Stay up to date with the Australian property and finance market. Our blog features articles and tips to help get you ready to buy and pay off your mortgage faster. Enjoy!
The 2026 Federal Budget has introduced some of the biggest proposed property and tax changes we’ve seen in years — particularly for investors and future home buyers. From changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax through to expanded first home .......
Read moreThere’s been a lot of noise lately about rising costs, interest rates and what might be coming next – and it’s leaving many people wondering what it all actually means for them. At its core, the current environment comes down to a simple combination: c .......
Read moreMake sure your home, contents, or investment property is fully protected this storm season. As weather events become more unpredictable and intense, reviewing your insurance policy before it renews is crucial. Use this checklist to avoid gaps in your c .......
Read moreSustainability is more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle choice that’s becoming a priority for homeowners and buyers alike. By making eco-friendly upgrades to your property, you’re not only helping the planet but also increasing your home’s value. G .......
Read moreWith 30 June fast approaching, it’s a great time to make the most of available deductions — especially if you’re self-employed or a small business owner. Here are some tried-and-true tax tips to help you maximise your refund. Working from home? Whether .......
Read moreLiving by the sea is a dream for many Australians. The fresh ocean breeze, stunning views, and relaxed coastal lifestyle are undeniably appealing. But for many, the question is: can I afford it? The good news is that affordable seaside properties do ex .......
Read moreThe Australian property market is constantly shifting, with house prices influenced by demand, economic conditions, and interest rates. With a budget of $800,000, your options range from city apartments to suburban family homes—or even a coastal retrea .......
Read moreWhen buying property in Australia, timing is everything. One of the most critical factors influencing property markets and buyer behaviour is the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decisions on interest rates. A rate cut can make borrowing more affordab .......
Read moreFor first-home buyers in 2025, saving for your first property can feel like climbing a mountain. With rising property prices, changing economic conditions, and an ever-evolving housing market, having a smart savings strategy is more important than ever .......
Read moreInvesting in property is not a straightforward process. It requires thorough due diligence and guidance from qualified finance and property professionals to ensure your purchase ticks all the right boxes for both macro and micro fundamentals of capital .......
Read moreFirst Home Buyers | Mortgage Explainers | January 2025 As a first home buyer in Australia, you may come across the term Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) while applying for a home loan. LMI is a type of insurance that protects the lender – not you .......
Read moreWhen planning a construction or renovation project, securing the right loan is crucial to making your dream a reality without financial headaches. Whether you’re building your ideal home, adding a second storey, or upgrading your kitchen – choosing the .......
Read moreWith space at a premium in Australia’s major cities, apartment living has become increasingly attractive. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an investor, apartments offer affordability, convenience, and proximity to amenities. However, buying an apar .......
Read moreAs 2025 begins, there’s a sense of optimism for homeowners and buyers. After a stretch of higher mortgage interest rates, there’s hope this year might offer some relief, making repayments more manageable and opening doors for those looking to refinance .......
Read moreBalancing a dream home with a dream location can feel out of reach in Australia’s high-demand housing market. However, detailed data on micro-areas called SA1s within suburbs reveals hidden pockets of affordability, allowing buyers to find budget-frien .......
Read moreGood news for first-home buyers! Three government-backed schemes are currently available under the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) that make it easier to purchase a home with a smaller deposit. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available: 1. First Home Guaran .......
Read moreIn recent years, townhouses have surged in popularity across Australia, attracting both buyers and investors to this versatile housing option. Once primarily popular in Sydney due to high property prices and limited land, townhouses are now in demand i .......
Read moreWith the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, many investors are wondering if now is the time to buy property and leverage the influx of visitors expected for the event. Short-term rentals, like those on Airbnb, are particularly appealing for high yi .......
Read moreReady for more space or a better location? Upsizing can be exciting, but it comes with higher costs and financial commitments. Here’s how to prepare for your big move: 1. Understand your finances Start by calculating how much you owe on your current mo .......
Read moreBuying your first home often means making sacrifices, especially in terms of location. Many of Perth’s most affordable and fast-growing suburbs are further from the CBD, offering better value if you’re open to a longer commute. With the rise of remote .......
Read moreNegative gearing is a popular strategy among Australian property investors for good reason—it offers significant tax benefits and the potential for long-term financial growth. What is negative gearing? In simple terms, negative gearing happens when the .......
