Blogs

The new year is all about fresh starts. With 2025 fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your finances and take steps to set yourself up for success. The holiday season may bring extra expenses, but it’s also an opportunity to start building better financial habits for the year ahead. Here’s how to...

Can you believe the year is almost over? With the end of 2024 fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at the highlights reel of what happened in the property world this year and what’s in store for 2025. Reflecting on 2024 Interest rates remained flat The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate...

In a fast-moving property market, timing is everything. You may find your dream home before selling your current one, but without the right financial solution, you could miss out. That’s where a bridging loan can help. A bridging loan allows you to buy your next home before selling your current property, giving you the financial flexibility...

Summer has arrived, and while the mercury continues to rise across the nation, the property market is cooling. According to CoreLogic data, property prices increased 0.1% in November – the weakest Australia-wide result since January 2023. Nationally, prices grew 5.5% over the year. The median value of a house is now $812,933. For savvy investors or aspiring homeowners,...

Amid cost-of-living pressures and mortgage repayment stress, there has been some good news for homeowners. Property prices have continued to rise for months on end across the nation. In October, data from CoreLogic showed property values increased by 0.3% nationally. It was the 21st consecutive month of price growth across the country. Recently, Australia’s property market also...

Did you know that seven out of 10 borrowers use a mortgage broker? During the June 2024 quarter, mortgage brokers wrote 73.7% of all new home loans in Australia – the second highest result on record. When it comes to refinancing, many borrowers choose to use a mortgage broker for peace of mind that switching is...

Settlement day marks the long-awaited moment when you become the legal owner of your new home, and while it’s thrilling, it can also bring a few last-minute challenges. With the right preparation, though, you can help ensure a smooth handover and avoid surprises. Here’s your guide to navigating potential settlement pitfalls and making your big...

The busy spring selling season has seen many aspiring homeowners out and about looking for the perfect property to snap up. Property prices continue to rise (up 0.3% nationally in October), but recently we’ve seen price growth slowing and the market cooling. If you’re planning to be in a new home before the new year,...

When you rent out your investment property, you can choose to manage the property yourself or get a professional property manager to do the hard yards for you.

When you’re new to buying property, choosing a home loan can be overwhelming. There are dozens of different lenders out there all offering different types of mortgages. So, which is right for you?

Homeowners have been waiting with bated breath to see when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut the cash rate. It’s been on hold at 4.35% since November 2023.

As housing supply ramps up in spring, we’ve seen property values inch higher nationally, but growth has slowed.

Spring is here and that means vendors will be sprucing up their gardens and making sure their properties present beautifully for the busy spring selling season. This spring, we’re likely to see varied conditions across Australia’s capital cities.

When you’ve been scrolling through marketing photos of a property and you finally set foot in it at an inspection, it can be easy to get swept up in the moment. Home stylists can be very clever at making you fall in love with a property.

Spring has arrived, bringing a renewed sense of excitement in the property market. Whether you’re an agent looking to sell a few properties, a vendor wanting to offload a property, or a buyer hoping to snap up a bargain and start a new chapter in a new home, there’s no doubt there’s a buzz in the air.

Applying for a home loan is both exciting and stressful. When you are successful, there’s nothing like receiving that green light from a lender to say you’re on the home run to securing your dream home.

Stay informed with our August newsletter! Get the latest insights on finance, investments, and market updates. Read now for expert advice and trends!

Explore rentvesting as an option for first-time buyers. Learn how it works, its benefits, and if it’s the right strategy for you. Read our expert insights now!

Wondering if it's the right time to refinance? Get expert insights on market conditions, benefits, and factors to consider before refinancing. Read now!

Deciding between paying down your home loan or investing? Discover the pros and cons of each option to make the best financial decision. Read our guide now!

Stay informed with our July newsletter! Get the latest insights on finance, investments, and market trends. Read now for expert tips and updates!

Learn about guarantor loans and how they work! Discover benefits, risks, and key details to make informed financial decisions. Read our comprehensive guide now!

Discover 5 key things to look for in an investment property. Learn how to choose wisely and maximise your returns with our expert tips. Read more now!

Learn to spot and avoid financial scams! Our guide highlights common scams, warning signs, and tips to protect your money. Stay safe and informed. Read now!

Stay updated with our June newsletter! Get the latest insights on finance, investments, and industry trends. Read now for expert tips and updates!

Thinking about refinancing? Learn key considerations and tips to make informed decisions before refinancing your mortgage. Read our guide now!

