Real Estate Your Way

14/11/2025

13/11/2025

How a mortgage broker can help you move faster

With more homes hitting the market and buyer activity rising, spring can be a prime time to buy, but competition is fierce. That’s where a mortgage broker can give you an edge.

1. Tailored guidance from the start

A broker takes time to understand your financial goals and borrowing capacity. They’ll compare dozens of lenders to find loan options that match your needs, not just what your bank offers.

2. Pre-approval that strengthens your offer

In a competitive market, pre-approval is your secret weapon. It shows agents you’re serious and gives you a clear price range. A broker can streamline the process and get you buyer-ready.

3. Managing the paperwork and the people

From application to settlement, your broker coordinates the key people, including lenders, conveyancers, and agents. You stay focused on finding the right home while they handle the details behind the scenes.

Speak to a mortgage broker today.

10/11/2025

Remembrance Day today at 11:00 please pause and reflect on the great sacrifice made by all armed forces and their families to protect our way of life

10/11/2025

Australians are jumping back into the property market

New data from the ABS shows home loan intentions have surged 46% since March, with 11.46% of Aussies now planning to take on a mortgage.

At the same time, the number of people saying they don’t plan to take on new debt has dropped by almost 10%.

According to Agile Market Intelligence, the expanded First Home Guarantee, which started in October, lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit and no LMI, has been a driver of the increase.

It’s also triggered a spike in home-buying plans. Among non-owners, the number planning to buy within 12 months jumped 77% between March and September.

06/11/2025

RBA UPDATE | Effective November 5, 2025

At its second last meeting of the year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the official cash rate steady at 3.60%, marking the fourth consecutive pause following cuts earlier this year. Major lenders remain cautiously optimistic: ANZ and Westpac have flagged the possibility of a February 2026 cut, while NAB anticipates no movement until May.

Tanya Sale, CEO of outsource Financial, said: “Michelle Bullock at the best of times has the attitude of ‘steady as she goes’.” Based on an inflation rate rise and steady employment rate, Ms Sale stated that the RBA “would not be in a position to do anything but hold the cash rate.”

In a milestone moment for the Australian property market, Gold Coast unit prices have overtaken Sydney’s for the first time. The median unit price now sits at $956,000, edging past Sydney’s $927,000. Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee attributes the surge to population growth, easing rates, and a shortage of new homes. The upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is also fuelling demand, with infrastructure upgrades and global attention driving long-term growth across southeast Queensland.

The RBA’s next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, December 9.

31/10/2025

Young women leading the way in first homebuyer optimism

New research from Agile Market Intelligence has found that property sentiment is on the rise, and it’s being led by young women.

Despite affordability challenges, women aged 18-34 are showing rising confidence about entering the property market.

The number planning to buy in the next 12 months has jumped by 5%, while the number saying they’ll “never buy” has dropped by the same amount.

Younger Australians overall remain more positive. Men aged 18-34 now lead buying intent at 24%, while nearly half of men (47%) and women (49%) in this age group say financial readiness is their main obstacle.

23/10/2025

Spring search trends are changing

New Domain data shows Australian property buyers are prioritising flexibility and affordability like never before, and it’s changing what they’re searching for.

Granny flats, once considered niche, are now the most searched-for term in Sydney, and are rapidly rising in Perth and Adelaide. Whether it’s for multigenerational living, rental income or extra space, buyers are after homes that can do more.

Dual living setups are also in demand, especially in Melbourne, where searches have jumped over 160%. In Adelaide, stamp duty is suddenly a top search term, showing just how much upfront savings matter to buyers right now.

But lifestyle still matters. “Pool” remains in the top five across all capitals, and Melbourne is leading the charge in character homes, with big spikes in “art deco” and “heritage” searches.

14/10/2025

What your equity can do for you

If you’ve owned your home or investment property for a few years, chances are you’ve built up equity, and that could be one of your most valuable financial tools.

Equity is the difference between your property's value and what you owe on the loan, and right now, many Australians are tapping into it to achieve their next big goals.

Here’s how accessing equity could work for you:

Invest in property: Use your existing home’s equity as a deposit for a second property and grow your portfolio without saving from scratch.

Renovate or upgrade: Want a new kitchen or an outdoor space for summer? Equity can fund home improvements that also boost your property’s value.

Consolidate debt: Equity can be used to refinance higher-interest debts into one manageable home loan.

Speak to a broker who can help you compare your options and ensure it’s the right strategy for your financial goals.

10/10/2025

Queensland’s commercial market is poised for long-term growth

Queensland’s commercial property market is entering a new growth phase, with a combination of population gains, infrastructure spending, and sector diversification setting the stage for sustained investor interest, according to new research from JLL.

Brisbane has emerged as Australia’s most stable CBD office market, with low volatility in vacancy rates and a 12% rise in white-collar employment over the past decade. Key sectors like healthcare, finance, and education are fuelling this growth.

Retail is also strengthening, with Queensland leading the country in shopping centre turnover growth. But demand is now outstripping supply. JLL says the state needs 2.6 times more retail space than is currently planned over the next five years.

Meanwhile, infrastructure investment is high. Queensland is investing 5.7% of GSP annually, well above NSW and Victoria, driving industrial and logistics activity and creating further momentum.

08/10/2025

Sydney’s premium office shortage set to drive rents higher

Sydney’s CBD is on the verge of a premium office space crunch, with new research from Knight Frank forecasting significant rental growth due to a looming supply shortage.

According to the report, just three major CBD projects delivering over 25,000 sqm are due for completion by 2029, with 65% of that space already pre-leased. That leaves only 57,000 sqm, roughly 1% of total market stock, available for lease through to 2027.

With no additional developments currently scheduled for 2028-29, Knight Frank says the market is heading toward a significant imbalance between supply and demand leading to higher rents.

Premium-grade space has remained in high demand, with recent developments achieving a 90% average commitment rate. Since 2020, premium stock has recorded net absorption of nearly 280,000 sqm, while all other grades have seen negative growth.

Occupiers looking to secure top-tier office space in Sydney’s CBD between now and 2028 are being urged to act fast or risk missing out on the best assets.

06/10/2025

Is a balloon payment worth it?

When financing equipment or a business vehicle, you might be offered a balloon payment. It’s a lump sum due at the end of your loan term, and it can significantly reduce your monthly repayments.
However, there are some pros and cons to be aware of.
Pros:
● Lower monthly repayments

● Better cash flow management

● Flexible end-of-term options (refinance, upgrade, pay outright)

Risks:
● Large lump sum due at the end

● May impact your ability to refinance

● Asset may not hold value over time

For more information and to compare your options, speak to a finance broker today.