Property
Renovating for value — or renovating for you?
13 August
Renovating a home can be exciting. A new kitchen, an outdoor entertaining area, an extra bedroom or a beautifully landscaped garden can completely change how a property looks and feels.But before choosing tiles, appliances or paint colours, there is...[Read More]
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
13 August
The Reserve Bank has left the door open to more interest rate hikes as it held the benchmark lending rate steady for a second straight meeting.Falling house prices and lower-than-expected inflation helped convince the central bank’s nine-member...[Read More]
‘Softer than we thought’: RBA’s admission on inflation
6 August
Surprise inflation data, which came in lower than expected and below the central bank’s own forecasts, was due to softer fuel prices, according to the RBA’s chief economist. Figures released on Wednesday revealed headline inflation for June fell...[Read More]
Renovate, move or build? Choosing the right way to change your home
30 July
As life changes, your home may no longer suit your needs as well as it once did. Perhaps your family is growing, you need a home office, the kitchen feels outdated, or you simply want more space and comfort. When this happens, homeowners usually...[Read More]
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
30 July
Falling inflation levels have defied Reserve Bank predictions, alleviating fears another interest-rate hike is imminent. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed headline annual inflation falling to 3.8 per cent in June, down from four...[Read More]
Shoddy bank record-keeping hits savers as scammers lurk
30 July
Systemic shoddy record-keeping at big banks is risking the savings of Australians trying to benefit from a safe investment strategy. The financial regulator issued the warning around mortgage offset accounts, which are marketed to borrowers as a way...[Read More]
Top 5 reasons to review your mortgage
23 July
A home loan is often the largest financial commitment a person will make, yet many borrowers spend more time comparing electricity plans or insurance premiums than reviewing their mortgage. Once a loan has been approved and repayments begin, it can...[Read More]
Getting your home ready for spring: Five ways to fall in love with it again
23 July
Spring has a way of making us look at our homes differently. The days become longer, the garden starts to come alive and natural light begins to reveal all the areas we may have overlooked during winter. It is also the season when many homeowners...[Read More]
The best and worst ways to live alongside your neighbours
16 July
A good home is about more than the building, the backyard or the location. The people living around you can have a major influence on how comfortable, secure and enjoyable your neighbourhood feels.When neighbours communicate, show consideration and...[Read More]
How trust in the RBA could help keep interest rates low
23 July
As people lose faith in institutions across the globe, a report shows maintaining trust in the Reserve Bank can help keep inflation under control. A survey released by the central bank on Wednesday showed people who have higher trust in the RBA are...[Read More]
How to save money around the home amidst the rising interest rates
9 July
With interest rates rising almost everywhere, including Australia, people have begun tightening their purse strings as best they can.However, decreasing spending to ensure your expenses match your reduced budget could mean barely any savings or none...[Read More]