Debating between buying an apartment or a house as an investment? Discover the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. Read our expert analysis!

Explore budget initiatives designed to help aspiring homeowners achieve their dreams.

To get your property dream on track, chat to us about getting your finance pre-approved today.

If you’re interested in joining the tiny home movement, here’s a few things you need to consider before buying.

So, which renovations should you consider when looking to generate a return on investment? Here’s some inspiration.

If you’re a property investor, it’s important to be across all of the tax deductions that could be available to you. Here are some tips.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Continue the great start to the year and stay informed with all the latest news in finance, investments and industry trends.

Avoid common mistakes as a first home buyer! Learn tips and tricks from Smartfinn Advisors to navigate your home buying journey successfully.

Explore the latest on the refinance boom. Stay informed about mortgage trends and financial updates. Dive in now!

Demystify property investment jargon! Smartfinn Advisers breaks down complex terms to help investors. Gain clarity and make informed decisions.

A new year has begun! Do you have property goals in 2024? Read up on the latest information you need to know on interest rates and more for this year here.

Thinking about purchasing your own home this year? Here are four steps that you can take now to put you on the path to buying your future home. Read here.

Have you heard about refinancing? With a mortgage broken, we can make the process easier. We've listed the steps involved in the refinancing process here.

Interested in property investing? Here are the 5 rules that successful property owners follow. Click here if you're looking to invest this year.

The last month of the year is here! If a summer property purchase is on your wish list this Christmas, speak to us about your finance options.

Planning to purchase a property in the near future? We've created a home loan application checklist to optimise your chances of approval. Find it here.

What a year 2023 was for the property world! Join us as we recap the highlights of the last year and what we predict will happen in 2024.

Did you know that the Christmas holiday season is a fantastic time to go house hunting? Here's why you should take advantage of the holiday season.

Are you looking to make a home purchase in the near future? Here is what you need to know about the housing market and related news this month.

Enjoy a camping getaway this summer! Here are our top camping destinations across Australia. Need a caravan first? Chat with us to discuss your finances.

Don't move - renovate. A renovation can transform your property entirely without the hassle of moving. If you need to finance your renovation, click here.

Is your settlement day approaching? We've listed 5 tips to take the stress out of settlement day. Click here for everything you need to know.

Home value movements and interest rate news. If you're currently in the market or thinking of buying a home, here is your latest update for October.

The hot question in the property market is: when will interest rates start to fall in Australia? Click here to see what the experts are predicting.

For a first-time home buyer, the home loan process can be confusing. If you’re new to buying property, here’s how the home loan application process works.

Investing in property can be exciting yet daunting. Here’s a guide to help you avoid four common mistakes when buying your first investment property.

Spring has sprung! An exciting time for property owners looking to get into the market and vendors eager to make a sale. Click here to learn more.

2023 has been a historic year for the RBA and the cash rate. As the RBA tries to curb consumer spending, there are risks for borrowers. Read more here.

Managing a mortgage can be challenging. If you want to try and pay off your home loan sooner, here are 7 practical tips that will help boost your savings.

Spring typically sees an uptick in property sales and this trend looks set to continue in 2023. Click here to see how you can negotiate a spring bargain.

With a lot of movement in interest rates, refinancing is on many people's radars. You may wonder how much it costs to refinance. Click here to learn more.

Spring is nearly here! If you're looking to buy this upcoming spring, here is what you should know about this time of the year in the property world.

Don't let a small budget hold you back from property investment! There are several different ways you can obtain a property. Click here to see how.

Looking to get pre-approval? Did you know that there are three easy steps you can do to get your home loan pre-approval? Discover the three steps here.

Are you thinking about refinancing? Here is what you need to know and how our mortgage brokers can assist you in deciding which home loan is right for you.

It is important to have the right team of professionals supporting you when investing to get the most out of your investment. Click here to learn more.

July has brought positive news for homeowners with the RBA holding the cash rate. Catch this month's news on interest and more by clicking here.

Have you ever wondered how lenders decide whether to grant you that coveted home loan? We explain what a credit report is and how it relates to loans.

Settlement day can be both exciting and stressful. If you’re planning a property purchase and are new to how settlement works, here’s a rundown.

Are you stuck in an expensive home loan and feeling trapped? There may be a way out! Here is how Smartfinn Advisors can help your mortgage prison.

Australia’s winter housing outlook is improving, with rising property prices and stronger market conditions. Here's a summary of what is going on in June.

