Property prices have surged in several markets since the Reserve Bank of Australia's first interest rate cut in February, with inner Melbourne emerging as the surprising frontrunner for both house and unit growth.
According to PropTrack data, inner Melbourne house prices have risen 3.6 per cent since February, while unit prices have jumped an impressive 5.9 per cent. This marks the fastest quarterly price growth for both houses and units compared to any other local property market in Australia.
Darwin has also experienced significant growth with house prices up 3.3 per cent over the past three months, following years of underperformance. The Gold Coast rounds out the top performers with house prices increasing nearly 3 per cent.
REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty said Melbourne's relative affordability after years of price stagnation has attracted more buyers to the market.
"Home prices have underperformed the rest of the country so much and are now cheaper than Brisbane, Adelaide and on track to be cheaper than Perth," she said. "That's driving a lot of people to see value on the Melbourne market."
The interest rate cut in February has been a turning point for the property market, boosting buyer confidence and reigniting price growth across the country. Some regions have seen prices jump by up to 6 per cent in just three months.
Buyer sentiment towards Melbourne's property market has been building, with REA Group's most recent Residential Audience Pulse survey finding 40 per cent of Victorian buyers felt it was a good time to buy a property – a higher proportion than any other state.
"We've seen a really strong turnaround in how buyers view Melbourne," Ms Flaherty said.
For annual growth, Queensland regions dominate the rankings, with Townsville leading the way. House prices there have grown by almost 22 per cent compared to a year ago, while unit prices are up 23.6 per cent.
The Northern Territory capital was also attracting investors due to the potential for strong rental returns, with higher rental yields than any other capital.
"From an investing perspective, Darwin offers very high yields," Ms Flaherty said. "The median price of home in Darwin is relatively low but the rents are relatively high."
Ms Flaherty said that while Townsville has been the best performing region over the past 12 months, its growth rate has slowed recently, indicating a shift in investor focus. "We've seen the bottom of the market and talks of further rate cuts are starting to get people thinking that in 12 months' time it's going to be worth more.”
Life doesn’t always go to plan, and sometimes financial setbacks, like a job loss, illness, or unexpected expenses, can lead to a mortgage default.
While this can impact your credit score and borrowing capacity, it doesn’t necessarily lock you out of refinancing your home loan. With the right strategy and support, refinancing is still possible, even after a default.
How lenders view defaults
Lenders assess defaults on a case-by-case basis. What’s most important is the context surrounding the default and how your financial situation has changed since. If your default was due to unforeseen hardship and you’ve since regained financial stability, some lenders may be willing to look past it, especially if other aspects of your application are strong.
Lenders will generally look at the cause of the default, and whether it was the result of temporary hardship or a broader pattern of financial mismanagement. They will also consider how much time has passed since the default occurred. Defaults remain on your credit file for five years, but their impact tends to lessen over time, particularly if you’ve rebuilt your financial profile.
Your recent repayment history is also key. Demonstrating steady income and a record of on-time payments since the default can help rebuild your credibility. Lenders will also take into account how much equity you hold in the property, as more equity reduces their risk. Lastly, if you’ve actively worked to improve your credit score, it shows responsibility and an effort to recover from past challenges.
When to look at a specialist lender
If major banks won’t approve your application due to the default, a specialist lender may offer a solution. These lenders cater to borrowers with complex financial histories and are often more flexible in their assessment criteria. Interest rates may be higher initially, but they can provide an option.
The best person to speak to will be a mortgage broker, so you can compare your options.
The ultimate goal for many borrowers with a default is to refinance into a new product once they’ve re-established their creditworthiness. To do this you might need to develop an exit strategy that includes paying off outstanding debts, keeping your credit utilisation low, and maintaining perfect repayment history over the next 12 to 24 months.
Once enough time has passed and your credit profile has improved, refinancing will again potentially be possible.