Read moreOwning your first home is an exciting milestone, but the path to homeownership has its challenges. We’ve identified six common hurdles first-time buyers face, and with a bit of preparation, they can be easily overcome. 1. Credit Scores: Understanding & .......
Read moreDreaming of homeownership but can’t afford to buy in your ideal suburb? Rentvesting could be the perfect solution. What is Rentvesting? Rentvesting allows you to rent in a location that fits your lifestyle while purchasing an investment property in a m .......
Read moreKeeping track of the interest rates for each loan you have and all of your payments can turn into a real headache. Fortunately, there is a way to make things a little easier for yourself; debt consolidation.
Read moreChoosing the right home loan is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and with today’s unpredictable market, it’s more important than ever to understand your options. Should you lock in with a Fixed-rate loan, ride the waves with a Variab .......
Read moreAs Sydney’s property market continues to grow, affordability and potential for return on investment (ROI) remain key considerations for property buyers and investors alike. While some areas in the city have become prohibitively expensive, there are sti .......
Read moreHave you ever wondered why some people get approved for loans with competitive rates while others struggle? The secret often comes down to a few crucial digits: your credit score. What’s a credit score? From the moment you take out a credit card, perso .......
Read moreFirst-home buyers in Australia have an exciting array of incentives at their fingertips – but are they aware of them? With several government support and financial schemes on offer, you might be closer to owning your first home than you think! What you .......
Read moreAs of 1 July 2024, the government implemented its promise to cut taxes for all 13.6 million taxpayers in Australia. This policy responds to the ongoing cost of living pressures affecting many Australians. With the updated stage three tax cuts, taxpayer .......
Read moreWhat defines a successful property purchase? According to our friends at Meridian Australia, three key factors characterise a successful purchase: timing (when to buy a property), location (buying in a high-growth area), and property retention (the len .......
Read moreThe past year has posed significant challenges for many Australians, characterised by interest rate hikes and a mounting cost of living crisis. As these concerns continue to weigh heavily on the minds of many, revisiting simple and practical strategies .......
Read moreWhether you celebrate Christmas or not, December and January are busy months filled with feasts, family gatherings, BBQs with friends, and sun-soaked holidays – bliss! Yet, all this goodness can hit our wallets hard, leaving us financially drained come .......
Read moreIf you’re stuck in a “mortgage prison” and can’t refinance to a lower interest rate or if you’ve had to give up your homeownership dreams because of tough “serviceability” requirements, there’s hope on the horizon. Some of .......
Read moreWe have 10 useful tips to improve your borrowing capacity and help you get on the property ladder or into a new home sooner. Before you apply for a loan, it’s a good idea to get your financials in the best possible position. By improving spending habit .......
Read moreMany borrowers on an expiring fixed rate will want to refinance rather than letting their mortgages revert to a higher standard variable rate. However, some borrowers may find themselves stuck with their current lender aka ‘mortgage prison’.
Read moreStruggling to save a home loan deposit? The First Home Guarantee could allow you to buy with 5% or as little as 2% using the Family Home Guarantee for single parents.
Read moreOne of the biggest obstacles first home buyers face is saving for a home deposit. A family guarantee could help first home buyers get on the property ladder sooner, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Read moreAbout 40% of outstanding mortgages in late 2021 were fixed rates. Of those, 75% are set to expire by the end of 2023. At the time, these were some of the lowest interest rates ever seen in Australia.
Read moreIf you're struggling to meet your mortgage repayments don't worry. Follow these tips to get yourself back on track.
Read moreHave a variable or split home loan? Repricing is an easy process that could help you get a lower interest rate and put more money back in your pocket.
Read moreAs you apply for a mortgage, you’ll hear about Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). This is a type of insurance that lenders take out to cover themselves in case the borrower (you) isn’t able to make repayments anymore.
Read moreLenders will include different loan features to make their mortgage products more attractive. Let's find out which features suit you best.
Read moreBeing approved for a home loan isn’t as easy as simply deciding to get one. There are steps you will need to go through before the bank will even consider your application.
Read moreA business owner searching for finance to purchase two new vehicles is unhappy with the options the bank provided them. They go to Nectar Asset Finance and were able to finance not two, but ten vehicles!
Read moreA bridging loan is a special type of short-term loan made for people who are buying their next property while still trying to sell their current home.
Read moreInterest rates can change from day to day, meaning that even if you’re approved for a home loan when rates are low, it could increase by the time you reach a settlement. A good way to take care of that is with a rate lock.