To help you navigate the world of tax deductions, we’ve put together a pre-tax time checklist for property investors. Click here to see our list.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is facing a major overhaul. What does it mean for interest rates and for Australian mortgage holders? Learn more here.

Do you have a HECS-HELP debt? If you're in the market to buy a property, click here to see how this year’s higher indexation could affect you.

Despite the looming winter season, it’s a time to celebrate the sizzling rental property market for many investors. Learn more about the market here.

Why use a mortgage broker to refinance? With many benefits, using a mortgage broker to refinance your home loan can be a game changer. Learn more here.

Buying sight unseen can be risky but if prepared, it can be a great move. Here's what you need to do when purchasing property without viewing it in person.

Have you recently purchased an investment property? Here is how you can manage your own investment property if you don't want to hire a property manager.

Big news for homeowners in April with the RBA keeping the cash rate on hold. Learn more about the property market and what's happening this month.

This month the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) put up interest rates again, but is a cash rate pause on the horizon? Read more about this month here.

Are you buying a property? There are several different parties involved. One important role is a conveyancer. Here is why you need conveyancing services.

Planning to refinance this year? You should be aware of a few pitfalls when doing your research. Here are six mistakes to avoid when refinancing.

Is 2023 the year you buy your first investment property? Here is why right now might be the best time for you to buy an investment property.

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.

When you find a property you want to purchase, there are a lot of things to consider – from building inspections and pest reports to securing a loan.

A small property can make a great investment – if you choose the right one. If rising interest rates are impacting your borrowing power, then an apartment or unit could potentially be the most viable investment option.

Happy New Year! We hope you had a relaxing and memorable holiday season spent with family and friends.

If you plan to get into the property market in 2023, there are a few things you can do to help you reach your home ownership goals.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months, reassess priorities and set new goals. If you’re looking to create some better financial habits in 2023, here’s some techniques to help you can get in control of your money.

The festive season is a time for giving. But unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when generous shoppers are targeted by scammers.

The holiday season is here, and so is another rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 3.1 per cent as inflation shows signs of slowing in October.

Experts are warning Australians to brace for more interest rate pain in the year ahead.

In recent years, many people have moved out of cities to regional areas looking for a quieter and more relaxing lifestyle. Many thought this trend would end now that COVID lockdowns appear a thing of the past, but a new report by buyers’ agency, Hotspotting says otherwise.

The Great Australian Dream of home ownership is still alive, but it’s evolving.

Household budgets are feeling the pinch of a seventh successive rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 2.85 per cent this month, prompting some lenders to increase their variable rates by 0.25 percentage points.

The search for your dream property can be both exciting and stressful. From the inspections that kick everything off to putting in your offer and having it accepted, these are all stepping stones on the journey towards ownership.

It’s no secret that paying off your home loan sooner can save you plenty. However, with cost-of-living pressures and rising interest rates, it can be hard to find extra cash.

The spring sales season is here, but what do rising interest rates mean for this traditionally busy period?

Household budgets are feeling the pinch of yet another rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 2.6 per cent, prompting some lenders to increase their variable rates by 0.25 percentage points.

The goal of renovating for profit is to minimise expenditure and maximise return. Focus on renovations that will increase your property’s value, whilst not costing you the earth.

Building your own home can be one of life’s most rewarding milestones. Not only does a new build have the potential to save you money, but it also gives you the opportunity to design the home you’ve always wanted with all the latest fixtures and fittings.

Are you looking at becoming a property investor? Purchasing an investment apartment is often a great place to start.

Spring is here and the mercury isn’t the only thing rising. Borrowers are under more pressure with interest rates on the move again.

If you are buying your first home, getting your head around home loan terminology can be tricky.

Interest rates have been going up in recent months. But on the flip side, property prices have been falling in many markets.

If you’re currently playing the waiting game wondering what will happen when your fixed rate term ends, we understand what a stressful time it might be.

Another month, another cash rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to a six-year high of 1.85 per cent in August, prompting some lenders to increase their variable rates by 0.5 percentage points.

One of the things lenders take into consideration when assessing your ability to repay a loan is your credit report.

If you’ve never bought property before, you may not understand what stamp duty is. In a nutshell, stamp duty is a tax. It’s not very sexy, but it’s one of those things that goes hand in hand with purchasing a property.

In the wake of three consecutive cash rate rises, many aspiring homeowners and current mortgage holders have been left feeling uncertain.

For the third month in a row, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate in July to 1.35 per cent.