Buying property in Australia while
living overseas can be a good idea. Whether you're planning to invest or
eventually return and live in the property, many expats are looking to get
their foot on the property ladder back home.
However, it’s important to understand
that managing the home loan process as an expat can be more complex than it is
for local buyers. Here's what you need to know to make it happen.
Not all lenders will work with expats
The first challenge many expats face is simply finding a lender who will
consider their application. Some banks don’t lend to borrowers living overseas,
while others may only accept applications from expats in certain countries or
working in particular industries. Working with a mortgage broker who
understands expat lending criteria is critical as they’ll know which lenders
are expat-friendly.
Foreign income gets extra scrutiny
If you’re earning an income in a foreign currency,
expect lenders to be extra conservative. Even if you're on a high income, most
lenders will only consider 70-80% of your foreign income in their borrowing
capacity calculations. On top of that, not all currencies are accepted. If
you’re paid in a less commonly used currency, your borrowing power may be
significantly limited.
Tax rules can impact your borrowing power
Some lenders will assess your income using Australian tax rates, even if you're
living in a country with lower tax obligations. This can reduce your assessed
net income and therefore reduce how much you can borrow. However, certain
lenders may assess your application based on your actual net income, which can
make a big difference if you're in a low-tax environment.
Documentation can be tricky
Getting all the paperwork sorted from overseas can be one of the biggest
problems for expats. Lenders may require original signed documents, certified
copies, or even that some forms be witnessed. Depending on where you live, this
can involve booking time with a notary, solicitor, or a visit to your nearest
Australian embassy. The good news is that digital documentation is becoming
more widely accepted, and some lenders now allow electronic witnessing under
specific conditions.
Working with the right broker makes all the difference
A broker who understands the expat market will know
which lenders to approach, how to present your income, and what documents are
needed from day one. They’ll guide you through the witnessing process, help you
avoid unnecessary delays, and make sure your loan is structured in a way that
supports both your short-term investment goals and long-term plans to return to
Australia.
If you’re juggling multiple loan repayments and feeling weighed down by high interest costs, debt consolidation could be something that could help.
Debt consolidation works by combining all your existing debts into one manageable loan, so you can simplify your finances, lower your interest rate, and potentially pay off your debts faster. But while the benefits are clear, it's important to assess whether it’s the right strategy for your circumstances.
Lower interest costs
One of the biggest benefits of debt consolidation is the potential to reduce how much interest you’re paying. Credit cards, in particular, often carry interest rates of more than 20%. By rolling these debts into a personal loan or refinancing through your home loan, you may be able to cut that rate. This reduction can lead to significant savings each month and across the life of the loan.
Simplified repayments
Managing multiple debts, each with its own interest rate, payment date, and minimum amount, can be stressful and difficult to track. Consolidation turns that into a single monthly repayment, making budgeting easier and reducing the risk of missed payments. The peace of mind that comes with this simplicity can be just as valuable as the financial savings.
Faster debt payoff
With a lower interest rate and a fixed loan term, you’re in a stronger position to get rid of your debt sooner. Credit card minimum payments can stretch out for years, even decades. But with a structured debt consolidation loan, especially one that allows extra repayments, you can make faster progress toward becoming debt-free.
Financial roadmap
Debt consolidation offers clarity for people. Instead of managing multiple balances, you have a single loan with a clear repayment plan. This can help you focus on reducing your total debt rather than just juggling payments. It also removes the guesswork from your financial planning.
Things to consider
While debt consolidation has real benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to compare the total cost of your existing debts with the new loan. In some cases, a longer loan term could mean you end up paying more in interest overall. Be mindful of fees, charges, and any early payout costs on your current loans.
Discipline is also important. Consolidating your debts only works if you avoid falling back into old spending habits. Paying off your credit cards with a new loan and then racking them back up again could leave you in a worse position.
Before making a move, speak with a mortgage broker or financial adviser who can help you weigh up the numbers and choose the right option that suits your personal situation.