Read moreOne of the first things lenders do when you apply for a home loan is contact an agency - like Equifax, Illion or Experian - who calculates your credit score and look at whether you have a good score or not. But what is a credit score and why is it so i .......
Read moreWhile prices have decreased slightly in recent months, if you bought a house around 2020 it’s likely you’ve still experienced strong growth in your property value and equity.
Read moreWant to know how to build equity in your property and then use that equity to invest or renovate? Read on...
Read moreRenovating your home is not a cheap endeavour, but these cost-saving tips could help you achieve great results without breaking the bank!
Read moreFixed vs Variable rates. What kind of loan should you choose in the current property market? Find out more here.
Read moreA construction loan is a type of home loan made for people who plan to build their homes instead of purchasing an established property.
Read moreThe Reserve Bank (RBA) has raised the nation’s official cash rate (OCR) for the third month in a row in an effort to curb rising inflation.
Read moreIf the cash rate increases, it's important to know how your finances could be affected. Checking you are on the right loan is a good place to start.
Read moreWhen banks assess your loan application, they add an extra amount to your market mortgage rate, known as a serviceability buffer.
Read moreBuying in a new area is about more than price. Amenities, future developments and transport options are also important considerations.
Read moreHomeowners have never had so much equity, but when's the time to access it? More support is on its way for first home buyers, Interest rates are on the move and more.
Read moreNectar wins Business of the Year, Community and Customer Service Awards at the 2021 PLAN Mortgage Broking Awards.
Read moreWatch the highlights from the Nectar Group Awards 2021. A great night was enjoyed by all, celebrating our top mortgage brokers and their teams.
Read moreWhether you’re thinking of selling up or your home is overdue a much-needed facelift, renovations are a great way to spruce up your property while adding value to it in the process.
Read moreThe silly season doesn't have to be silly-expensive! Check out some of our favourite tips for reducing financial stress over the holidays.
Read moreCredit defaults and negative listings can make it harder to get mortgage approval. Using the services of a credit repair company can help.
Read moreThere are plenty of deals in this competitive market, and some lenders are waiving fees and offering cashback deals from $1,000 - $4,000 as an incentive to refinance with them. BUT how do you truly know which deal is right for you?
Read moreIn order to become mortgage-free as soon as possible, we’ve compiled five tips and strategies to help you pay it off faster. The practicality of each method will vary depending on your own personal circumstances, so we recommend using different combina .......
Read moreNegative gearing - a term you hear a lot in investor circles, but what exactly does it mean? If successfully executed, this strategy can bring tax advantages and potential for significant capital gain. Negative gearing – a term you hear a lot in invest .......
Read moreStruggling to save a home loan deposit? The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) and the New Home Guarantee could allow you to buy with 5% or as little as 2% using the Family Home Guarantee for single parents.
Read moreOwning your first home can be scary and exciting all at the same time. After chatting to past clients, we‘ve worked out 5 hurdles most people encounter when owning their first home. If you or someone you know are thinking about dipping their toes in th .......
Read moreProperty investing is not a simple process, it requires comprehensive due diligence and the use of appropriately qualified finance and property professionals to ensure the purchase is of stellar quality, ticking all of the macro and micro fundamentals .......
Read moreWith recent Federal Government stimulus packages and successive interest rate cuts, optimism is building with many economists predicting strong growth across all capitals going into 2021.
Read moreThe Government has announced an extension to the HomeBuilder scheme to 31 March 2021. Headline changes to the scheme include increased price caps in NSW and VIC.
Read moreNectar Mortgages had a great showing at the 2020 PLAN Awards, headlined by winning the Growth Award for the second year in a row. A number of Nectar franchises also won their respective categories, in what was a highly successful evening.
Read moreReady to get started on your property investment path, or looking to develop your property portfolio? Ask your Nectar broker to put you in touch with an expert Property Investment Consultant. We’d love to hear from you.
Read moreIn a year when most aggregation businesses went backwards by around 16%, Nectar achieved 25% year on year growth.
Read moreWhen it comes to selecting the best possible investment property, there’s no denying the old adage of ‘location, location, location’ applies as much to new housing as to established property. When it comes to selecting the best possible investment prop .......
