Property
Renovated your Home? It may be time to review your sum insured
6 August
A new kitchen, an additional bedroom or a major home upgrade can transform the way you live. Renovations can create more space, improve comfort and add considerable value to your property. However, once the builders have packed up and you are...[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]
Housing affordability rises as price downturn continues
6 August
Three decades of home prices outpacing incomes could be over as Australia’s housing market downturn widens. The market recorded the largest single-month decline in home values in almost four years in July, data released by property analysis firm...[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]
Red tape strangling efforts to tackle housing crisis
30 July
Allowing three-storey townhouses to be built on most residential land is one of the key recommendations of a major report outlining what Australia needs to do to fix its housing crisis. Governments have gotten in the way of new housing supply by...[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]
Investors returning after budget blow to housing breaks
23 July
Property investors are regaining a foothold in the housing market after tax changes in the federal budget boosted owner-occupiers. The share of homes bought by investors climbed to 23.2 per cent over the four weeks ending July 18 after sinking to...[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...[Read More]
Trump threatens to shoot down signs of economic rebound
16 July
Just as businesses and consumers were beginning to grow more confident, a return to arms in the Middle East risks sending sentiment back to the doldrums. Business confidence climbed nine points in June, despite warnings the federal budget would...[Read More]
How first-time homebuyers can save $8,500 in taxes
16 July
First-time homebuyers are missing out on thousands of dollars by not using a little-known scheme that helps save them money for the deposit. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets them take advantage of their superannuation account’s favourable...[Read More]
Zoning scorecard reveals most housing-friendly city
16 July
Millions of new homes could be built in Australia’s capital cities if “restrictive” zoning laws are loosened, a landmark planning analysis claims. An online atlas of nationwide zoning laws has been compiled by YIMBY Melbourne, an organisation...[Read More]
Energy rollercoaster: Australian bills to fall and rise
16 July
Solar panels, wind farms and cheaper batteries will help to cut Australian electricity bills in the coming years, even as the artificial intelligence boom pushes up the price of gas technology. But energy prices will rise after 2030, a study has...[Read More]
Retrofit rewards to usher in new era of fire-safe homes
16 July
Fire-resistant home upgrades have rocketed to the top of the to-do list for Jem Gay. Summer bushfires that tore through more than 4000 hectares and destroyed 50 buildings in Harcourt in central Victoria were too-close-for-comfort for the residents...[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...[Read More]