The federal government is significantly expanding its ‘Help to Buy’ shared equity housing scheme by raising income and property price caps to make homeownership more accessible to Australians.
Under the expanded program, income thresholds will increase from $90,000 to $100,000 for singles and from $120,000 to $160,000 for couples or single parents.
Property price caps will also see substantial increases, with Sydney's limit rising from $950,000 to $1.3 million, Brisbane from $700,000 to $1 million, and Melbourne from $850,000 to $950,000.
The scheme allows eligible homebuyers to purchase properties with the government taking a 30 per cent stake in existing homes or 40 per cent in new builds, effectively reducing the deposit and mortgage size needed by purchasers.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil defended the expansion, which will cost an additional $800 million, bringing the total investment to $6.3 billion. "The changes that we're making today will expand this scheme to make sure that more young people get more government support for more homes around the country," Ms O'Neil said.
The government maintains that the original allocation of 40,000 places over four years will remain unchanged. With the adjustments, they claim most first-home buyers will qualify for the program, and approximately two-thirds of properties nationwide will fall under the revised price caps.
Price caps will now be tied to median house prices in each region rather than median dwelling prices, potentially opening up more housing options for participants.
The Help to Buy scheme only passed through parliament late last year after facing significant political opposition, however, it’s yet to be rolled out.
The budget will also include nearly $50 million for states and territories to develop the prefabricated and modular home construction sector, part of the government's broader housing strategy.
Ms O'Neil said that while building more homes remains central to addressing housing affordability, immediate support for homebuyers is also necessary. "The centre of our response is building more homes because the reason that so many Australians are in housing distress is because we have a housing shortage," she said. "We've got a now $33 billion housing package. Most of that money is going into building more homes."
Business loans can be a powerful tool for companies that are ready to take the next step in their growth journey.
Whether you're looking to scale operations, boost cash flow, or invest in infrastructure, access to the right finance can provide the flexibility and breathing room your business needs.
Here are five of the most common reasons growing businesses turn to business loans.
To manage cash flow more effectively
Even profitable businesses can experience cash flow gaps, especially when client payments are delayed or operating costs fluctuate. A business loan can provide the working capital needed to cover short-term expenses like wages, rent, supplier invoices, or utility bills, without disrupting day-to-day operations. For businesses with seasonal income, a loan can also help smooth income cycles and provide financial stability during quieter periods.
To hire more staff
Growth often means expanding your team, whether that’s sales staff, technicians, admin support, or specialised roles. However, hiring and onboarding new employees comes with upfront costs, including wages, training, equipment, and superannuation. A business loan can provide the upfront funds to grow your team confidently, knowing you have the runway to support payroll and set new hires up for success.
To invest in equipment or technology
From upgraded machinery and vehicles to new software systems, investing in tools that improve productivity is a smart growth strategy. Business loans, and equipment finance in particular, can be tailored to fund these purchases, helping you avoid large capital outlays. Whether it’s automating a process or expanding your production capacity, these investments can pay off significantly over time.
To expand or renovate premises
As your team or operations grow, so too may your physical space needs. A business loan can fund the cost of moving to a larger premises, opening a second location, or fitting out an existing space to be more functional and efficient. These improvements not only support growth but can also boost your customer experience and brand image.
To seize new business opportunities
Sometimes, growth is all about timing. Whether it's purchasing bulk inventory at a discount, taking on a major contract, or launching a new product or service, these opportunities often require quick access to funds. A business loan can give you the financial confidence to act when the right opportunity comes along, without dipping into reserves or sacrificing other priorities.
If you want to explore your options, speak to a finance broker today.
Businesses across Australia are shifting from rapid warehouse expansion to strategic consolidation as they face rising real estate costs and normalising e-commerce demand in 2025.
Following unprecedented warehouse demand and rental growth during the pandemic, businesses are now prioritising efficiency and cost reduction within their existing industrial footprints rather than expanding to insulate against supply chain uncertainties according to JLL.