Read moreTogether we're able to make a difference and support the research of Children's Cancer Institute. "Curing childhood cancer. It’s not if. It’s when"
Read moreSenior Nectar leaders take on exciting new roles with a view to the future. After four years as the CEO of Nectar Mortgages, Paul Newell is moving into a new role as Nectar’s Executive Chairman. Paul will continue to lead the strategic direction of Nec .......
Read moreSign the petition and keep the competition alive. The commission works well because many borrowers don't want to pay their broker a fee, and often can't afford to, as they are saving for a house. Replacing commission with a multi-thousand dollar upfron .......
Read moreThe First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme was first introduced in Australia on 1 July 2000, to help first-time buyers get a foothold in the property market.
Read moreSpring is here! Which means, like it or not, silly season is just around the corner. The good news is that there is still time to save for a nice, relaxed holiday period. Nectar has put together a list to help you take control of your finances before s .......
Read moreThe Nectar Canberra office ran their first ever barefoot bowls tournament on October 26th, as a fundraiser for our charity partner, Children’s Cancer Institute. The weather came to the party, setting the event up perfectly for what was a highly enjoyab .......
Read moreIt’s true enough that some cities are currently experiencing sliding property prices, offering some respite and opportunity to first-home buyers, but have you ever wondered what the average home was worth ‘back in the day’? How much did your parents or .......
Read moreSuffering from the winter blues? Daydreaming of a getaway? It turns out your tropical holiday may not be as out of reach as you first thought.
Read more“You could just about buy it on your credit card”. We’ve written an article or two about luxury homes, rainforest retreats and private islands, as well as the odd story about derelict dwellings. This house falls soundly into the latter category. In the .......
Read moreWith space at a premium more and more in our big cities, apartment-style living has never been more viable. With space at a premium more and more in our big cities, apartment-style living has never been more viable. When checking out your options, many .......
Read moreThat elusive home deposit or family holiday may be closer than you think! We have some tips to share that will boost your savings and, best of all, require minimal effort. save you big money
Read moreSpectacularly blended with its wild surrounds, ‘Planchonella House’ was dreamed up and created by husband and wife, Jesse Bennet, an architect and builder, and Anne-Marie Campagnolo, an interior designer. The Edge Hill property feels incredibly i .......
Read moreOne “lucky” buyer has managed to purchase a Granville property for $215,000 less than the median house value of the West Sydney suburb. 34 Seventh St, sold prior to auction for $630,000, epitomises the idiom, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.
Read moreDrawing interest from around the world this week, the Queensland township of Allies Creek appears set to be sold for less than the average price of an Australian home.
Read moreWhen one thinks of castles, images are evoked of medieval European structures, perhaps Game of Thrones or Harry Potter. Australia is not normally associated with such things, but here in the land down under we do have our fair share of colossal mansion .......
Read moreIn a recent report from consultancy firm Arcadis, San Francisco emerged as the world’s most expensive city to build in. The top 25 is mostly comprised of major cities in Northern America and Europe, with Australia also featuring three cities on the lis .......
Read moreFor the many Australians struggling to break into the competitive and expensive city housing markets, smaller towns may be about to offer some relief. Most regional communities offer more affordable housing than the capital cities, but until now, many .......
Read moreWith winter officially beginning tomorrow, now’s the time (if you haven’t already) to get your home ready for the colder months ahead.
Read moreTrends point to June being the best time of year to secure yourself a great deal on a new set of wheels. With dealers wanting to end their financial year on a high, prices and deals are expected to start dropping in the next few weeks, making June the .......
Read moreAustralia; our land of beauty rich and rare, and a bunch of streets named after British monarchs! We’ve gone through and put together a list of the top 10. Does your street feature? #10: Queen Street Total number of Queen Streets in Australia: 311 She’ .......
Read morePrivate island ownership – a dream exclusively reserved for lavish multi-millionaire business moguls and Hollywood celebrities, right? Aside from the Richard Bransons and Johnny Depps of the world, owning your own island is surely nothing more than an .......
Read moreIn the modern and developing metropolis of Sydney, historic homesteads are now few and far between. Many buildings of bygone eras have been cruelly torn down by wrecking balls and bulldozers, due to lack of protection and unregulated development. Howev .......
Read moreLike it or not, one of the modern realities of the housing market is that space is at an absolute premium. Especially in the nation’s cities, rapidly increasing house prices are forcing many Australians to lower their sights and consider buying a small .......
