Get educated on property
Property Ed - Knowledge base
Expert guidance and answers to your questions
All Questions
132 questions
Settlement delays are almost always finance delays. The property side — title searches, conveyancing, document preparation — tends to run to schedule. It’s the loan side that gets complicated, and usually only when the finance work wasn’t done early enough....
Read More
The same applicant — same income, same deposit — can be approved for $100,000 more or less, depending on which lender assesses the file. That gap is real, and most people don’t know it exists. The national average sits around...
Read More
Here’s what surprises most first home buyers: the purchase itself is actually the fastest part. Once you’re actively searching with finance in place, the time from offer to keys is typically 10 to 14 weeks. The part that takes years...
Read More
“The minimum deposit for a $700,000 home is $35,000 when using the First Home Guarantee. While many quote a 20% figure of $140,000, it is often unnecessary for eligible buyers.”The deposit you need for a $700,000 home depends on which...
Read More
Most people let the broker run the meeting. They nod through the lender comparison, sign where they’re asked to sign, and follow up when they don’t hear back. A few targeted questions asked early tell you almost everything you need...
Read More
“The best rate depends on your LVR and loan size. In June, competitive rates from smaller lenders are sitting between 5.8% and 6.1%.”Following the May 2026 RBA increase to 4.35%, the major banks' standard variable rates sit broadly in the...
Read More
In October 2025, the maths changed for first-home buyers. A property worth $700,000 used to require $140,000 saved before you could even have a sensible conversation with a lender. Today, the same property may require $35,000. For most buyers, that’s...
Read More
“Delays trigger penalty interest and cost recovery. The specific consequences depend on who caused the delay and the contract terms.”Property settlement delays in Victoria are governed by the sale contract — typically a standard Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) contract...
Read More
"A delayed settlement is not just inconvenient. For the party at fault, it can be expensive, and in serious cases it can cost them the contract entirely." [cite: 54]Settlement delays carry real financial and legal consequences for the party responsible....
Read More
Most Australians who reach $100,000 in equity do the same thing: nothing. They note it with quiet satisfaction, maybe mention it at a dinner party, and then carry on with their mortgage as if the number isn’t sitting there. That’s...
Read More
Every broker in Australia looks more or less the same from the outside. They’re licensed, they have access to a panel of lenders, and they don’t charge you directly. The difference only reveals itself when something gets complicated — when...
Read More
Most people walk into this question thinking the answer is about their salary. It partly is. But for many borrowers, the bigger variable isn’t how much they earn — it’s what their existing debts are quietly doing to their borrowing...
Read More
How Long Does It Realistically Take to Save a House Deposit in Australia in 2026?Most first home buyers are saving for the wrong deposit target — and adding years to their timeline without realising it.The honest answer is: it depends...
Read More
How Do Lenders Treat Rental Income When Assessing My Investment Loan Application?The difference between a lender that counts 70% of rental income and one that counts 80% can represent $50,000–$100,000 in approved borrowing capacity on the same property. It's not...
Read More
“Victoria offers a comprehensive support package including federal schemes, state equity contributions, and stamp duty concessions.”Victorian first home buyers in 2026 can access multiple overlapping layers of government support. The challenge is that each scheme has different eligibility rules, price...
Read More
"Victoria's settlement process has one key document most other states don't require before signing. Missing it can be costly." [cite: 104]The Victorian settlement process broadly follows the national PEXA-based electronic system but has several state-specific requirements buyers and sellers need...
Read More
“Minimum deposits are as low as $14,000 under Help to Buy or $35,000 under the First Home Guarantee for a $700,000 home.”Melbourne's entry price point for houses varies enormously by suburb. A $650,000–$800,000 budget can access established homes in Melbourne's...
