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Guides

Guides for Australian property buyers, investors and owners.

Long-form explanations on stamp duty, borrowing, LMI, negative gearing, depreciation and every step between — with sources worth following.

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Finance

23 articles
10 min read

Home Loan Application Documents Checklist Australia

Prepare the identity, income, expense, debt, savings and property documents an Australian lender may request, with separate notes for employees and self-employed applicants.

home loan applicationmortgage documents
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9 min read

Mortgage Portability and Substitution of Security in Australia

Learn how a home-loan security swap may let an Australian borrower keep an existing loan when moving, including approval, settlement, equity, costs and fixed-rate limits.

mortgage portabilitysubstitution of security
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9 min read

Mortgage Discharge Fees and Process in Australia

Understand lender discharge fees, land-title registration charges and the mortgage release process when selling, refinancing or paying off an Australian home loan.

mortgage dischargerefinancing
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9 min read

How to Check Your Offset Account Is Linked and Working

Check whether your mortgage offset account exists, links to the intended loan and appears to reduce interest. Includes a simple statement check and escalation steps.

offset accountmortgage interest
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9 min read

Construction Loans in Australia: Progress Payments and Drawdowns

Understand how construction loan drawdowns, progress payments and build-stage interest can work, with a practical Australian example and clear lender and contract limitations.

construction loanprogress payments
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8 min read

Home Loan Rate Change Checklist: What to Check on the Lender Notice

A practical checklist for checking a changed home loan rate, effective date, minimum repayment, direct debit, offset and remaining term against a lender notice.

home loan rate changemortgage repayments
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8 min read

Does Australian CPI Include House Prices or Mortgage Interest?

Australian CPI includes rents and new owner-occupier dwelling construction excluding land, but not existing house prices or mortgage interest. See which measure fits each question.

cpihouse prices
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8 min read

LMI Estimate Checklist: 8 Inputs to Check Before You Rely on a Premium

A practical checklist for checking an indicative lenders mortgage insurance estimate against the loan amount, lender valuation, LVR, property type, state duty and actual lender quote.

lmi checklistlenders mortgage insurance
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9 min read

Home Loan Refinancing Checklist Australia: Costs, Documents and Steps

A practical Australian refinancing checklist covering switching costs, loan terms, lender documents, settlement and break-even testing.

refinancinghome loan
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8 min read

How to Calculate Inflation and Purchasing Power in Australia

Use a constant-rate scenario to estimate a future equivalent cost, then learn when an ABS CPI index comparison is the better method.

inflationpurchasing power
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7 min read

Weekly vs Fortnightly vs Monthly Mortgage Repayments

A practical guide to repayment frequency in Australia, including the difference between true fortnightly repayments and paying half the monthly amount every two weeks.

mortgage repaymentsfortnightly repayments
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7 min read

Can You Get an LMI Refund in Australia?

A practical Australian guide to when an LMI refund may be possible after refinancing, selling or paying down a home loan, and what borrowers should check before switching lenders.

lmi refundlenders mortgage insurance
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7 min read

Simple Interest Examples Australia 2026: Formula, Loans and Savings Scenarios

Simple interest formula explained with Australian loan, savings and property-debt examples. Calculate interest using principal, rate and time.

simple interestinterest calculator
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6 min read

How Much Is LMI in Australia in 2026? Deposit Examples by Property Price

A buyer-friendly guide to LMI in Australia in 2026, explaining why cost varies by lender, LVR and borrower profile, with examples by deposit size.

lmilenders mortgage insurance
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6 min read

How to Avoid LMI Without a 20% Deposit

Practical ways Australian home buyers may avoid LMI without a 20% deposit, including government schemes, guarantor loans, professional waivers and lower-LVR strategies.

avoid lmilmi waiver
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5 min read

LMI vs Higher Interest Rate: Which Costs More?

A practical comparison of paying LMI versus accepting a higher interest rate, including how to compare upfront premiums, monthly repayments and long-term interest.

lmiinterest rate
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6 min read

Interest-Only vs Principal and Interest Home Loans

Compare how interest-only and principal-and-interest repayments work, including the later repayment step-up, total-interest trade-offs and tax limitations.

interest onlyprincipal and interest
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8 min read

Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Key Differences Explained

Compare offset accounts and redraw facilities — how each works, the key differences, tax implications for investors, and which option suits your home loan strategy.

offset accountredraw facility
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7 min read

How to Compare Home Loans in Australia (2026)

Guide to comparing home loans in Australia: comparison rate, fixed vs variable, fees to watch, and how to find the best deal.

home loanmortgage comparison
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6 min read

Understanding Simple Interest — A Complete Guide

Simple interest explained with formula, worked examples, when to use it, and common pitfalls — plus a calculator to test scenarios.

simple interestguides
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8 min read

Understanding Mortgage Repayments — A Complete Guide

Amortization explained: P&I vs IO, repayment frequency, rate/term effects, offset and extra repayments — with calculator.

mortgageamortization
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7 min read

Understanding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — A Complete Guide

A practical, country‑agnostic guide to what LMI is, when it applies, how premiums are calculated, and how capitalising affects your loan.

LMImortgage
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8 min read

Compound Interest vs Simple Interest: Which is Better?

Compare compound and simple interest to understand which approach works best for your financial goals.

financeinterest
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Property

72 articles
8 min read

What Does Australia's Time to Buy a Dwelling Index Mean?