Read moreThe kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether entertaining guests with Jamie Oliver-Esque degustations, microwaving instant soup or staring longingly into an empty pantry, chances are that you’ll spend lots of time in your kitchen. It follows then, tha .......
Read moreWhether you’re buying, renovating or building a new home, you’ll want to keep in mind your feline and canine companions. If your pet will be indoors with you some or all of the time, you’ll want to take steps to prolong the longevity and attractiveness .......
Read moreWhen is the right time of year to buy a home? If you’ve pondered this question, chances are that you are serious about buying and getting your foot on the ladder. Research has shown that the seasons and the weather they bring have a definite impact on .......
Read moreNow is the season and these remarkable herbs can be planted almost anywhere in Australia. The therapeutic effects of gardening have been well documented; whether it be a simple distraction from the rigors of daily life, the satisfaction of seeing your .......
Read moreEvery year Australian households could be saving hundreds of dollars on their power bills. Here are a few simple tricks that Nectar recommends to try in your own home – some may surprise you! 1) Don’t overcharge your devices Rest easy whil .......
Read moreThe ingenious design blends a tiny home into its natural surroundings like never seen before. The aptly named Disappear Retreat, born of cutting edge design and the most environmentally sustainable practices in the industry, barely leaves a footprint i .......
Read moreWith over 24,000 native plants and 800 native birds, the only issue to realising your own amazing Australian backyard is choosing which ones! Birds and plants share a symbiotic relationship that is mutually beneficial to one another. Simply put, birds .......
Read moreWhen it comes to property investment, there are two key paths you can follow. Either a long-term capital growth focus or a strategy with a positive cash flow focus. Although possible, it is rare to find an investment property that achieves both. So bef .......
Read moreNow that Christmas is over, and the holiday season is out of the way, it’s the perfect time to get your finances back under control. But it’s now post-Christmas and nearing the end of March, making it the perfect time to get a foot hold on your financi .......
Read more‘Flipping’ is a term that has received a lot of media coverage recently. With all the media hype it may seem like everyone is getting in on the action. However recent CoreLogic reports reveal ‘flipping’ may not be as popular as portrayed, with flipped .......
Read moreThere’s nothing like the smell and appearance of a freshly cut lawn, yet no matter how much you trim and water the grass, you can’t seem to get it just right. Follow these 5 lawn hacks to have your neighbors in envy of your fresh, lush lawn. Trim to th .......
Read more“The Coke sign, the gateway to Kings Cross, was like the Statue of Liberty for the lost souls of Sydney – and the rest of Australia, and New Zealand too. Bring me your poor and huddled masses …
Read moreRecent research shows that for most Australians, location isn’t everything and instead the majority of home buyers are searching outside of their dream suburbs for a more affordable abode. In a recent survey, 54% of Australians who own, or are buying t .......
Read moreLewis Isaacs is an author from Domain.com.au – he shared his advice for anyone considering becoming an investor. Buying your first property is hard, and slow wage growth and rising real estate prices in capital cities have only made it harder. Fe .......
Read moreA federal government plan to plug a multibillion-dollar revenue hole will make life harder for off-the-plan buyers and mum and dad developers, property experts have warned. When GST (1/11th of the purchase price) is paid on a newly built property, it’s .......
Read moreSo which neighbourhoods, in both Sydney and the rest of the nation, were the fastest growing last year?
Read moreSo which neighbourhoods, in both Sydney and the rest of the nation, were the fastest growing last year?
Read moreWith house prices rising rapidly around the country it’s no surprise you may be considering downsizing to a more manageable property. Like anything, there are pros and cons to downsizing, which should be considered before calling the real estate agent.
Read moreThe home dreams are made of. Based in sunny Queensland, this $19 million dollar paradise comes with its own private marina and helipad.
Read moreWant to make sure your car is safe and sound while you’re away over the holidays? An Italian company has designed a high-tech garage that will challenge even the most skilful of thieves.
Read moreWith dealers wanting to end their financial year on a high, prices and deals are expected to start dropping in the next few weeks, making June the perfect time to save some cash while also taking the driver’s seat of your dream car.
Read moreWith housing prices around the country rising faster year on year, purchasing your first home may seem bleak. Despite this, many Gen-Y’s have cracked themselves into the market and are thriving.
Read moreTaking into account sales data over the last three years from CoreLogic, a realestate.com.au analysis of trends looks at what the median house price is estimated to be in your suburb by 31 March 2018.
Read more