Imagine waking up in a cosy mountain retreat or in a beach shack overlooking the ocean – all in your very own holiday home. Sounds dreamy, right?

The festive season is a time to celebrate, relax and connect with loved ones, but it can also put extra pressure on the household budget.

While some property investors prioritise rental yield – that is, how much income a property earns, as a percentage of its value – others see capital growth as the ultimate objective. 

First home buyers can now purchase a property with as little as 5 per cent deposit without copping lenders’ mortgage insurance, after the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme came into effect on 1 October. It’s expected that 70,000 first home buyers will make the most of the scheme in its first year of expanded access.

With interest rates falling this year, more Australians are taking a fresh look at their home loans. In fact, close to 100,000 borrowers refinanced in the June quarter alone – that’s 21% higher than the same time last year. Put simply, more than 1,000 loans are being refinanced every day.

From 1 October 2025, the government’s First Home Guarantee scheme will expand, making it possible for more Australians to buy a home with a deposit as low as 5%.

Buying a home comes with one of the biggest decisions you’ll face – do you go for a brand new build or choose an established property? Each option has its own advantages and trade-offs, and your choice often depends on your goals, lifestyle and budget.

If you’re new to buying property, you’ll want to understand your credit report and how it may impact your home loan application.

If you’re planning to buy your first home this spring, you’re not alone. It’s one of the busiest times in the property market, with more listings and more competition. That’s why it’s important to be well prepared.

Buying an investment property in another state or territory can open the door to a range of new opportunities. From more affordable price points to higher rental yields and market diversification, there are plenty of reasons to look beyond your own backyard. But investing interstate also requires careful planning, local insight, and the right financial support.

Inflation has been heading in the right direction and the Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate three times in 2025. So, is now a good time to refinance? The decision as to whether to refinance depends largely on your individual situation and goals. Here are a few key considerations to think about when deciding whether or not to refinance. The latest inflation data was promising In positive news, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.1 per cent over the 12 months to the June quarter , while the trimmed mean annual inflation was 2.7 per cent to the June quarter. This is the figure the RBA pays close attention to when deciding what to do with the cash rate. With trimmed mean inflation now at its lowest since December 2021 and well within the RBA’s target band of 2-3 per cent. There is a strong case for further cash rate cuts if inflation and economic growth continue on their current path. The RBA’s latest Statement on Monetary Policy offered fresh insights into the outlook. Despite markets expecting lower rates since May, the RBA’s inflation forecast remains steady, with the trimmed mean sitting at 2.6 per cent for the next two years. Financial markets are currently pricing in a cash rate low of 2.9 per cent by December 2026 before edging back up to 3.1 per cent in 2027. If the RBA’s projections are correct, they suggest the economy can operate with a cash rate around 3 per cent and inflation will remain within their target band. Lender offers are getting sharper Given the three rate cuts so far this year, there’s a lot of competition amongst lenders to get mortgage holders through the doors. By refinancing, you may access an attractive cash back offer that helps you get ahead with your goals or secure a more competitive home loan rate. Refinancing and setting you up with a home loan with interest-saving features like a redraw facility or offset account could also help you get ahead financially. So, should I refinance now or wait it out? It’s hard to know exactly how soon the RBA will cut the cash rate again. While refinancing will depend largely on your individual situation and goals, there are mounting reasons why refinancing should be on your radar. At the very least, now is a good time to review your home loan to make sure it still measures up, particularly if you fall under any of the following categories. You’ve been with the same lender for a long time If your current home loan was locked in at the cycle’s peak, you may be paying more than is necessary on your mortgage. If you’ve had the same home loan for several years, chances are you could be getting a more suitable offer with another lender, so it’s worth exploring your options and shopping around. Your situation has changed Have your financial circumstances changed since you took out your original home loan? If so, all the more reason to consider refinancing to a home loan that marries with your current financial situation and long-term objectives. Your debt is feeling overwhelming If you’re juggling multiple debts at once, such as a personal loan and credit card debt, it may be worthwhile considering debt consolidation. With debt consolidation, you essentially roll all your debts into your home loan. It means you only have to make one repayment, making it easier to manage your debt. It’s important to remember that you may end up paying more interest over the life of the loan if you go down this road, so speak to us and we’ll crunch the numbers for you. You want to access your equity Want to make a big-ticket purchase, like buying an investment property or doing a home renovation? Refinancing to access your equity could help you achieve these kinds of goals. Like to know more? If you’re considering refinancing, reach out to us for a home loan health check. We can help you work through all the options out there and find you a home loan to suit your specific circumstances and goals. We’ll also explain any costs involved and help you weigh up whether it’s worth refinancing. Get in touch today.