Real Estate Your Way

19/06/2025

Investors eye tourism assets

Australia’s tourism and hotel market is roaring back, with international arrivals forecast to hit 8.3 million in 2025, 88% of pre-pandemic levels. That figure is set to climb to 10 million by 2026 and 11.8 million by 2029, reflecting a 41% jump from 2024, according to Ray White.

Visitor spending has already overtaken 2019 levels, reaching $33.2 billion in 2024. By 2029, that figure is expected to hit $48.5 billion, boosted by higher travel costs and a focus on high-value travellers. Markets such as Vietnam, South Korea, and India are leading the recovery, while Chinese tourism is steadily rebuilding, with China expected to reclaim its position as Australia’s largest inbound market by 2027.

The surge in visitor numbers has seen hotel investment rebound strongly. Transaction volumes jumped over 100% year-on-year in Q1 2025 to $791.8 million, with Sydney and Melbourne remaining top targets for offshore capital. Singapore leads the way among foreign investors, closely followed by Canada and Thailand.

With the dollar low and global uncertainty pushing more travellers toward stable destinations, Australia is becoming increasingly attractive. Occupancy is up to 72.6%, ADRs are rising, and new hotel supply remains limited.

19/06/2025

Farmland set to rebound

After a year of slowing prices, Australian farmland values are tipped to rebound in 2025, with Rabobank forecasting average growth of around 3 per cent.

This follows a 6 per cent decline in 2024, a cooling-off period after farmland prices surged 79 per cent between 2020 and 2023. While the outlook suggests a return to growth, the pace is expected to remain slower compared to recent years, with buyers becoming more value-focused.

Last year’s downturn hit some sectors harder than others, with grazing land seeing a sharp 13 per cent decline, while arable cropping land proved more resilient, dropping just 2.6 per cent. Performance also varied by region, with Western Australia and South Australia posting double-digit gains, while Tasmania experienced the steepest drop at 12 per cent.

Falling commodity prices, high fertiliser costs and elevated interest rates all weighed on purchasing power in 2024. But Rabobank expects the tide to turn this year, supported by stronger crop prospects, firmer commodity prices, and potential interest rate cuts.

The market may not see a return to the boom times of 2020–2023, but steady growth and better on-farm margins could make 2025 a better year for both buyers and sellers in the agricultural sector.

13/06/2025

Is it time to refinance your business loan this EOFY

The end of financial year is the perfect time to take stock of your business finances and that includes your current loan. If you haven’t reviewed your business loan in the past 12 months, now is the time to do it.

With rising costs and interest rates having stabilised, it’s worth comparing your options. Refinancing could save you thousands over the life of the loan and improve your monthly cash flow. It can also give you access to more flexible terms, allow you to consolidate debt, or even unlock equity to invest in equipment, stock, or growth opportunities.

EOFY is a great time to assess your repayment strategy and ensure your current loan structure still suits your business goals. It also means you can enter the new financial year with a clear, effective funding strategy.

Speak with a finance broker to compare your refinancing options.

11/06/2025

Listings to cool this winter

Property listings are already starting to cool as winter approaches, with new research showing a seasonal slowdown across much of Australia.

According to Ray White, property listings drop by an average of 7% from May to June, with winter months averaging 39,895 new listings, about 2% below the rest of the year. The trend is particularly strong in colder regions, where the chill tends to push homeowners to delay selling.

Regional Tasmania leads the nation in winter slowdowns, with listings down 20% compared to other seasons. Hobart follows closely behind, recording a 19% winter decline. Regional South Australia, Canberra, and Regional Victoria also see double-digit falls in new listings during the colder months.

Regional areas experience a 4.67% average drop in winter listings, compared to a more modest 1.75% decline in capital cities, suggesting that rural sellers may be more responsive to seasonal factors or have greater flexibility to travel.

However, not all markets slow down. Darwin defies the trend, with listings jumping by 17.4% during winter, taking advantage of its dry-season appeal. Brisbane and Regional Queensland also see winter activity rise, each recording a 7% increase in listings.

06/06/2025

How invoice finance can smooth out EOFY cash flow

As the end of financial year approaches, many businesses feel the pinch with clients delaying payments, expenses piling up, and cash flow getting tight just when they need it most.

If you're chasing late invoices while trying to settle your own obligations before June 30, invoice finance could be the cash flow solution you need.

Instead of waiting up to 90 days for customers to pay, invoice finance gives you fast access to funds tied up in your receivables. A lender advances you a percentage of the unpaid invoice (often up to 85%), with the remainder paid when the customer settles. This means you can pay staff, suppliers, or taxes on time, without adding extra strain to your working capital.

EOFY is also when many businesses want to take advantage of last-minute deals or asset write-offs. With smoother cash flow, invoice finance lets you act quickly without needing to dip into savings or apply for a new loan.

