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How the Scheme works Help to Buy is a shared equity Scheme where the Australian Government contributes towards the purchase price of your home. Under Help to Buy you will need to: save a minimum 2% deposit obtain a home loan from a Participating Lender. The Australian Government will: contribute up to 30% (existing homes) or 40% (newly built homes) toward the purchase price. This will allow you to buy a home sooner by: bridging the gap between what you can borrow and the pri

In April 2026, deciding between a fixed or variable mortgage hinges on whether you prioritize certainty or flexibility, especially since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently raised the cash rate to 4.10%. Market Context (April 2026) Recent Hikes: The RBA increased rates in both February and March 2026 due to persistent inflation and global energy shocks. Outlook: Major banks like ANZ, CBA, and NAB predict another potential 0.25% hike in May 2026, potentially raising t

Australia’s economy is closely tied to the decisions made by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). When the RBA adjusts interest rates, it sends ripples through the financial system, affecting everything from home loans to business investments. Recently, the RBA has increased rates, prompting many Australians to wonder what this means for their finances and the broader economy. This post explains how RBA rate increases influence Australia’s economy, with clear examples and pra

When you take out a home loan, you commit to a long-term financial plan. But what if your circumstances change or better loan options become available? Home loan refinance offers a way to adjust your mortgage terms, potentially saving you money or improving your financial flexibility. This post explains what home loan refinance is, how it works, and the benefits it can bring. A suburban house with a 'For Sale' sign in front, representing home loan refinance opportunities What

Typically, when obtaining a home loan, you have two options: a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. A fixed interest rate home loan is one where the interest rate is set (i.e., fixed) for a specific duration, usually ranging from one to ten years. During this fixed period, both your interest rate and required repayments remain unchanged. Conversely, a variable interest rate home loan can fluctuate at any time. Lenders have the ability to raise or lower the interes

To help you see the real-world impact of these two choices, let’s look at a typical $40,000 car purchase in the current Australian market. This comparison assumes a standard interest rate of 6.5% for a mortgage top-up and 9.0% for a secured car loan. The Cost Comparison Table Feature Mortgage Top-Up (25 Years) Mortgage Top-Up (5-Year Goal) Standard Car Loan (5 Years) Monthly Payment ~$270 ~$782 ~$830 Interest Rate 6.5% 6.5% 9.0% Total Interest Paid $41,080 $6,950 $9,820 To

Home equity is the total value of the property that you actually own. If you have a home loan, it's calculated as the difference between how much you owe the lender on your home loan and the total value of the property. Equity is usually built up over time as you reduce your mortgage with repayments and as the market value of the property increases. A simple way of understanding the concept is to imagine that you sell your current home or investment property today and pay of

The first home owner grant helps eligible first time, new home buyers get into the property market. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a grant of $15,000 or $30,000 to put towards the cost of buying or building a new home in Queensland. After 30 June 2026, the grant amount will revert to $15,000. The grant applies only to new homes valued at less than $750,000 (including land). There is no first home owner grant for buyers of established homes. Differences b