Read More
“Due to serviceability buffers, a $600,000 loan typically requires an income of $110,000 to $120,000 for a single borrower.”The income needed to qualify for a $600,000 loan in 2026 is higher than it was in 2022 because three RBA rate...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 535]As a general guide for a gross salary of $120,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
Do I Still Qualify for the First Home Owner Grant If I'm Buying an Established Property?The FHOG rules have narrowed in recent years. But stamp duty concessions — which are often more valuable — are frequently available for established properties...
Read More
Can I Use the First Home Super Saver Scheme Alongside the Government's 5% Deposit Scheme?Using voluntary super contributions to build your deposit, then purchasing with 5% under the guarantee, is a strategy that works — but only if the timing...
Read More
"Penalty interest on a settlement delay is not a flat fee. It accrues every day, and on larger purchases even a short delay adds up to several thousand dollars." [cite: 78]Penalty interest is charged when the party responsible for a...
Read More
“The rate is specified in the sale contract and is almost always punitive, being higher than standard loan rates.”Penalty interest on a delayed property settlement in Victoria is not the RBA cash rate — it is the rate stipulated in...
Read More
What Are the Property Price Caps for the First Home Guarantee in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane?The cap in Sydney moved to $1,500,000. For most first home buyers in that city, the limiting factor is no longer the scheme — it's...
Read More
"Settlement is the moment ownership actually changes hands. Every step before it is just preparation for this one day."Property settlement is the final legal stage of a property transaction. It is when the buyer completes payment of the purchase price,...
Read More
Your parents don’t need to give you money. They don’t need to go on your mortgage. They just need to agree to let a specific portion of their existing equity do a job for two or three years — and...
Read More
Can My Parents Gift Me Money for a House Deposit and Will Lenders Accept It?A gift from parents is one of the most common deposit sources for first home buyers in Australia. Lenders expect it. What they also expect is...
Read More
Multiple Investment Properties and Borrowing Capacity — How Many Can You Actually Finance?There is no fixed number of investment properties a borrower can hold before lenders stop approving additional loans — outcomes depend on income, existing debt, serviceability and lender...
Read More
“The process typically takes 4 to 8 months. Finance preparation and pre-approval are the keys to compressing this timeline.”The timeline to buying a home in Melbourne in 2026 depends on how prepared you are before you start looking. The most...
Read More
“The cap is $100,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples. Often, property price caps and lender availability are more significant constraints.”The Help to Buy income thresholds are set to target low-to-middle income Australians. They reflect a policy intent to help...
Read More
“Eligibility hinges on income, property price, and ownership status. The income cap is $100,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples.”The Help to Buy scheme is a federal program available nationally, including in Victoria. Eligibility is determined by income, property ownership...
Read More
Will Closing My Credit Card Before Applying Actually Increase My Borrowing Power?A $10,000 credit limit — fully unused — can reduce your borrowing capacity by $50,000 to $80,000. Closing it before you apply changes that calculation immediately.Yes — in many...
Read More
What Does It Actually Cost to Break a Fixed Rate Home Loan in Australia?There is no standard break cost figure. On the same loan amount, the cost can be $500 or $50,000 depending on how far rates have moved since...
Read More
“The May 0.25% rise reduced borrowing capacity by approximately $12,000 to $18,000 for every $100,000 of income.”The 5 May 2026 increase took the cash rate from 4.10% to 4.35%. Because lenders add a 3% serviceability buffer on top of the...
Read More
What Government Grants and Schemes Are Available for First Home Buyers in Australia in 2026?The right combination of grants and schemes can reduce the deposit you need by years — but only if you know which ones you're actually eligible...
Read More
“The Melbourne cap is $950,000 for 2026, covering many house and unit types across the city.”Property price caps under the Help to Buy scheme determine the maximum purchase price at which you can use the scheme. In Melbourne, the cap...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 598]As a general guide for a gross salary of $200,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
“Forecasts suggest 4% to 6% growth for 2026. However, market segments are behaving differently, so focus on your specific budget and long-term needs.”Melbourne house price forecasts for 2026 carry more uncertainty than usual given the rate rise environment. Property prices...