With millions of Australian homeowners likely to be slugged with higher mortgage repayments due to the cash rate hikes, there’s one question on everyone’s lips.

The golden rule in real estate is “location, location, location”, but how do you know a suburb is right for you when you find it?

In May, Labor was voted in at the Federal Election. If you’re an aspiring homeowner, the change of Government could mean new opportunities to help get you into your own home sooner rather than later.

In what was the biggest one-off rate hike in 22 years, this month the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 0.85 per cent in order to curb skyrocketing inflation.

News of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to increase the official cash rate has left many homeowners feeling uncertain and worried. For some, it’s the first time they’ve experienced a cash rate rise.

If you’re like most property investors, trawling through boxes of receipts to tally up your allowable deductions is probably not your idea of fun. So, how can you make tax time a little easier?

Learning how to invest in property like a pro takes time, and if you’re new to the game, it’s easy to make rookie errors. Here are 4 common mistakes to avoid when buying your first investment property.

How do you know how much to pay for a property? As a buyer, it can be tricky.

As we have seen with the recent east coast floods, unforeseen disasters can strike at any time.

With auction clearance rates soaring above 80% in many markets in recent weeks, the competition amongst buyers for properties is often fierce.

Always dreamed of having a successful side hustle? Have you considered joining the thousands of Aussies who are listing their properties on Airbnb and pulling in extra coin?

Which home loan is right for you? How can you tell when there are so many different lenders, loan types and features available?

Redraw facilities and offset accounts work in a similar way – they both effectively allow you to reduce the balance of your home loan, which reduces the amount of interest you pay.

At Smartfinn Advisors, we’re in it for the long haul. Our goal is to support you with all your big finance decisions, at every stage of your life.

Knowing how to use your equity effectively and making it work for you could be an invaluable wealth-building tool. Let’s look at what equity is, how it grows and how you can access it.

When it comes to your home loan, making sure you’re getting the most competitive deal is important. Even a small difference in your interest rate can mean thousands of dollars over the long run.

Property investment could be a great way to build your wealth and achieve your long-term financial goals. Here are some tips to help you work towards building your property portfolio.

Renovating your property is a great way to potentially drive up its value. If it’s an investment property, you may also secure a better rental return.

If you’re buying property for the first time, you may be a little confused about which professionals you’ll need on your team.

If your finances have taken a pounding of late, here are some tips to help get you back on track.

Australians love investing in property, and it’s no wonder why. Property investment helps you grow your wealth through capital growth and provides additional income via rental returns.

Buying off the plan could be a good way for some people to get into the market. Here’s what you should know when considering buying off the plan.

With a home loan, clients tend to just ‘set and forget’. But it’s sensible to review your home loan every two to three years.

Settlement day. It’s that magical moment a property finally becomes yours. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your settlement day is stress-free. First, let’s cover a few basics.

With international travel off the cards, many people are choosing to holiday domestically. If you have the budget for it, a great way to do that is by purchasing your own holiday home. So, what should you be aware of before investing in a holiday home? Here are some tips.

Property investment can offer all sorts of benefits – additional income, capital growth, tax deductions, and the list goes on. If you’re considering an investment property purchase, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started. Let’s dive in.

The pandemic has drastically changed the way we live and work. For some, there may have been big changes to their financial situation. Here are a few reasons why now is a good time to review your home loan.

Creating a spark with prospective buyers could not only help you to achieve a quick sale, it could also help you secure a better price. And if you can attract multiple suitors, it may even start a bidding war at auction that really benefits your hip pocket. Here are our top tips for impressing prospective buyers.

Can you buy an investment property on a small budget? The simple answer is ‘absolutely’!

The typically busy Spring sales season is upon us, so what does it mean with much of the country in lockdown?

Interest rates remain at a record low currently, and the property market is expected to heat up as we enter spring despite the economic challenges due to the pandemic.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or just moving to a house in a new location, your situation has probably changed since you last bought.

When you’re on a budget, every dollar counts. Let’s see what costs you will need to factor in when you buy a house.

Here’s how to make your packing and moving experience as smooth and seamless as possible, so you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive in your new dwelling.

Aspiring to become a homeowner in Australia’s record-hot property market? Check out these government incentives and learn how to find the right finance option for your needs.

Here are some tips for taking charge of your credit cards ahead of applying for a loan.

With a home loan it’s easy to just ‘set and forget’. But it’s sensible to review your home loan every two to three years or so.

