Category: News

Buying tips as unit values move into positive territory

The outlook for apartments has improved as the financial world predicts the burgeoning inflation that has forced up interest rates may be close to peaking. Prices for units have increased for the first time in 11 months, according to researcher CoreLogic. News of the 0.6% uptick in values comes as separate data shows investor income…
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How the Federal Budget will impact the property market

Many investors and homeowners will have kept a keen eye on the recent Federal Budget to see if it will ease some of the challenges caused by 12 months of interest rate rises implemented to tame inflation. This snapshot looks at the Budget’s leading programs aimed at encouraging investors, helping first-time buyers and committing to…
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New ATO rules on work-from-home expenses

Since the Covid-19 pandemic reached our shores, one of the big points of focus for many buyers has been finding a property with space to work from home comfortably. Anyone who perched around the dining table, jostling for space as their children did their homework, knows the importance of work-from-home space. The Australian Taxation Department…
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Reserve Bank moves to boost lending opportunities

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is proposing to ease mortgage loan rules this month to give buyers a better opportunity to find finance. It will allow lenders to increase from 10% to 15% the number of loans they can issue that require a Loan-to-Value Ratio above 80%. The Reserve Bank imposed the regulation in…
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Researcher predicts end to slump

Real estate prices could be at a turning point according to forecasts from leading industry researcher, Core Logic. With data showing that average values were down just 0.6% in April, negative market sentiment could be coming to an end. CoreLogic economist Kelvin Davidson issued an important reminder about prices, saying property values were still $200,000…
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Does Super incentive make downsizing an option?

New rules that allow couples to each put $300,000 from the sale of their primary residence into their superannuation fund tax-free has made downsizing a hot topic. The idea that you and your partner can add a combined $600,000 to your retirement savings has made selling the family home a tempting prospect. Is this the…
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The Fixer-Upper Journey: A Guide for Ambitious Homebuyers

In the world of real estate, fixer-uppers hold a unique allure. These diamond-in-the-rough properties offer ambitious homebuyers the opportunity to transform a house into their dream home, often at a lower initial cost than move-in ready alternatives. However, the path of purchasing and renovating a fixer-upper is not without its challenges. This guide aims to…
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Job security cushions end of fixed-term loans

Disruptions to the global financial market, including the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the stressed purchase of Credit Swisse, has left many buyers and sellers asking what this means for local lenders, mortgage rates and a rebound in property values. The good news is that local lenders operate in a safe environment without ultra-cut-throat…
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Report shows 96% of sellers make money

A new report has revealed that the majority of property sellers are making a profit on their sales, despite the market’s recalibration due to rising inflation and higher mortgage costs. Some 96% of owners who have sold recently made a profit on their transaction, according to researcher CoreLogic NZ in its residential Pain and Gain…
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Possible new new life for property market

There are two numbers that every owner, buyer and seller is keeping a keen eye on these days: the inflation rate and rising mortgage costs. As many of us are acutely aware, the Reserve Bank of Australia has increased interest rates 10 times in the past 12 months to fight post-pandemic inflation. Now, we may…
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