Nathan Bingham, head of logistics and industrial occupier services in Australia at JLL, has observed this shift in strategy among industrial occupiers.
"We have started to see businesses consolidating operations within their existing properties before expanding to new spaces, as well as re-evaluating where they store inventory, balancing leasing costs with connectivity to customers," Mr Bingham said.
In Australia, industrial supply reached 3.06 million square metres in 2024, which was 74.8% above the 10-year annual average. This significant increase has helped relieve the pent-up occupier demand that surged during the pandemic years.
Despite the move toward consolidation, national average prime net face rents in Australia increased year-on-year by 9.4% as businesses continued to seek warehouse space close to population clusters. However, these rental increases are now showing signs of easing.
Companies are achieving optimisation primarily through the modernisation of both property and operational strategies, with new warehouse developments enabling businesses to consolidate operations while improving productivity from smaller footprints.
Technology and automation investments are playing a crucial role in this transformation.
"New warehouse development allows companies to consolidate space and drive greater productivity from a smaller footprint, particularly when operations are supported by investment in technology and automation," Mr Bingham said.
Looking ahead, the industrial property market continues to evolve with e-commerce retailing in Australia recovering from 12.7% in 2023 to 13.7% in 2024. "This, coupled with the increasing focus on sustainability is likely to further drive the trend of strategic planning and consolidation in the coming years. It will pay to think ahead,” he said.
For Australian businesses, the end of the financial year is a smart time to consider asset finance.
Whether you’re looking to invest in equipment, vehicles, or energy-efficient upgrades, there are clear financial advantages to making your move before June 30.
Here are some things to consider.
1. Take Advantage of EOFY Vendor Discounts
Many equipment suppliers and dealerships offer steep discounts at the end of the financial year. With sales targets to meet and new stock arriving in July, vendors often reduce prices by 10–15% to clear inventory. This creates an opportunity to secure high-value assets at reduced prices, improving your return on investment.
2. Access Extra Tax Deductions on Green Assets
Businesses that invest in energy-efficient assets before June 30 may be eligible for an additional 20% tax deduction under the Small Business Energy Incentive. This applies to electric vehicles, solar systems, HVAC upgrades and other assets that lower energy use or emissions. Combined with standard depreciation rules, this can result in a 120% deduction which could significantly reduce your tax bill while upgrading your infrastructure.
3. Benefit from Depreciation Rules Before the Cut-Off
While the temporary full expensing scheme has ended, small businesses with turnover under $10 million can still immediately write off individual assets costing less than $20,000. For more expensive items or larger businesses, standard depreciation rules still offer first-year deductions of 15%, and 30% in subsequent years when using the small business pool. These deductions apply to assets purchased and installed before June 30.
4. Lock in Finance at Stable Rates
After a period of rate volatility, interest rates have stabilised. Securing asset finance before the end of the financial year means locking in current rates before any new-year adjustments. This gives you greater certainty for budgeting, improves cash flow planning, and could save you money over the loan term if rates increase later.
5. Strengthen Your Balance Sheet for the New Year
Making strategic investments in new assets before EOFY can position your business for growth in the year ahead. Upgrading machinery, vehicles, or technology before June 30 means those assets can start contributing to your operations immediately, while you also take advantage of tax and pricing benefits this year rather than deferring them.
Owning an investment property can be a great way to build long-term wealth, but only if you manage the tax side effectively.
Whether you're starting out or expanding a portfolio, understanding how to manage your tax is essential.
Here are seven things every property investor needs to know.
1. Keep Meticulous Records from Day One
Good record-keeping is the foundation of good tax planning. From the moment you purchase a property, make sure to document everything, including contracts, legal fees, loan statements, agent fees, repair invoices, depreciation schedules, and evidence of tenant communications. Having these records means you won’t miss out on deductions and makes capital gains tax (CGT) calculations far easier when you eventually sell.