Spark your kids’ curiosity and creativity by encouraging them to plant some seeds and get their hands dirty. Try these ideas to nurture your little gardener this winter.

In this article, we give you a basic guide for making home loan comparisons and tell you more about the features you may need with your home loan.

Getting your budget under control and your finances in order is absolutely essential to anyone looking to apply for a home loan, but it’s particularly important for first home buyers about to take the first step on the property ladder.

There’s a wonderful feeling that comes with being on the home straight towards retirement. Post-career life conjures up thoughts of freedom and leisure with time to do all the things you’ve been putting on the back-burner.

End of financial year is just around the corner, which means time is running out to purchase a vehicle or equipment for your business before June 30.

Your home is probably the biggest purchase you will make in your life- it can feel like a 30-year long marathon.

Refinancing can be a great way to save money if you believe you are paying too much for your loan, but there is more to it than just finding a loan with a lower interest rate and making the change.

A small property could potentially make a great investment, provided you choose the right one. The key to success with any investment property is thorough research.

While managing your own investment property can seem like a simple way to keep more of the rent flowing towards the mortgage, there’s a little more to it than making sure the house is standing and collecting the money.

You’ve found your dream property, had your offer accepted, finance approved, and now there’s just one last yet very important milestone to achieve – settlement day.

Buying your first home or investment property can be an emotionally charged process just like planning for your next holiday.

Ever had someone ask you for $50 and promise to pay you back within a week? And if they didn’t, would you be inclined to lend them $50 again? Well, that’s how a lender looks at you, the borrower.

Owning your own home is one of the major life goals for most people. Saving for a deposit can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

2021 is in full swing, so it could be time to start thinking about how to show your home the love it deserves. And what better time than the month of Valentine’s?

A new year has finally come! The hardships of the global pandemic are not yet over, but yay, we made it here! New year’s resolutions have always been the trend at the start of the new year. Unlike any other year, our standard resolutions list for 2021 may need a little shake-up.

The role of a mortgage broker is to guide you through the home loan journey and help you choose the right product or feature for you.

Happy new year! Have you taken your first steps to achieving your goals in 2021? While we probably can’t motivate you to eat better or exercise more, as your mortgage broker, we can help you achieve your property goals!

Experienced property renovators know the key to a successful renovation is to use the space you have wisely.

2020 has been a year like no other! With the new year upon us, now is the perfect time to consider your financial goals for the next 12 months, and the best place to start is with a good money management plan.

Say the words ‘finance broker’ and most people immediately think of the person who can line you up with a competitive mortgage.

Loan refinancing is a strategy used by property investors to access funds – usually to grow or improve the value of their property portfolio.

The 2020 Federal Budget announced a range of economic measures to help support individuals and businesses through the COVID-19 downturn.

When COVID-19 struck, banks gave eligible customers an option to pause their repayments for six months from March, due to the volatile economic climate.

2020 has been quite an eventful year so far... and unfortunately not for the right reasons.

Found the perfect home or investment property, but unsure about the price tag? It’s the eternal question faced by property hunters: what is a fair sale price?

With interest rates at their lowest ever, it’s not only a great time to buy a property, it’s also a great time to get the equipment you need for your business, or even to start a new one.

Spring is just around the corner which traditionally means the property market will start to warm up. If you are considering making that next property purchase, it is recommended to get a home loan pre-approval first.

An investment property is a business, so it is important to manage it properly in order to achieve financial success.

Take the stress out of applying for a home loan with a little preparation. Here are a few things you can expect to encounter when seeking loan approval.

Some property market analysts are predicting average national home values could fall by 11 per cent in 2019 – and say home values in some suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney...

Tax time is approaching again! Was that a groan? We understand. If you’re like most property investors, trawling through receipt upon receipt to tally up your allowable deductions is probably not your idea of fun.

If you’re looking to buy your first home, considering your next home or maybe looking to renovate, then you might be interested in learning more about the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant.

Don’t you just love getting a tax refund? Whilst nobody enjoys all the paperwork that goes with ling a tax return, getting it right can be rewarding particularly if you’re a property investor.

You may have heard it’s important to get a home loan pre-approval. But why do you need it?

For most of us, it’s easy to form a sentimental attachment to our home. However, there may come a time when we either outgrow the property or would like to make changes.

You’ve found your dream property, had your offer accepted, and now there’s just one last yet very important milestone to achieve – settlement day.

There’s nothing like being formally approved by a lender for a home loan. It’s your green light to buy the property you have your heart set on.