Is now a good time to buy?
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the cash rate and interest rates have come down. So, is now a good time to buy property? The answer depends on your unique circumstances and goals. But generally speaking, it’s always best to get a leg up on the property ladder sooner rather than later. Here […]
Thinking of buying a holiday home? Here’s what to weigh up
The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund a vacation property. It’s that time […]
Do you really need a building inspection?
Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So it’s worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties. Even the most attractive homes can hide unwanted surprises, and it’s not always easy to spot a problem property. […]
Stamp duty
Stamp duty, also referred to as ‘transfer duty’, is revenue levied by states on transactions relating to the transfer of land or property. It is paid upfront and needs to be budgeted for, in addition to your loan deposit. The amount of stamp duty you are required to pay differs in each state, however there […]
How to avoid paying too much for a home
Knowing what a property is worth is central to avoiding paying too much for it. It’s about doing your homework, knowing what you want, knowing the market and making sensible offers. Set a benchmark Comparing nearby properties that have sold recently is the best way to assess an acceptable price for the property you are […]
Three things you need to ask your partner before you apply for a home loan together
Before you apply for a home loan with your partner, there are a few discussions that you need to have that go a little beyond what you may know already. You’ve found someone you want to spend your life with– the hard part is over, right? Wrong. You know each other well enough to know […]
Top tips for negotiating a property price
Here are our top tips to tactfully negotiate the price without ruining your chances of securing the property. Tip #1: Never enter a negotiation empty-handed Whether it’s hiring inspectors for a building and pest report, or obtaining quotes from tradespeople, obtaining facts and figures will give you ammunition when requesting a price reduction. Tip #2: […]
What comes first: The property or the loan?
It’s easy to get carried away with the fun part of buying a property – looking at houses – but delaying the less compelling task of arranging finance will weaken your negotiating position on both the property and the loan. Looking for a property to purchase is an exciting time. Choices regarding location, size, number […]