A practical explanation of Australia's Time to Buy a Dwelling Index, how to read it and why it is not a property-price forecast or buying recommendation.

time to buy a dwellingconsumer sentiment
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8 min read

Preliminary vs Final Auction Clearance Rates in Australia

Learn why preliminary auction clearance rates change, how reporting coverage affects the headline and how to compare Australian weekly results properly.

auction clearance ratesauction results
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9 min read

Pre-Settlement Inspection Checklist for Australian Property Buyers

A practical final inspection checklist for Australian property buyers: what to compare with the contract, what to test, how to record problems and what the inspection cannot resolve.

pre-settlement inspectionproperty settlement
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9 min read

Construction Cost Index Australia: Which ABS Measure Should You Use?

A practical guide to Australian construction cost indexes, including house inputs, builder output prices and CPI new dwellings, with worked index examples and limits.

construction cost indexbuilding cost index
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9 min read

Building Approvals vs Commencements and Completions in Australia

A practical guide to Australian housing supply data: what building approvals, dwelling commencements, work under construction and completions each measure.

building approvalsdwelling commencements
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9 min read

Building and Pest Inspection Checklist Australia: Timing, Scope and Report Limits

A practical Australian checklist for ordering building and timber-pest reports, checking scope and exclusions, timing inspections before auction or contract deadlines, and budgeting from current quotes.

building inspectionpest inspection
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8 min read

Provisional Sums in Building Contracts: A Cost Check Before You Sign

A provisional sum is an estimated allowance for building work that cannot be priced exactly at contract signing. Learn how to compare the variable part of Australian building quotes.

provisional sumbuilding contract
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9 min read

Land Tax Assessment Dates by State: When Ownership Is Measured

See when each Australian state and territory measures land ownership for annual or quarterly land tax, and why settlement adjustments are a separate issue.

land tax assessment dateland tax by state
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9 min read

Land Tax vs Council Rates in Australia: What Each Bill Means

Council rates and land tax are separate annual property charges. Compare who issues them, valuation bases, exemptions and what to enter in a calculator.

land taxcouncil rates
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8 min read

NSW Land Tax Assessment Notice Checklist 2026

A practical checklist for reading a 2026 NSW land tax notice, checking land, exemptions, average values, due dates and the 60-day objection period.

NSW land taxassessment notice
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8 min read

Victorian Land Tax Assessment Notice: A 2026 Checking Guide

A practical checklist for reading a 2026 Victorian land tax assessment, checking site values, land ownership and exemptions, and understanding objection time limits.

victoria land taxassessment notice
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7 min read

How to Calculate LVR for an Australian Home Loan

Calculate loan-to-value ratio from the loan amount and lender property value, with worked 80%, 90% and valuation-shortfall examples.

lvrloan to value ratio
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7 min read

NSW Land Tax PPR Exemption: The 25% Ownership Rule

A practical guide to the NSW principal place of residence land tax exemption, including the 25% ownership rule, family limits and calculator limitations.

land taxnsw land tax
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7 min read

Holiday Homes and Land Tax: What Australian Owners Should Check

A practical Australian guide to when a holiday home, weekender or second property may affect land tax, vacant residential land tax and surcharge estimates.

land taxholiday home
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7 min read

Bank Valuation Shortfall and LMI: What Australian Buyers Should Check

A practical Australian buyer guide to how a low lender valuation can change LVR, trigger LMI and create a cash shortfall before settlement.

lmibank valuation
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6 min read

Vendor Bid at Auction: What Australian Buyers Should Know

A practical Australian buyer guide to vendor bids at property auctions, including what they mean, how they differ from genuine bids and what to check before raising your own bid.

vendor bidproperty auction
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6 min read

What Happens When a Property Is Passed In at Auction?

A practical Australian buyer guide to passed-in auctions, highest-bidder negotiations, cooling-off risk and the numbers to check before making a post-auction offer.

passed in at auctionproperty auction
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7 min read

Land Value vs Property Value for Land Tax: What to Enter in a Calculator

A practical Australian guide to the difference between land value, site value, capital improved value and market value when estimating land tax.

land valueproperty value
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7 min read

Do Apartments Pay Land Tax in Australia?

A practical Australian guide to when apartments, units and townhouses may attract land tax, including principal residence exemptions, strata land value and investor examples.

apartmentsland tax
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6 min read

Auction Bidding Budget Checklist Australia

A practical Australian auction checklist for setting a maximum bid, allowing for stamp duty, loan limits, settlement costs and no-cooling-off risk before auction day.

auction biddingauction budget
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8 min read

VIC Land Tax on $600k, $900k and $1.2m Site Value: 2026 Investor Examples

Victorian land tax examples for investment properties with $600k, $900k and $1.2m taxable site values, including trusts, absentee owners and cash-flow checks.

vic land taxvictoria land tax calculator
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8 min read

LMI at 90% LVR in Australia: 2026 Deposit, Premium and Repayment Guide

A practical guide to LMI at 90% LVR in Australia, including deposit examples, capitalised LMI, monthly repayment impact and when saving longer may be better.

lmi calculator90 lvr
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9 min read

Net Rental Yield Calculator Australia: Expenses Investors Forget in 2026

A practical guide to calculating net rental yield in Australia, including vacancy, management fees, strata, land tax, insurance, repairs and interest costs.

rental yield calculatornet rental yield
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7 min read

Stamp Duty by Property Price Australia 2026: $600k, $800k and $1m Buyer Guide

Compare stamp duty on $600k, $800k and $1m Australian property purchases by state, buyer type and first home buyer status, with calculator links.

stamp dutyproperty price
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7 min read

