gains of 39% in five years The latest data from CoreLogic shows home values nationally have surged 39.1% over the past five years  to a median value of $820,331 . Translated to hard coin, that means an extra $230,000 has been added to the median home value. But here’s the thing. While a 39% gain is impressive, it’s actually pretty modest compared to the percentage gains of earlier periods. In Sydney, for instance, home prices grew 78% in the years between 1998 and 2003. In Melbourne, home values jumped 79.5% in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra experienced their largest five-year gains through the mid-2000s, with values across these markets roughly doubling over the period. What’s different this time around is that home values are higher than in the past. That means while the latest increase has been “mild in percentage terms”, according to CoreLogic, the $230,000 average dollar value of current price gains “far outperforms historic peaks”. For example, by comparison, the dollar rise seen over the five-year 80% national increase to December 2003 was roughly $90,000 less, at $140,000. Putting equity to work An increase in your home’s value can be worth more than bragging rights at your next BBQ. It could be that you have considerable home equity. That’s the difference between your home’s market value and the balance remaining on your home loan. Home equity is more than just a number. It can also be a valuable resource. It may be possible, for example, to put home equity to work to achieve personal goals – anything from completing renovations, buying an investment property, refinancing to a lower interest rate, or just taking a well-deserved family holiday. To find out how to tap into your property’s equity, get in touch with us today and we’ll run you through the numbers. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

The RBA may have swiped left on an April rate cut, but plenty of home owners are taking matters into their own hands by refinancing to save on interest with a lower rate. There’s nothing like a rate cut to put a spring in home owners’ steps. February’s 0.25% rate cut , for instance, saw consumer sentiment jump to a three-year high . But with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping rates on hold in April, and no chance of another cash rate cut until 20 May, many home owners are taking a do-it-yourself approach and cutting their home loan rate by switching to a new loan or lender. A Canstar survey  found more than one in two (55%) variable rate borrowers are considering refinancing, while one in seven (14%) have already made the move over the last 12 months. The potential to pay a rate starting with a ‘5’ When did you last review your home loan? According to Finder, variable and fixed mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since early 2023 , and loans with rates below 6% are “flooding the market”. More than 30 lenders are offering at least one variable rate under 5.75%, according to Canstar . Despite this, the average owner-occupier variable rate is still sitting at about 6.44% ( Mozo stats ). That suggests to us that there are plenty of borrowers who could be paying more interest than necessary each month. Fixed rates are also heading south It’s not just variable rates that are falling. Mozo reports a whopping 39 lenders cut some or all  their fixed options in March. And you don’t have to lock in for a long period; a number of one-year fixed rates are also competitive at present. Question is, how much can you really save by refinancing? The potential to save over $12,000 in just 2 years Canstar crunched the numbers  and found that a complacent borrower who hasn’t refinanced in a while could be on a variable interest rate of about 6.86% at present. However, let’s say that same borrower refinanced a $600,000 loan down to an interest rate of 5.74% – that could potentially save them more than $12,000 in interest over the next two years. Even if your current rate is at 6.06%, Canstar says refinancing to 5.74% could still see you save almost $3,000 in interest over the next two years. Of course, exactly how much you could save by refinancing depends on the rate you’re currently paying. That makes it worth giving us a call – we can put you in the know with figures tailored to your situation. Why wait for an official rate cut? We could all do with lower home loan repayments. And with no guarantees that the RBA will cut rates further any time soon, it might be worth taking a look to see if you could save by switching. Remember too, that refinancing isn’t just about trying to pay a lower interest rate. It can also be an opportunity to tap into new loan features, or access home equity to achieve personal goals such as buying an investment property or renovating your home. So if you haven’t refinanced in a while, give us a call today and we’ll walk you through your options. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

‘Close to public transport’ is often touted as a plus for home buyers. But new research shows just how much close proximity to a busy road, railway or flight path can impact property values. Location, location, location. When you’re hunting for a new home, most people are on the lookout for an abode that’s close to public transport and other convenient transport infrastructure. But how close is too close? And can an increase in transport noise result in a decrease in property value? New research by PropTrack and Ambient Maps  suggests so. How much can traffic noise impact property prices? The study analysed noise pollution across Victoria from busy roads, railways and air traffic. Then it measured those findings against nearby property sale prices over a five-month period. Here’s how the findings stacked up for every 10 decibel (dBA) increase in noise: Roads:  an average decrease