2. Claim All Eligible Deductions
Many property investors miss out on deductions simply because they don’t understand what’s claimable. Advertising for tenants, property management fees, council rates, loan interest, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and even depreciation on fixtures can all be deductible. Just ensure your property is genuinely available for rent, and adjust for any private use or vacancy periods.
3. Report Every Dollar of Rental Income
The ATO is watching, and that includes rent from Airbnb, Stayz, subletting, or even retained bond money. You must declare all income received during the financial year, even if it comes through an agent or platform. Failing to report can lead to audits and penalties.
4. Understand PAYG Instalments and Tax Planning
If your rental property generates significant income, you may need to make Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments. Planning ahead can prevent surprise tax bills and smooth out your cash flow. Speak with your accountant to determine whether you need to prepay expenses, defer income, or make voluntary contributions.
5. Know Your CGT Obligations
When the time comes to sell, capital gains tax can eat into your profits. The taxable gain is calculated as the difference between your property's sale price and its cost base (including purchase price, legal fees, stamp duty, and improvements). If you’ve owned the property for more than 12 months, you may be eligible for a 50% CGT discount as an Australian resident. Just be aware that private use, discounts, or transfers below market value can impact your calculation.
6. Maximise Depreciation with a Professional Schedule
Property investors can claim depreciation on both the building structure and eligible fixtures. Engaging a quantity surveyor to prepare a tax depreciation schedule can help maximise this deduction, particularly for newer properties or those with significant renovations. These deductions can amount to thousands each year.
7. Get Expert Advice
Tax legislation changes often, and no two properties (or investors) are alike. A tax-smart investor knows when to call in the professionals. A registered tax agent or accountant with experience in property can help structure your ownership, forecast liabilities, and identify deductions you may have overlooked.
Personal loans are a flexible and widely used financial tool in Australia, offering fast access to funds for everything from large purchases to debt consolidation. But before you apply, it's important to understand the full picture.
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider before committing to a personal loan.
Build Your Credit Score
A personal loan can help improve your credit score if managed properly. Regular, on-time repayments show lenders you can handle debt responsibly. Most lenders report your repayment behaviour to credit bureaus, so positive activity can boost your creditworthiness. But it works both ways with missed payments or defaults potentially damaging your score and limiting future borrowing power.
Finance Large Purchases with Fixed Terms
Personal loans provide a lump sum upfront, ideal for major expenses like a home renovation, car purchase, or wedding. The fixed interest rate and repayment term offer predictability and easier budgeting. Unlike credit cards with fluctuating rates and revolving balances, personal loans offer a structured path to payoff, often with lower interest.
Consolidate Debts into One Simple Payment
If you’re juggling multiple debts, like credit cards, car loans, or store finance, consolidating them into a single personal loan can simplify your repayments and potentially reduce your interest costs. Some lenders even offer to pay off your existing debts directly. This approach can help reduce stress and support faster debt repayment.
Enjoy Competitive Rates and Flexible Use
Personal loans typically offer more favourable interest rates than credit cards or payday lenders. Rates can be lower for borrowers with strong credit histories, and the funds can be used for almost any purpose, from medical bills to business expenses. Plus, because they're unsecured, you don't need to risk your home or car as collateral.
Access Funds Quickly
The application process for personal loans is often quick, with funds available within one to two business days. Since most personal loans are unsecured, your assets aren't tied to the loan, giving you peace of mind. This makes them ideal for urgent expenses or short-term needs where timing is key.
Understand the Risks and Costs
While personal loans have many benefits, there are risks to keep in mind. If you miss repayments, you could face fees, a lower credit score, and potential legal action. Interest costs can also add up over time, especially for longer loan terms. It's crucial to compare offers, understand the total cost of borrowing, and choose a repayment plan that fits your budget.
Choose the Right Loan for Your Situation
There are many types of personal loans on the market, so take the time to find one that fits your needs. Consider loan amount, term length, interest rate, fees, and flexibility.
Speaking to a finance broker is the best way to compare your options.