Borrowing Power After Rate Rises: Australian Income Examples for 2026

How interest-rate rises and lender serviceability buffers reduce borrowing power, with practical Australian household examples and calculator links.

borrowing powerrate rises
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4 min read

VIC Land Tax Absentee Owner Surcharge 2026: Who Pays and How to Estimate It

Victorian absentee owner surcharge guide for property investors, including who can be caught, how the surcharge interacts with land tax and what to model before buying.

vic land taxabsentee owner surcharge
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4 min read

VIC Land Tax Trust Surcharge: 2026 Examples for Property Investors

How Victorian trust surcharge land tax can change the annual cost of holding investment property, with examples and planning checks.

vic land tax trust surchargetrust land tax victoria
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4 min read

NSW Land Tax for Discretionary Trusts in 2026

NSW discretionary trust land tax guide for investors, including threshold treatment, examples and what to check before buying property in a trust.

nsw land taxdiscretionary trust
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4 min read

NSW Premium Land Tax Threshold 2026: When the Higher Rate Applies

NSW premium land tax threshold guide for 2026, including when the premium rate applies and how investors should model aggregated land value.

nsw premium land taxnsw land tax threshold 2026
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5 min read

Land Tax by State Australia 2026: VIC vs NSW vs QLD vs WA

Compare land tax by Australian state in 2026, including thresholds, owner type, aggregation and investor traps.

land tax by stateland tax australia 2026
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4 min read

Do You Pay Land Tax on an Investment Apartment?

State-by-state guide to when an investment apartment can trigger land tax, including site value, aggregation and owner type.

apartment land taxinvestment apartment
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4 min read

How Much Is LMI on a $700k, $800k, $900k and $1m Property?

Compare estimated LMI on $700k, $800k, $900k and $1m Australian properties at 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% LVR, with deposit and repayment trade-offs.

lmi calculatorlmi by property price
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4 min read

Can You Add LMI to Your Loan? Capitalised LMI Cost Over 30 Years

How capitalised LMI works in Australia, including repayment impact, extra interest and when paying upfront may be better.

capitalised lmiadd lmi to loan
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4 min read

LMI vs 20% Deposit: Should You Buy Now or Keep Saving?

A practical comparison of paying LMI to buy sooner versus waiting for a 20% deposit in Australia.

lmi vs 20 depositbuy now or save
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4 min read

First Home Guarantee vs LMI: Which Costs Less in 2026?

Compare the First Home Guarantee with paying LMI, including deposit size, loan size, interest and eligibility trade-offs.

first home guaranteelmi
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3 min read

LMI for Investors: Why Premiums Can Be Higher

Why Australian property investors can pay different LMI premiums from owner occupiers, and what to model before buying at high LVR.

lmi for investorsinvestment property lmi
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4 min read

Rental Yield by City: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide

Compare rental yield by Australian city, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Model gross yield, net yield, vacancy, land tax and cash flow.

rental yield by cityrental yield australia
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4 min read

Negative Cash Flow vs Positive Cash Flow Property

Compare negative cash flow and positive cash flow property investing, including yield, interest, tax deductions and risk.

negative cash flow propertypositive cash flow property
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7 min read

Victoria Land Tax for Investment Properties 2026: Owner Types, Trusts and Surcharges

A practical guide to Victorian land tax for investment properties in 2026, covering site value, trusts, absentee owner surcharge, examples and how to estimate your bill.

victoria land taxland tax calculator vic
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7 min read

NSW Land Tax 2026: Investors, Thresholds, Premium Rates and Examples

NSW land tax guide for investors in 2026, including the frozen general and premium thresholds, 3-year average land value, trust rules and worked examples.

nsw land taxland tax calculator nsw
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7 min read

Land Tax for Trusts and Companies in Australia: State-by-State 2026 Guide

How land tax changes when Australian property is held in a trust or company, with 2026 examples for Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

land tax trustsland tax companies
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6 min read

What Is a Good Rental Yield in Australia in 2026?

A practical guide to what counts as a good rental yield in Australia in 2026, including gross yield, net yield, risk, location and cash flow.

rental yieldinvestment property
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5 min read

Gross vs Net Rental Yield: Why Investors Get the Number Wrong

A clear guide to gross vs net rental yield for Australian property investors, with formulas, examples and the costs that often get missed.

gross rental yieldnet rental yield
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5 min read

Positive Cash Flow Property: How to Calculate It Before You Buy

How to calculate whether an Australian investment property is positive cash flow before buying, including rent, expenses, interest, land tax and vacancy.

positive cash flow propertyinvestment property
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8 min read

Property Settlement Process in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

A complete guide to the property settlement process in Australia — what happens, who is involved, typical timelines, common delays, and costs to expect on settlement day.

property settlementconveyancing
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8 min read

Body Corporate Fees Explained: What They Cover & How Much They Cost

Everything you need to know about body corporate (strata) fees in Australia — what they cover, how much they cost, factors that affect fees, and their impact on property investment returns.

body corporatestrata fees
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8 min read

Conveyancing & Property Settlement in Australia: A Complete Guide

How property settlement works in Australia — what conveyancing involves, typical timelines, costs, key documents, and what to expect from exchange to settlement day.

conveyancingproperty settlement
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9 min read

Auction Bidding Strategy Guide: How to Buy Property at Auction in Australia

A practical guide to buying at auction in Australia — pre-auction research, registration, bidding tactics, vendor bids, reserve prices, cooling-off periods, and what happens after the hammer falls.

auctionbidding strategy
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8 min read

Strata vs Freehold Property: Key Differences for Buyers

Compare strata and freehold property ownership in Australia — what each means, pros and cons, body corporate fees, insurance differences, restrictions, and which suits different buyers.

stratafreehold
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10 min read

Buy vs Rent in Australia (2026): Which Is Better?