in property value of 6% was seen for every 10 dBA increase in road noise. Rail:  an average decrease of 4% was seen for every 10 dBA increase in rail noise (even after accounting for the benefits of the convenience of living near a train line). Aircraft:  an average decrease of 6-9% for every 10 dBA increase in aircraft noise. Given that properties outside the flight path can experience noise levels that are 20 dBA less than those within the flight path, the difference in property value may be significant. By way of example, a 5% decrease on a $1 million property is about $50,000. What does a difference of 10 dBA sound like? Included in the study  on page 8 is a neat little graphic that illustrates the differences between a 45 dBA home, all the way up to a 75 dBA home. We’ll do our best to describe it to you below if you can’t click the link above: 45 dBA home:  Located in a quiet cul-de-sac with no through traffic and no public transport nearby. 55 dBA home:  A home in a two-way suburban street with minimal traffic passing by. 65 dBA home:  Located on a main road with four lanes of traffic and public transport such as a bus or tram regularly passing by. 75 dBA home:  Located on a six-lane arterial road, with trucks, buses and plenty of cars travelling along it. The silver lining of it all Sure, owning a property close to a busy road, train station or flight path could impact your home’s long-term investment value. But it can also allow you to break into the property market in a home that’s a great fit for your family sooner. There are also lots of ways you may be able to help soundproof your home, such as double glazing, sealing gaps, solid core doors, soundproof curtains, insulation and even soundproof panelling. The main thing to be aware of when you’re buying a home: don’t let the “location, location, location” sales pitch twist your arm into overpaying – especially if noise becomes a factor. So if you’re currently in the market to buy, get in touch with us today and we’ll assess your borrowing power to help give you a better idea of what you can afford. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips to enjoy a memorable getaway – at home. Fun fact: 2025 sees the Easter public holidays fall in the same week as Anzac Day. That means that from Good Friday on 18 April through to the Anzac Day weekend starting Friday 25, you could score a 10-day break and only use three days of annual leave. This meshing of Easter and Anzac Day has only happened 17 times in the last century  and just five times this millennium. Why waste the opportunity? Time to start booking leave. Don’t have the cash for an expensive holiday? No problem. If your budget is tight, or pet obligations keep you at home, check out our top tips for an exciting staycation at home. 1. Prepare your home in advance Prepare your home as if a special guest was arriving, only the special guest is you! Give the place a thorough clean, stock the bathroom with clean towels, have fresh sheets on the bed. Tuck away anything that will break the holiday spell – from the lawn mower to paperwork for bills. Sure, it’s not the “fun” part of the holiday. But it will make the next 10 days feel a little less cluttered and give you more space to stretch out, kick back and relax. 2. Stock the fridge or whip up a feast Great food is always part of a great holiday. And a staycation is no exception. Indulge yourself by stocking the fridge with the food and drinks you would normally reserve for special occasions – artisan cheeses, special cuts from the butcher or that $10 sourdough you’ve always wanted to try. Alternatively, dust off the kitchen apron and try your hand at a dish or two you’ve always wanted to cook, but never had the time to do so. One cheap and easy win is breakfast crepes  – they only cost a few dollars to make and the whole family can have fun trying to flip them. 3. Explore (and support) your local neighbourhood Chances are your local area has plenty of hidden gems you’ve never had time to try out. Here’s your chance to explore them. Check out that new café, head off on a bike ride you haven’t experienced before, or take the yoga class you’ve never got around to. The main point is to leave the normal routine behind. Unwind and let yourself meander around locally at your own leisurely pace. 4. Go backyard camping Who needs an expensive caravan? There’s something about camping that kids love – from pitching tents to cosying up in a sleeping bag. Use your staycation to set up a family backyard sleep out – complete with a contained mini firepit (that you can buy from Bunnings) to roast some marshmallows while teaching the kids about the star constellations. If your home is an apartment, create an awesome indoor camp-out by gathering up sheets and pillows to build a snug blanket fort. Turn off the lights, flick on the torches, and bring the outdoors inside with picnic dinner on a blanket on the floor. 5. Be a tourist in your own city Ever noticed that overseas tourists often experience all the sights that locals don’t have time to? A staycation is a great opportunity to tick through the tourist bucket list and see what overseas visitors rave about. Head to museums, galleries and cathedrals (many offer free or low-cost entry) and soak in whatever your state capital has to offer. A quick Google search of “What’s on in [your neighbourhood]” should also give you plenty more inspiration. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir – maybe a fridge magnet or mug, as a memento of the special time you got to know your city a little better. Relish everything your home has to offer In the day-to-day rush of our lives, it can be easy to overlook that our home is our personal sanctuary. A place to enjoy downtime, relax and unwind. Make the most of your home through the upcoming mega-holiday, and you could make amazing memories while not forking out the type of money you’d have to for a trip away from home. Talk to us today for more ideas on making the most of your home – and home loan. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills. It’s almost time to pack away the boardies, swap sarongs for sweaters and cross from cricket to footy. As we prepare for the cold to creep in, it may also be time to show your home some love. A few budget-friendly improvements can make your home a haven of winter warmth, with the added plus of keeping heating bills down. Here are three low cost renovation ideas to get you started. 1. Keep the cold out and the warm in Fun fact: as much as 25% of winter heat loss  can come from draughts (officially known as ‘air leakage’). A simple but effective home renovation project is to find and fix gaps that are letting in cold air. Energy Australia suggests  installing door seals, and using a waterproof filler called ‘caulking’ to seal windows and around skirting boards. 2. Rethink home heating Once your home is draught-proofed, it’s time to rethink home heating. This can make a big difference to your hip pocket, because heating (and cooling) are the biggest energy guzzlers in Aussie homes , accounting for a whopping 40% of energy use. So, if you’re planning to wheel out the trusty electric bar heater that has served you well for many years, it could be time to think again. It turns out that reverse cycle air-conditioners are the most energy-efficient heater (and cooler)  of all types, irrespective of fuel source. Even an air con unit with a low efficiency rating (for example, 2 to 3 energy stars) can be significantly cheaper to run than other heating appliances. 3. Insulate Wearing layers of clothing keeps us warm in winter. Yet we often leave our homes to shiver through the cold. Adding insulation is the equivalent of wrapping your home in a warm woolly onesie. Except that it also helps your place stay cool in summer. What’s not to love? Consumer group CHOICE says  as much as one-third of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof. So, if your budget is tight, insulating your roof cavity is a great first step. If your budget extends further, or if you are building a new home, installing floor, wall and ceiling insulation can save hundreds of dollars on energy costs each year. How to help manage the cost Of course, it’s not too difficult to plan for small home improvements that can make your home more comfy in winter. However, the reality may be that you need to foot the bill for a reno that’s a bit more substantial. The good news is that your current home loan may provide a potential source of finance. Or, we can explain other options such as a construction loan or renovation loan for bigger projects. The main point is to talk to us today, and start taking steps to make your place warm and cosy this winter. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why now could be a good time to buy. Jeepers. That didn’t last long. Back in early January, CoreLogic declared Australia’s housing market had entered ​a downturn  after property prices dropped -0.01% in November and -0.1% in December (followed by a -0.03% dip in January). Fast forward to early March – just two months later – and CoreLogic reports “ Housing downturn reverses in February ”. Have we just witnessed the shortest downturn on record? Or was it just a minor blip on the radar? Here’s a closer look at what’s happening with home prices. Lower rates have fuelled buyer confidence When CoreLogic stated in January that “ the growth phase of the (property) cycle has come to an end ”, it had plenty of evidence to back up the claim. Homes were taking longer to sell. Listings were up across the country, and buyer demand was stalling. Events in February changed all this. Expectations of a Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate cut grew stronger, boosting buyer confidence . Auction clearance rates improved , and the flow of freshly advertised ‘for sale’ listings slowed. The much-anticipated 0.25% RBA rate cut , when it finally arrived, brought everything together to see home prices rise 0.3% in February, reversing the falls of the previous three months. Will home prices keep rising? According to REA Group , February’s rate cut not only lifted buyer sentiment, it also delivered an uptick in borrowing power and improved affordability. And after a long period of higher rates, REA says buyers who held off purchasing are now re-entering the market. Could this see home values continue to rise? A lot hinges on interest rates. The RBA has made it clear it’s in no great hurry to call further rate cuts , though that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. NAB is predicting four more rate cuts  over the next 12 months. Westpac says rates could drop an additional 0.75% this year , and expects home prices to increase by 3% in 2025 , and by 7% next year. AMP says Australia’s “chronic shortage of homes” could see home prices jump 3% this year . Why now could be a good time to buy FOMO (fear of missing out) should never be the main motivator for buying a home. After all, it’s probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. But as the last few months have shown, market downturns can be done and dusted in a matter of weeks, and sitting on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall can just mean paying more down the track. Call us to know if you’re home loan ready right now, and we’ll get the ball rolling on a loan that matches your needs and budget. Disclaimer:  The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent. Kanvas Capital Pty Ltd T/A Veritas Funding Solutions | Credit Representative Number 524625 is authorized under Australian Credit Licence 389328. Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product.