Millions of Australians on low fixed-rate loans will be bracing for impact when they expire in the next year. It's time to get prepared to manage the bill shock of coming off a fixed rate. Don't panic but start planning Until recently, many Australian mortgage holders have only ever experienced…
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Navigating the dos and don'ts of investment property returns. Rental properties and holiday homes are once again in the sights of the Australian Tax Office, which has had growing success identifying erroneous claims. Last year about 70 per cent of returns related to investment properties audited by the ATO had…
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Renovating for profit can be a tricky business in a cooling market. But it's more a science than an art if you know the pitfalls. Here are six common mistakes to avoid. 1. Not having a plan This obvious but common error is responsible for a host of renovating sins,…
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House prices have surged, meaning hidden costs associated with buying a home have jumped too. If you're on the hunt for a new property, it's worth checking your budget still covers the extras that can add tens of thousands to your costs. In the past two years, the average house…
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It may be an admirable trait in personal relationships, but in financial matters, loyalty can come at a cost. Sticking with the same loan longer than three years can cost borrowers thousands, with competition to win business resulting in new customers paying lower rates than existing ones. This so-called loyalty…
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In a year when just about every real estate record was broken, home buyers turned to mortgage brokers in droves. More than two-thirds - a record 66.9 per cent - of residential mortgages were written by brokers in 2021.1 That's a leap of 6.8 per cent on the year before…
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13 tips to trading up in a hot property market. Climbing the property ladder can be a tricky manoeuvre in boom times but there are some simple steps to put you ahead of the pack. 1. Sell then buy, or buy then sell? It's an age-old dilemma but you need…
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Lenders are helping parents boost their children's buying power without putting their house or relationships on the line. Despite a patchy customer service history, the Bank of Mum and Dad is soaring to new heights as the property market booms. And no wonder - conditions are perfect to drive inter-generational…
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Younger Australians are striking out in the regions. Where are the hotspots and could it be right for you? People have turned their backs on capital cities in record numbers during the past year, seeking a simpler and cheaper life in regional Australia. COVID-19 has not only unshackled workers from…
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Hide in a cupboard, launch an escape pod or retreat to the garage - you may have more options than you think to create a peaceful home office. If we've learned anything in the past 12 months, it's that study nooks no longer cut the mustard. They may be great…
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