Complete guide to the buy vs rent decision in Australia: true costs, opportunity cost of deposit, property growth assumptions, lifestyle factors, and when each option wins.

buy vs rentproperty
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8 min read

Property Depreciation Schedule Australia (2026): What You Can Claim

Complete guide to property depreciation in Australia: capital works (Div 43), plant and equipment (Div 40), quantity surveyor reports, and how to maximise deductions.

depreciationtax deduction
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4 min read

WA Foreign Buyer Surcharge (2026)

Western Australia foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge in 2026: rates, who it applies to, exemptions, and how to calculate.

foreign buyerwa
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4 min read

SA Foreign Buyer Surcharge (2026)

South Australia foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge in 2026: rates, who it applies to, exemptions, and how to calculate.

foreign buyersa
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4 min read

TAS Foreign Buyer Surcharge (2026)

Tasmania foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge in 2026: rates, who it applies to, exemptions, and how to calculate.

foreign buyertas
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4 min read

ACT Foreign Buyer Surcharge (2026)

Australian Capital Territory foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge in 2026: rates, who it applies to, exemptions, and how to calculate.

foreign buyeract
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4 min read

NT Foreign Buyer Surcharge (2026)

Northern Territory foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge in 2026: rates, who it applies to, exemptions, and how to calculate.

foreign buyernt
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8 min read

Cost of Buying a House in Australia (2026): Complete Breakdown

Complete guide to all costs of buying a house in Australia in 2026: stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, LMI, moving costs and more.

buying costsproperty purchase
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9 min read

Negative Gearing Explained: How It Works in Australia (2026)

Complete guide to negative gearing in Australia: how it works, tax benefits, worked examples, pros and cons for property investors.

negative gearinginvestment property
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9 min read

Property Investment Tax Deductions Australia (2026)

Complete guide to rental property tax deductions in Australia: what you can claim, depreciation, capital works, and common mistakes.

tax deductionsinvestment property
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9 min read

Capital Gains Tax on Property in Australia: Practical Guide

How Australian property CGT can involve cost base, capital losses, the discount or indexation method, main-residence rules and record keeping.

capital gains taxcgt
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7 min read

First Home Buyer Guide Australia: State Checks for 2026

A practical first home buyer checklist for Australia, with current state links and clear limits on grant, duty and borrowing estimates.

first home buyeraustralia
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9 min read

WA Stamp Duty 2026: Current Rates and First Home Buyer Thresholds

Check Western Australia transfer duty rates, 2026 first home buyer thresholds, a $650,000 worked example and the limits of an online estimate.

stamp dutywa
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5 min read

WA Land Tax 2026: Thresholds, Rates & Exemptions

WA land tax 2026: thresholds, marginal rates for individuals and companies, principal residence exemption.

land taxwa
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6 min read

Understanding Stamp Duty — A Complete Guide

Transfer duties explained: what they cover, how brackets/thresholds work, concessions/surcharges, and how to estimate them.

stamp dutyproperty
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6 min read

NSW Stamp Duty 2026: Rates, Thresholds, FHB & Surcharges

How NSW stamp duty works in 2026: brackets, first home buyer concessions, foreign buyer surcharges, and examples — with a calculator.

stamp dutynsw
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6 min read

VIC Stamp Duty 2026: Rates, Thresholds, FHB & Surcharges

How Victorian stamp duty works in 2026: brackets, first home buyer concessions, foreign buyer surcharges — plus a calculator.

stamp dutyvic
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6 min read

QLD Stamp Duty 2026: PPOR vs Investor, FHB & Surcharges

Queensland transfer duty in 2026: PPOR vs investment, FHB concessions, and foreign surcharges — with a calculator.

stamp dutyqld
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5 min read

NSW Land Tax 2026: Thresholds, Owner Types, Surcharges

NSW land tax 2026 overview: thresholds, base amounts, marginal rates, owner types (individual vs company/trust), and foreign surcharges.

land taxnsw
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5 min read

VIC Land Tax 2026: Thresholds, Owner Types, Surcharges

Victoria land tax 2026: thresholds and rates by owner type, absentee owner surcharge, examples, and calculator.

land taxvic
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5 min read

QLD Land Tax 2026: Thresholds, Owner Types, Surcharges

Queensland land tax 2026: thresholds and rates for individuals vs companies/trusts, foreign surcharges, and calculator.

land taxqld
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5 min read

NSW First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Concessions (2026)

NSW 2026 FHB concessions and exemptions: eligibility, thresholds, how to claim, and examples — with a calculator.

first home buyernsw
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4 min read

VIC First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Concessions (2026)

VIC 2026 FHB concessions: eligibility, thresholds, occupancy rules; how to apply — calculator included.

first home buyervic
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News

83 articles
7 min read

Australia’s Unemployment Rate Rose to 4.5% in July 2026

Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in July 2026 as employment and participation fell. See the ABS figures and what they do not show about a home loan application.

unemployment ratelabour force
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7 min read

Australian Wage Growth Held at 3.2% in the June Quarter 2026

Australian wages rose 0.8% in the June quarter and 3.2% over the year. See the ABS figures and what they can and cannot show home loan users.

wage price indexwage growth
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8 min read