Read More
Can I Refinance While I'm on Maternity Leave or Between Jobs?Lenders typically assess serviceability based on current income, although some may consider confirmed return-to-work arrangements depending on their policy. That doesn't make refinancing impossible during parental leave or a career...
Read More
With Rates on the Move in 2026, Should I Lock In a Fixed Rate or Stay Variable?Choosing a fixed rate isn't just about where interest rates may move. It's a decision to trade flexibility for certainty. Whether that trade is...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 577]As a general guide for a gross salary of $80,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
How Do I Know Whether It's Actually Worth Refinancing My Home Loan Right Now?A 0.5% rate reduction sounds compelling. Whether it actually is depends on how much you owe, how many years remain, and what it costs to switch. Those...
Read More
How Do I Work Out Whether the Long-Term Benefit of Refinancing Outweighs the Break Cost Today?If your break-even is 8 months and you're planning to hold the loan for 5 years, the total benefit over that period is substantial. If...
Read More
“The standard period is 60 days, though 30 and 90-day settlements are possible. Readiness is more important than the length of the period.”Melbourne property contracts specify the settlement date at the time of sale. The most common periods are 30,...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 514]As a general guide for a gross salary of around $100,000, with no existing debts, no credit...
Read More
How Much of a Rate Difference Genuinely Makes Refinancing Worth the Effort?On a $600,000 loan, a 0.4% rate reduction saves approximately $2,400 per year in interest. Switching costs are typically recovered in 3–6 months. The question isn't whether the saving...
Read More
"Self-employed borrowers are assessed on the same capacity framework as PAYG employees. The difference is which income figure the lender will accept, not the ceiling itself." [cite: 832]The borrowing capacity of a self-employed borrower is calculated using the same APRA...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 556]As a general guide for a gross salary of $180,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
Is There a Limit to How Many Investment Properties a Lender May Approve?There is no fixed number of investment properties a borrower can hold before lenders stop approving additional loans — outcomes depend on income, existing debt, serviceability and lender...
Read More
"The settlement process is more predictable than most buyers expect. The complexity sits in the lead-up, not the day itself." [cite: 32]Property settlement in Australia follows a consistent sequence regardless of which state or territory you are buying in. Once...
Read More
“Help to Buy involves the government co-investing in your home. This results in a smaller deposit and lower repayments, though the government shares in any future price growth.”The Help to Buy scheme launched on 5 December 2025. It is a...
Read More
How Do Lenders Calculate Borrowing Capacity for a Couple Applying Together?Two incomes improve your position. Two sets of debts, credit cards, and HECS repayments reduce it. The net result is usually still better than applying alone — but knowing the...
Read More
With Interest Rates Rising in 2026, Does an Investment Loan Still Stack Up Financially?Higher rates increase your holding cost. They also tend to affect rental market dynamics. Whether the investment stacks up in 2026 depends on your specific numbers and...
Read More
Using Equity From a First Investment Property — What to Consider Before Buying AgainEquity in your first investment property can become the deposit for your second. Whether that's possible depends on your serviceability and how your loans are structured.Some property...
Read More
How Can Equity in an Existing Property Be Used When Purchasing Another Investment Property?Equity in your first investment property can become the deposit for your second. Whether that's possible depends on your serviceability and how your loans are structured.Some property...
Read More
“The June RBA decision will be announced on June 16. If rates rise again, variable borrowers absorb the change immediately. While fixed borrowers do not, fixing solely to avoid a single 0.25% movement is often not mathematically sound.”The next RBA...
Read More
"One year of self-employment narrows the lender pool significantly. But it does not close the door, particularly if the deposit is strong and the income is well-documented." [cite: 906]Most major banks require a minimum of two years of ABN registration...
Read More
"The document checklist for a self-employed application is longer than for PAYG, but knowing exactly what is needed before you start prevents delays that can cost weeks." [cite: 779]Documentation requirements for self-employed borrowers vary by lender and by whether you...