Speak to a finance broker to see if invoice finance is right for your business this EOFY.

03/06/2025

Home renovation trends we’re seeing in 2025

Whether you're planning to sell or simply upgrade your lifestyle at home, here are four trends that we’re seeing.

Renovate with the next buyer in mind - Even if you’re not selling right away, renovating with broad appeal in mind is a smart move. Think energy efficiency, functional floor plans, upgraded tech, and timeless finishes. These updates will help attract buyers when the time comes to sell.

Bring the spa home - Bathrooms continue to be one of the most valuable areas to renovate. In 2025, spa-inspired updates are trending, like rain showers, underfloor heating and soft lighting. Even small touches like a new vanity, mirror, or heated towel rail can transform the space without breaking the budget.

Prioritise wellness and natural light - Home gyms, meditation corners and natural light-filled rooms are on the rise. Open floor plans, eco-friendly materials and greenery indoors are helping Aussies create calming, energising spaces to support their mental and physical wellbeing.

Pet-friendly design that looks good - Built-in pet beds, stylish wash stations and durable, easy-clean materials are becoming part of high-end renovations. It’s all about creating spaces that work for the two-legged and four.

Planning to renovate? Speak to a mortgage broker about the smartest ways to finance your home upgrades.

26/05/2025

Property prices could double by 2030

Property prices could double in many suburbs by 2030 if current growth trends continue, according to new data from PropTrack.

The modelling, which assumes the past five years of growth are repeated, predicts that Sydney’s median house price could jump from $1.49 million to $2.4 million, with suburbs like Bellevue Hill potentially reaching $13.5 million.

Adelaide, already one of the strongest-performing capitals, could see its median house price climb to $1.47 million after a 75% increase since 2020. Brisbane is also on track for major gains, with the median house price rising to $1.53 million, up nearly $700,000.

Darwin’s Muirhead is expected to be the nation’s top performer, with values forecast to more than double, reaching $1.5 million.

Melbourne, meanwhile, may experience more modest growth, with its median rising just $146,000 to hit $1.001 million by the end of the decade.

21/05/2025

RBA UPDATE | Effective May 21, 2025

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lowered the official cash rate by 25 basis points, marking the second rate cut of 2025. Now sitting at 3.85%, this decision was driven by falling inflation and easing economic growth.

Australian Broker reported on the relief to mortgage holders and investors. “Even a small cut could shave thousands off annual repayments — a timely boost as households continue to grapple with soaring living costs.”

Since the last cut in February, property prices have surged, according to data from PropTrack. Inner Melbourne leads with 3.6% growth in house prices and 5.9% in unit prices, the fastest in Australia. Melbourne’s affordability has subsequently drawn buyers, with 40% of Victorians believing it's a good time to buy.

Darwin is attracting investors with high rental yields and has rebounded with a 3.3% house price increase, while the Gold Coast saw nearly 3% growth. Queensland, particularly Townsville, leads annual growth, with house prices up 22%.

If you’d like to reevaluate your mortgage, why not reach out to a broker for a complimentary home loan health check? The RBA's next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, July 8.

30/04/2025

Not all car loans are created equal!

If you're in the market for finance, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for. Here are three red flags to steer clear of when applying for a car loan.

‘Guaranteed approval’ offers - Any lender promising guaranteed approval without checking your financial situation is a major red flag. Legitimate lenders will assess your credit history and ability to repay before making an offer.

Hidden fees and costly add-ons - Some lenders or dealerships advertise low, or even 0%, interest loans that look great on paper, but the catch is often buried in the fine print. These deals usually come with inflated fees, overpriced add-ons, or charges that cancel out any upfront savings. Always ask for a full breakdown of fees and don’t feel pressured into extras you don’t need.

Expensive early repayment penalties - Paying off your loan early should save you money, not cost you more. Watch for loans with harsh penalties if you try to get ahead or clear your balance before the term ends. Flexibility is key to keeping your long-term costs low.

24/04/2025

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22/04/2025

Dreaming of a home makeover but don’t have cash in the bank?

You’ve got more options than you think!

Whether it’s a kitchen refresh or an extra bedroom, here are four ways to finance your renovation without dipping into your savings.

Use your home loan’s redraw facility - If you’ve made extra repayments on your mortgage, you might be able to withdraw those funds to cover renovation costs. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a new loan. Just be mindful that it may extend your loan term.

Tap into your home’s equity - If your property has grown in value, you may be able to top up your existing loan and borrow against that equity. This can unlock significant funds without creating a new debt account.

Refinance to access lower rates - Refinancing your mortgage with another lender might allow you to borrow more at a lower rate. This is a way to fund renovations while lowering your overall repayments at the same time.

Consider a personal loan - For smaller projects or when equity is limited, a personal loan can offer fast approval, though typically at a higher interest rate and shorter loan term.

19/04/2025