Homebuyer Sentiment Rebounds After RBA Hold, but Price Expectations Fall

Australian home-buying sentiment improved in August 2026 after the RBA's hold, while house-price expectations fell to a three-year low.

consumer sentimenthomebuyer sentiment
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7 min read

Preliminary Capital-City Auction Clearance Rate Reached 56.5%

Cotality reported a 56.5% preliminary weighted clearance rate across the capital cities for the week ending 16 August 2026, based on 949 known results.

auction clearance rateauction results
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8 min read

RBA Says Scheduled Mortgage Payments Are Near Their 2024 Peak

The RBA says scheduled mortgage payments are close to their 2024 peak as a share of household income, while new housing lending and auction conditions have softened.

rbamortgage payments
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7 min read

Australian Full-Time Adult Weekly Earnings Rose 3.7% to $2,083.70

ABS average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults reached $2,083.70 in May 2026. See what the figure measures and why it is not a borrowing-power benchmark.

average weekly earningsABS
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8 min read

Australian New Home Loan Commitments Fell 5.4% in the June Quarter

ABS data show the number of new dwelling loan commitments fell 5.4% in the June quarter 2026. See the owner-occupier, investor and first home buyer results.

home loanslending indicators
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7 min read

Australia's Capital-City Property Listings Reach a Seven-Year High

Domain says total property listings across the combined capitals reached a seven-year high in July 2026. See what changed, the auction context and the limits of the data.

property listingshousing supply
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7 min read

2026 Census Housing Data: What Happens After Census Night

Australia held the 2026 Census on 11 August. See when housing, mortgage, rent and tenure data is planned for release, and what the figures will not show.

2026 Censushousing data
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7 min read

RBA August 2026 Inflation Forecast: What the Outlook Says

The RBA expects headline and underlying inflation to ease to 2.4% by mid-2028. See the August forecast, housing context and limits for mortgage planning.

RBAinflation forecast
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7 min read

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 4.35% in August 2026

The RBA held the cash rate at 4.35% on 11 August 2026. See what the decision means for mortgage repayment estimates, borrowing checks and the next meeting.

rbacash rate
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8 min read

ASIC Finds Banks Paid More Than $55 Million for Offset Failures

ASIC says eight reviewed banks paid more than $55 million in compensation for mortgage offset failures. See what went wrong, what customers can check and what the figures do not prove.

ASICoffset account
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7 min read

Australian Home Values Fell 0.7% in July 2026

Cotality says its national Home Value Index fell 0.7% in July 2026 as declines widened beyond Sydney and Melbourne. See the city results and index limits.

home valueshouse prices
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7 min read

RBA Says Housing Market Eased More Than Expected

The RBA says established housing prices eased more than expected, with modest falls concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne while negative equity remained limited.

rbahousing market
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7 min read

RBA May 2026 Mortgage Rates: New Owner-Occupier P&I Reached 6.15%

RBA data now show new owner-occupier principal-and-interest housing loans averaged 6.15% in May 2026, up from 5.92% in April. See the investor rates, repayment example and data limits.

rba housing ratesmortgage rates
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8 min read

NSW Passes Final Bill for 10-Year Apartment Defect Insurance

NSW has passed the final bill needed to bring 10-year decennial liability insurance for apartment defects to market. See what changed, what DLI may cover and what buyers still need to verify.

nsw apartmentsbuilding defects
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8 min read

Mortgage Interest Charges Rose 8.2% in the June Quarter, ABS Says

ABS living-cost data show mortgage interest charges rose 8.2% in the June quarter and employee-household living costs rose 1.5%. See what the figures measure and why they are not a personal repayment estimate.

mortgage interestliving costs
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7 min read

Australian Household Spending Rose 0.8% in June 2026

ABS household spending rose 0.8% in June and 6.0% over the year. See the category drivers, quarterly volume result and important housing-cost exclusions.

household spendingABS
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7 min read

2026 Census Housing Questions: Mortgage, Rent and Tenure

The 2026 Census is on 11 August. See which housing payments and tenure details are collected, what is excluded and when the first housing data is planned for release.

2026 Censushousing data
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8 min read

Australian Housing Credit Grew 7.5% Over the Year to June 2026

RBA data show housing credit grew 0.6% in June and 7.5% over the year. See what outstanding housing credit measures and how it differs from new home lending.

housing creditfinancial aggregates
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8 min read

Australian House Construction Prices Rose 2.0% in June Quarter 2026

ABS data show house construction output prices rose 2.0% in the June quarter and 5.9% over the year. See input costs, state results and the limits of the index.

house construction pricesbuilding costs
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9 min read

Australian Dwelling Approvals Rose 7.2% in June 2026

ABS data show Australian dwelling approvals rose to 18,328 in June 2026, led by multi-unit approvals. See the national, dwelling-type and state results and their limits.

dwelling approvalsbuilding approvals
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8 min read

Australia CPI June 2026: Housing Costs Rose 6.8% Over the Year

Australian CPI rose 3.8% over the year to June 2026 while the Housing group rose 6.8%. See the rent, new dwelling and electricity figures and what they do not tell you about a mortgage.

consumer price indexhousing inflation
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8 min read

Productivity Commission Housing Supply Report 2026: What It Says and What Has Not Changed

The Productivity Commission has released draft findings on planning, approvals and housing infrastructure. See the proposals, consultation dates and why no current calculator rule has changed.

housing supplyproductivity commission
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7 min read

June Jobs Data: What 4.4% Unemployment Does and Does Not Say About Home Loans

Australia’s unemployment rate held at 4.4% in June 2026. See the employment, participation and underemployment figures, plus the limits of using national data in a home loan estimate.

unemployment ratelabour force
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7 min read

WA Prefab Pod Warning: Why “No Permit Required” Claims Need Checking

WA regulators have warned that prefab pods, tiny homes and outbuildings may still need council approval, a building permit and registered installation.

prefab podtiny home
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9 min read

NSW Smart Rental Bonds Rollout: $25 Fee and Transfer Rules

NSW Smart Rental Bonds are due to begin a phased rollout in August 2026. Check the $25 fee, four-week timing rule, eligible moves and claim process.