Read More
"Bad credit narrows your lender options and increases your rate. It does not make refinancing impossible." [cite: 310]Whether you can refinance with adverse credit depends on what is on your file, how recent it is, and what your current equity...
Read More
"Total switching costs on a standard refinance typically run $500 to $2,000 when there is no break cost. Against the interest saving, most borrowers recover these costs within a few months. But you need to know the full number going...
Read More
Is a Lower Interest Rate Always the Right Reason to Switch Lenders, or Are There Other Things to Weigh Up?A 0.2% rate saving on a loan without an offset account can cost you more than it saves — if you...
Read More
“The government's 30% stake is equity rather than a loan. This means their share grows proportionally with the value of your property.”When you purchase under Help to Buy with a 30% government equity contribution, the Australian Government holds a 30%...
Read More
“A couple on a $200,000 combined income is in a strong position. However, the variation between lenders can exceed $150,000, making it essential to compare the full market panel.”A combined income of $200,000 positions most couples well above the entry...
Read More
“While borrowing capacity is constrained at $80,000, certain structures and government schemes can meaningfully extend what is accessible to you.”On an $80,000 gross salary with no dependants and minimal debt, most lenders will approve a loan in the range of...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 708]As a general guide for a gross salary of $90,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
What Is Negative Gearing?Negative gearing is a term commonly used when an investment property costs more to hold than it earns in rental income. Understanding what it means is a starting point for any property investment conversation.Negative gearing is a...
Read More
Are There Ways to Reduce the Break Cost on a Fixed Rate Loan Before I Exit?Even a $10,000 reduction in your loan balance may lower the break cost because the calculation is applied to a smaller balance.Break costs are calculated...
Read More
"Yes. Self-employed Australians access home loans through the same lenders, on the same rates, as PAYG employees. The path is different, not narrower." [cite: 755]Being self-employed does not disqualify you from a home loan. [cite: 756] It changes the documentation...
Read More
"On a standard refinance with no break cost, total switching expenses typically run $500 to $2,000. The real question is always whether the interest saving recovers that within a reasonable timeframe." [cite: 240]The total cost of refinancing depends on whether...
Read More
Can I Use the Equity in My Home as a Deposit for an Investment Property Without Touching My Savings?The deposit for your investment property may already be sitting in your current one. The question is whether there's enough accessible equity...
Read More
“Melbourne offers relative affordability compared to Sydney and numerous government entry schemes, making 2026 a rewarding time for prepared buyers.”The Melbourne property market is genuinely different from its interstate peers in 2026. After a prolonged period of underperformance relative to...
Read More
"A low-doc loan is not a lesser product. It is a different verification pathway for borrowers whose income is real but not easily captured in standard tax return documentation." [cite: 954]A low-documentation (low-doc) home loan is a mortgage product that...
Read More
"Switching banks is the most common form of refinancing in Australia and for many borrowers it is the only way to access genuinely competitive pricing." [cite: 331]Yes. Refinancing to a different bank or lender is standard practice. [cite: 332] External...
Read More
With Interest Rates Rising in 2026, Should I Keep Saving for a 20% Deposit or Buy Sooner With 5%?Every month you spend saving for a 20% deposit, you're also watching what that deposit needs to buy. The trade-off isn't just...
Read More
“In June 2026, the choice between fixed and variable is a balance of certainty versus optionality. How you value each depends on your financial position.”Heading into the June 2026 RBA meeting with an unresolved fixed vs variable question is uncomfortable...
Read More
"The documentation list for a self-employed application is longer than for PAYG. Knowing exactly what is needed before you start prevents delays that can cost weeks." [cite: 879]Documentation requirements for self-employed borrowers vary by lender and by whether you are...
Read More
"Being disqualified from refinancing is rarely permanent. Understanding which lender criteria you do not meet is the first step to identifying who you do." [cite: 285]Refinancing is a new loan application, and lenders assess it on your current financial position...