NSW Smart Rental Bondsportable rental bond
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8 min read

Victoria Stamp Duty Ruling 2026: When Vendor Tax Payments Can Affect Duty

Victoria has issued ruling DA-070 on when purchaser-paid vendor tax amounts form part of a property transfer. See the 17 August start date and calculator limits.

Victoria stamp dutyassumed tax amounts
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7 min read

ASIC Mortgage Broker Review 2026: What Borrowers Can Check Now

ASIC is reviewing mortgage broker compliance with the best interests duty. The findings are not out yet. See what borrowers can ask and compare now.

mortgage brokerbest interests duty
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7 min read

Housing Australia Future Fund Audit: What the 1,432-Home Figure Means

The ANAO has audited the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord Facility. See the 1,432 completed homes, 40,000 target and delivery caveats.

Housing Australia Future FundHAFF
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7 min read

Proposed PEXA Transfer Fee Cuts in 2026: What the IPART Draft Says

IPART has proposed lower PEXA transfer fees from July 2027. Current fees have not changed. See the draft figures, timing and limits for property buyers.

PEXAelectronic conveyancing
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8 min read

RBA Housing Rate Channel: What Mortgage Holders Should Know in July 2026

The RBA says housing is the strongest domestic channel for interest-rate changes. Here is what that means for repayments, spending and dwelling investment.

RBAinterest rates
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8 min read

NSW Property Tax Notices 2026-27: Payment Dates and Rate Check

Revenue NSW began issuing 2026-27 First Home Buyer Choice property tax notices on 1 July. Check the payment dates, land use, rate and 4% cap.

NSW property taxFirst Home Buyer Choice
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7 min read

AUSTRAC Real Estate Rules 2026: What Buyers and Sellers May Notice

Australia's expanded AML/CTF rules apply to certain real estate services from 1 July 2026. Here is what the change may mean for property buyers and sellers.

AUSTRACAML CTF
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8 min read

NSW Rental Reforms One Year On: What the First Impact Report Found

NSW Fair Trading's first rental reform analysis found active rental bonds rose 1.1% to 988,603 by March 2026. The early data do not prove the reforms caused the change.

NSW rental reformsrental market
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6 min read

RBA Housing Lending Rates: April 2026 Data Released in July

The RBA's latest lender-rate release shows new owner-occupier principal-and-interest housing loans averaged 5.92% in April 2026, compared with 6.09% for new investor principal-and-interest loans.

rba housing rateshome loan rates
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7 min read

South Australia Land Tax Thresholds Changed for 2026-27

RevenueSA has published the South Australian land tax thresholds effective from 1 July 2026. The thresholds changed while the marginal rates stayed the same.

south australia land taxland tax thresholds
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7 min read

Australian Household Wealth Rose 1.2% as Property Values Increased in March Quarter 2026

ABS data show Australian household wealth rose by $224.9 billion in the March quarter 2026, led by higher land and dwelling values while superannuation assets fell.

household wealthproperty values
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6 min read

Australia Recorded 1.60 Million Overseas Arrivals in May 2026, but It Is Not Migration Data

ABS data recorded 1.60 million international arrivals and 1.69 million departures in May 2026. The figures count border crossings and should not be used as a housing-demand or net migration measure.

overseas arrivalsmigration data
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6 min read

Australian Housing Costs Rose 6.5% in the Year to May 2026

ABS data shows the housing group rose 6.5% over the year to May 2026, with electricity, new dwellings and rents contributing to the increase.

housing inflationcpi
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9 min read

SMSF Property Borrowing Changes from 10 August 2026

New SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangements for real property will generally need to involve business real property from 10 August 2026.

smsfproperty borrowing
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7 min read

Australian Dwelling Starts Fell 11.2% in the March Quarter 2026

ABS data shows seasonally adjusted dwelling commencements fell in the March quarter, while the less volatile trend series still rose.

dwelling startsdwelling commencements
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7 min read

Queensland First Home Buyer Changes 2026: $30,000 Grant and New Residency Rule

Queensland has continued the $30,000 first home owner grant and will add a residency test to home duty concessions from 1 August 2026.

queensland first home buyerfirst home owner grant
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8 min read

Victoria Property Tax Changes Now Law: What Buyers and Home Builders Need to Know

Victoria has legislated changes to the off-the-plan duty concession, land tax treatment for homes under construction and the emergency services fixed charge.

victoria property taxland tax
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6 min read

Australian Dwelling Approvals Fell 1.1% in May 2026

ABS data shows total dwelling approvals fell in May 2026 as apartment and other multi-unit approvals declined, while private house approvals rose.

dwelling approvalsbuilding approvals
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8 min read

WA First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Changes 2026: What Buyers Should Check

Western Australia has announced higher first home buyer transfer duty thresholds for 2026-27. This guide explains what changed, what is still pending, and how buyers should model settlement cash.

wa stamp dutywestern australia first home buyer
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10 min read

Help to Buy vs 5% Deposit Scheme: Which First Home Buyer Path Is Better in 2026?

A practical comparison of Help to Buy and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme in 2026, including deposits, ownership, income caps, repayments, price caps and hidden trade-offs.

help to buy5% deposit scheme
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9 min read

Does HECS or HELP Debt Affect Borrowing Power in 2026?

How HECS and HELP debt affects mortgage borrowing power in 2026, including the new marginal repayment system, the $67,000 threshold, lender serviceability and whether paying it off before buying can help.

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10 min read

Should You Fix Your Home Loan in 2026 After the RBA Rate Hikes?

A practical 2026 guide to fixed, variable and split home loans after the RBA rate hikes, including repayment certainty, offset access, break costs, refinancing and when each option may suit.

fixed ratevariable rate
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10 min read

Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme 2026: Eligibility, Price Caps and Real Costs

A practical 2026 guide to the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme: who qualifies, current price caps, how much deposit you need, LMI savings, stamp duty, repayments and the traps to check before you apply.

5% deposit schemefirst home guarantee
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9 min read

How Much Can I Borrow After the 2026 RBA Rate Hikes?

How the 2026 RBA rate hikes, APRA serviceability buffer and lender assessment rules affect Australian borrowing power, with worked examples by income and practical ways to protect a pre-approval.

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9 min read

Victoria Off-the-Plan Stamp Duty Concession 2026-27: Who Qualifies and What You Could Save

A buyer-friendly guide to Victoria's temporary off-the-plan stamp duty concession, including the 2026-27 Budget extension, eligible properties, how savings are calculated, worked examples and key risks.

victoria stamp dutyoff the plan
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4 min read

CGT Reform from 1 July 2027: Why Simple Examples Can Mislead

Why post-2027 CGT estimates need acquisition timing, a 1 July 2027 transition value or apportionment, indexation and minimum-tax checks.

cgt discountcapital gains tax
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3 min read

Negative Gearing Reform and Housing: What Modelling Can Show

A cautious explanation of why modelled price and rent effects are scenarios rather than forecasts of the enacted 2026 tax reforms.

negative gearingcgt discount
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3 min read

Property Tax Changes from 2027: Questions for Investors to Check

A non-prescriptive checklist for reviewing the enacted negative gearing and CGT changes with a registered tax adviser.

property investmentnegative gearing
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6 min read

Negative Gearing and CGT Reform: What the 2026 Act Does

A corrected guide to the enacted 2026 negative gearing and CGT changes, including the different transition rules that apply to each measure.

negative gearingcapital gains tax
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8 min read

RBA Hikes Cash Rate to 4.35% — Third Consecutive Rise as Inflation Re-Accelerates

The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35% on 5 May 2026, the third hike of the year. Big Four banks have all confirmed full pass-through. What it means for repayments, the inflation backdrop, and what comes next.

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9 min read

First Home Super Saver Scheme 2026: How to Pull \$50,000 Out of Your Super for a Deposit

The FHSS lets first home buyers save for a deposit inside super at the 15% concessional rate instead of their marginal rate. Caps, eligibility, tax treatment, timeline, and the five traps that catch most applicants.

first home super saver schemefhsss
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8 min read

EOFY 2026 Property Investor Tax Checklist: What to Do Before 30 June

The Australian financial year ends 30 June 2026. Four moves before then that actually reduce your 2025-26 tax, plus the traps that catch property investors every year.

eofyproperty investor
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7 min read

Mortgage Stress in Australia (April 2026): 1.4 Million Households at Risk and What to Do About It

Roy Morgan forecasts 26.6% of Australian mortgage holders are at risk after the March rate rise. What the numbers mean, which states are hit hardest, and seven moves that actually help.

mortgage stressmortgage hardship
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7 min read

Sydney and Melbourne Auction Clearance Rates Crash to Post-Pandemic Lows: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Sydney's final auction clearance rate hit 48.8% at Easter — the weakest since April 2020. Melbourne, national data, the drivers behind the slump, and what it means if you're buying, selling, or refinancing in 2026.

auction clearance ratessydney property market
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6 min read

Big Four Banks Pass Through RBA March Hike: What Homeowners Need to Know

CBA, NAB, Westpac and ANZ have all passed on the RBA's March 0.25% rate rise in full. Effective dates, the repayment impact, and what borrowers should do now.

rbacash rate
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8 min read

Australia's Housing Construction Shortfall: Why 1.2 Million Homes Won't Be Built on Time

Australia needs 1.2 million new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord, but construction is falling well short of target. What is going wrong, what it means for prices and rents, and what buyers should know.

housing constructionhousing supply
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7 min read

Downsizer Contributions: How Selling Your Home Can Boost Your Super

The downsizer contribution lets Australians aged 55+ put up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation. How it works, eligibility rules, and whether it makes sense for you.

downsizer contributionsuperannuation
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8 min read

Australia's Rental Vacancy Crisis: Why Finding a Rental Has Never Been Harder

Rental vacancy rates across Australia have hit historic lows. What is driving the crisis, which cities are worst affected, and what it means for tenants, landlords, and investors.

rental vacancyrental crisis
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7 min read

Regional Property Markets Outperforming Capital Cities in 2026

Why Australian regional property markets are outperforming capital cities in 2026: affordability, lifestyle migration, infrastructure investment, and what it means for buyers and investors.

regional propertysea change
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7 min read

Understanding Comparison Rates: Why the Advertised Rate Isn't the Full Story

What an Australian comparison rate is, how it is calculated, why it matters when comparing home loans, and its limitations. Use our Loan Comparison Calculator to compare the true cost of loans.