Read More
How Much Deposit Do I Actually Need to Buy My First Home Right Now?The deposit that gets you into the market isn't always the deposit that sets you up well once you're in it. Both things deserve attention before you...
Read More
Does Money in a Term Deposit Count as Genuine Savings When Applying for a Home Loan?'Genuine savings' doesn't mean savings account — it means funds held and grown over time in a consistent, verifiable way. A term deposit does that,...
Read More
Will Breaking My Fixed Loan Affect My Credit Score or My Ability to Refinance Elsewhere?The thing that damages credit scores isn't switching lenders — it's multiple credit applications in a short period. One well-timed application to one lender creates a...
Read More
I'm Self-Employed — How Do Lenders Assess My Income When Working Out How Much I Can Borrow?Two self-employed borrowers earning the same amount can be approved for very different loan sizes — purely based on how their income is documented....
Read More
The deposit for your next property is probably already sitting in your current one. Most homeowners with equity don’t realise how close they are to being able to act — because the calculation isn’t obvious until someone walks you through...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 619]As a general guide for a gross salary of $110,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
What Fees Do I Need to Factor In When Moving My Home Loan to a New Lender?Total switching costs on a standard refinance typically run $500–$1,500 when there's no break cost involved. Depending on the interest rate difference, many borrowers...
Read More
Why Does My Borrowing Capacity Look So Much Lower Than I Expected?The number a lender approves is built around your worst-case scenario — income stress-tested at 3% above current rates, debts assumed to be fully utilised. Most people's actual lives...
Read More
Has the First Home Guarantee Scheme Changed Now That Interest Rates Are Rising in 2026?The First Home Guarantee still lets eligible buyers purchase with 5% down and no LMI — but the rate environment means your borrowing capacity and repayment...
Read More
What's the Actual Process for Switching My Home Loan to a Different Lender in 2026?Switching lenders is a standard transaction that settlement agents and lenders process thousands of times each month. The complexity exists at the application and approval stage...
Read More
What Should Property Investors Know About Using an Investment Property for Personal Purposes?Using an investment property for personal purposes may affect how expenses are treated for tax purposes. A registered tax agent can advise on the specific rules that apply...
Read More
How Does Depreciation Generally Apply to Second-Hand Investment Properties?The tax treatment of depreciation changed following federal budget measures in 2017. A registered tax agent or quantity surveyor can help you understand what may apply to your specific property.Depreciation is a...
Read More
My Fixed Rate Period Is Ending Soon — What Are My Realistic Options Before It Expires?Your fixed rate expiry is often when lenders move the loan onto their standard variable rate. It's your natural opportunity to go to market and...
Read More
“The decision depends more on your financial readiness than market predictions. Audit your numbers to see if you can comfortably service the loan today.”Melbourne's market heading into the second half of 2026 is at an inflection point. Prices are recovering,...
Read More
"The number a lender approves and the number that makes sense to borrow are two different questions. Understanding both is what matters." [cite: 687]As a general guide for a gross salary of $150,000, with no existing debts, no credit card...
Read More
How Does a HECS Debt Affect How Much I Can Borrow for a Home Loan?A $60,000 HECS balance can reduce borrowing capacity by $30,000–$80,000 depending on your income — not because of the balance, but because the compulsory repayment reduces...
Read More
How Long Does It Typically Take to Build a Property Portfolio?Borrowers who purchase multiple investment properties often do so over a number of years. The timeframe can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.Borrowers who purchase multiple investment properties often do...
Read More
"Refinancing is not always the right move. Knowing the downsides before you start prevents expensive mistakes." [cite: 159]The appeal of refinancing is straightforward: lower repayments, better features, access to equity. [cite: 160] The downsides are less visible but they are...
Read More
What Expenses Can I Claim as Tax Deductions on My Investment Property in 2026?Investment property ownership may have tax implications. A registered tax agent or accountant can help ensure you understand what applies to your circumstances.Investment property ownership may have...
Read More
“On a $600,000 loan, a 0.4% reduction saves $2,400 annually. Most unreviewed loans have a gap at least that wide.”The saving from refinancing depends on your current rate, the rate available to you, your loan balance, and your remaining term....
Read More
“Yes, especially for those on legacy rates. The gap between existing and new customer rates has widened across the three rate rises of 2026.”The instinct to avoid refinancing when rates are rising is understandable — but it inverts the actual...
Read More
“Neither is universally better. Fixed rates provide certainty, while variable rates offer flexibility. The choice depends on your income, obligations, and appetite for repayment variability.”With three RBA rate rises in 2026 and at least one more anticipated in June, the...
Read More
"On a $600,000 loan, a 0.4% rate reduction saves approximately $2,400 per year. Whether that is worth the switch depends on your specific numbers, not the headline saving alone." [cite: 262]The saving from refinancing depends on three things: your outstanding...
Read More
What's the Difference Between Interest-Only and Principal & Interest for an Investment Property?Interest-only and principal & interest are two common loan repayment structures used for investment property loans. Understanding both helps you have a more informed conversation with your broker.The...
Read More
What Should Property Investors Understand About Tax Deductions and Tax Offsets?Investment property ownership may have tax implications. These can vary depending on a person's financial circumstances and the way the property is structured. Property investors often seek advice from a...
Read More
“No, these schemes are mutually exclusive. They solve different problems, and you must choose the one that best fits your needs.”The Help to Buy scheme and the First Home Guarantee are two separate federal programs with different structures. You cannot...
Read More
"Being behind on payments does not automatically close the door to refinancing. But it does significantly narrow your options and changes what you need to demonstrate." [cite: 355]Refinancing while behind on your current loan is possible, but it is among...
Read More
"Refinancing replaces one loan with another. The mechanics are straightforward. The value is in getting the terms right." [cite: 214]Refinancing a mortgage means replacing your current home loan with a new one, either with your current lender through a product...
Read More
What Loan Structure Works Better for Investors — Separate Loans Per Property or Cross-Collateralisation?Cross-collateralisation ties your properties together in ways that aren't always obvious. Understanding both structures before you commit helps you make a more informed decision.Borrowers purchasing multiple properties...
Read More
“With a clean financial profile, a $100,000 salary typically supports a loan in the range of $480,000 to $600,000.”$100,000 is a common benchmark for first home buyer modelling — but it's important to understand that the number you get approved...
Read More
How Long Does It Take to Switch Lenders and Settle a Refinance From Start to Finish?The refinance that settles in 21 days isn't lucky. It's prepared. Documents ready before application is submitted, lender selected for current processing speed, and proactive...
Read More
I'm Self-Employed — How Do Lenders Assess My Income When Working Out How Much I Can Borrow?Two self-employed borrowers earning the same amount can be approved for very different loan sizes — purely based on how their income is documented....
Read More
What Ownership Structures Can Be Used When Purchasing an Investment Property?This information is general in nature and relates to credit products only. Mortgage brokers are authorised to provide credit assistance only. You should seek advice from a qualified accountant, financial...
Read More
"Refinancing is a standard transaction that lenders and settlement agents process every day. The complexity sits at the application and approval stage, not at the end." [cite: 132]Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with...
Read More
“The mechanics follow a national structure, but Victoria has specific title registration and independent legal advice requirements.”Family guarantor home loans in Victoria are offered by most major lenders and a range of non-major lenders. The mechanics follow a standard national...
Read More
"Approval for a self-employed home loan is overwhelmingly about preparation: the right documents, presented in the right way, to the right lender." [cite: 854]Self-employed borrowers who get approved quickly share a common characteristic: their financial affairs are well-organised, their tax...
Read More
“On a $120,000 salary, most borrowers can access between $550,000 and $700,000. The exact amount depends on debts, commitments, and specific lender models.”Borrowing capacity on a $120,000 salary is not a single number. It varies by lender, by your debt...