comparison ratehome loan
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8 min read

Off-the-Plan vs Established Property: Pros, Cons & Financial Comparison

Comparing off-the-plan and established property in Australia: stamp duty differences, depreciation advantages, settlement risks, and a financial breakdown to help you decide.

off-the-planestablished property
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8 min read

Best Home Loan Rates in Australia (April 2026): How to Find the Cheapest Mortgage

Compare the cheapest home loan rates in Australia as of April 2026. Big four bank rates, smaller lender deals, fixed vs variable, and how to get the best rate.

home loan ratesmortgage rates
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8 min read

How the Middle East Conflict Is Affecting Australian Property Markets in 2026

The Middle East conflict is pushing up oil prices, inflation, and interest rates. What this means for Australian property prices, construction costs, and mortgage holders.

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8 min read

Australia's Housing Supply Crisis (2026): Why We're 380,000 Homes Short

Australia faces a projected 380,000 dwelling shortfall over the next five years. Why construction can't keep up with demand and what it means for prices and rents.

housing supplyconstruction
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8 min read

Auction Clearance Rates Australia 2026: What They Mean and Current Trends

Understanding auction clearance rates: how they work as a market indicator, current trends across Australian capitals, and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

auction clearance ratesauctions
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7 min read

How Record Migration Is Reshaping Australia's Housing Market in 2026

Australia's population grew by 423,600 in one year, reaching 27.7 million. How migration-driven demand is outpacing housing supply and what it means for prices and rents.

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7 min read

Your Fixed Rate Is Expiring in 2026: What to Do Before It Rolls Over

Billions in fixed-rate mortgages are rolling over in 2026. If your fixed rate is expiring, here is what to do to avoid the revert rate shock and potentially save thousands.

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7 min read

How RBA Interest Rates Affect Your Property Costs in 2026

Understand how the RBA cash rate flows through to your mortgage repayments, borrowing power, and property costs — and what strategies can help.

rbainterest rates
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7 min read

Housing Affordability in Australia (2026): Key Challenges & Solutions

The state of housing affordability in Australia: deposit barriers, income-to-price ratios, government assistance, and practical strategies for buyers.

housing affordabilityfirst home buyer
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7 min read

Australian Rental Market 2026: Vacancy Rates, Trends & What It Means

The state of Australia's rental market: historically low vacancy rates, rising rents, and what it means for tenants and investors.

rental marketvacancy rates
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7 min read

Stamp Duty Reform in Australia (2026): State-by-State Progress

The state of stamp duty reform across Australia: the ACT's ongoing abolition program, reform discussions in other states, and what it means for property buyers.

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8 min read

Investment Property Tax in Australia (2026): Negative Gearing, CGT & Depreciation

Current Australian tax rules for investment property: negative gearing, capital gains tax discount, depreciation deductions, and the ongoing policy debate.

investment propertynegative gearing
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6 min read

First Home Buyer Programs Australia 2026: What to Verify

A current verification checklist for grants, duty relief, guarantee and shared-equity programs without assuming eligibility.

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7 min read

RBA Raises Cash Rate to 4.10% in March 2026: What It Means for Property

The RBA increased the cash rate to 4.10% on 17 March 2026 — the first rise since November 2023. What this means for mortgage holders, borrowers, and the property market.

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8 min read

Help to Buy Scheme 2026: How It Works, Eligibility & How to Apply

The Australian Government Help to Buy shared equity scheme launched in December 2025. How it works, who is eligible, participating lenders, and how to apply.

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8 min read

Australia's Two-Speed Property Market: Perth & Brisbane Lead While Sydney & Melbourne Stall

Australian property in 2026 is a tale of two markets: Perth and Brisbane surging with double-digit growth while Sydney and Melbourne face affordability constraints.

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The guides on this hub are written for people who want to understand how Australian property finance actually works rather than be sold to. Every article is researched against primary sources — ATO rulings, state revenue legislation, APRA prudential standards, RBA statistical releases, and the relevant case law where it exists. Where a number is quoted, it is dated and linked. Where a rule has changed, the article notes the effective date and the legislation that changed it. Editorial standards, sourcing requirements, and update cadence are documented in the methodology page.

The catalogue covers the full span of Australian residential property: first home buyer schemes, investment property tax, refinancing mechanics, stamp duty by state, land tax thresholds, negative and positive gearing, capital gains, depreciation, SMSF property, and the borrowing-power consequences of HECS, credit cards, and dependent children. Each article is structured to answer a specific question rather than rank for a generic head term, and most include a worked example with real numbers.

Several guides function as reference documents rather than blog posts. The first home buyer guide covers every concession, grant, and scheme available across the eight jurisdictions. The negative gearing explainer walks through how rental losses interact with PAYG income, how the depreciation schedule changes the cash-versus-tax position, and what happens to carried-forward losses when a property is sold. On the disposal side, the capital gains tax guide for property covers the 50% CGT discount, the main residence exemption, the six-year absence rule, and the cost base inclusions most accountants quietly miss. For super-funded deposit savers, the First Home Super Saver Scheme 2026 guide reflects the current $50,000 contribution cap and the determination process the ATO uses to calculate the released amount.

Update cadence is explicit. Tax-year-sensitive content is reviewed each July when the ATO releases updated rates. Rate-sensitive content is reviewed within 48 hours of an RBA cash rate decision. State duty and land tax content is reviewed at each state budget. The last-reviewed date sits at the top of every article.