Read More
"A reverse mortgage lets you access home equity without selling. But the amount available is much less than a standard home loan, and the compounding interest deserves careful consideration before you proceed." [cite: 662]A reverse mortgage is a specialist product...
Read More
"Getting a home loan as a self-employed borrower is different, not harder. It requires a different set of documents and a different strategy for choosing the right lender." [cite: 730]Self-employed Australians can and do get home loans approved every day....
Read More
“Fixing your home loan rate in 2026 involves paying a premium over the variable rate for the certainty it provides. The real decision is understanding if that premium is worth it for your situation.”Switching to a fixed rate involves direct...
Read More
"Full-doc self-employed borrowers with strong financials access the same rates as PAYG employees. The rate premium applies to alt-doc and low-doc products, not to self-employment as a category." [cite: 930]This is one of the most common misconceptions about self-employed lending....
Read More
“Yes, every 0.25% increase reduces capacity by roughly $10,000 to $15,000 for every $100,000 of income. The cumulative effect of three rises this year is significant.”The RBA's 0.25% increase on 5 May 2026 — the third of the year —...
Read More
How Can Rising Interest Rates Affect Property Investors and Borrowing Capacity?Rising interest rates may affect the cost of holding an investment property and a borrower's overall borrowing capacity. The impact will vary depending on individual circumstances, existing debt levels, and...
Read More
My Bank Hasn't Passed On Any Rate Movement — What Can I Do to Negotiate a Better Rate?Lenders retain existing customers at better rates when they are asked directly. The same bank that won't proactively lower your rate will often...
Read More
“The process remains the same, but the urgency is higher. With lenders competing for new business, significant savings are available for those who act.”Refinancing after a rate rise cycle follows the same steps as any refinance — but the context...
Read More
“If you have not reviewed your rate in the last 12 months, you are likely overpaying. 2026 is an ideal time for Melbourne borrowers to audit their loans.”Melbourne's property market in 2026 presents a particular set of conditions for refinancers:...
Read More
“The May rise is a prompt to check your competitiveness. Many variable borrowers are paying a loyalty premium that has grown alongside rate increases.”The RBA's third 2026 rate rise on 5 May has been passed on by all major lenders...
Read More
“A parental guarantee is a highly effective entry strategy. However, it is a real financial obligation that requires careful structure and independent advice.”A family guarantor arrangement allows a parent (or other close family member) to use equity in their own...
Read More
“Whether to fix in 2026 comes down to one question: how much certainty is that repayment figure worth to you, and at what premium over the variable rate?”The RBA lifted the cash rate to 4.35% in May 2026 — the...
Read More
“It is never too late to fix, but the strategy and the rates you lock in are fundamentally different in a rising rate environment.”Three RBA rate rises in 2026 have materially shifted fixed rate pricing. Current fixed rates already bake...
Read More
“Your lender is required to pass on the rate change and notify you. The main consideration is how long you have before the higher rate takes effect on your account.”The RBA raised the official cash rate by 0.25% to 4.35%...
Read More
My Fixed Rate Expires in a Few Months — Is There Any Advantage in Breaking Early Rather Than Waiting?The difference between breaking 3 months early and waiting for natural expiry can sometimes be minimal, or it can be several thousand...
Read More
“The guarantee remains until your LVR reaches 80%. This is typically achieved in 3 to 7 years through repayments and growth.”The length of time a guarantor remains on your loan is not set in advance — it depends on when...
Read More
“A split loan allows you to hedge your bets. You simply decide how much certainty you need and structure the loan portions to match that need.”A split home loan divides your mortgage into two portions: one on a fixed rate,...
Read More
"What you need to show is not just income. It is consistency, stability, and the ability to service a loan even if revenue fluctuates." [cite: 806]A self-employed mortgage application is fundamentally about demonstrating to the lender that your income is...
Read More
