BNPL Closures Before a Home Loan in 2026
Buy Now, Pay Later has become part of everyday spending for many Australians. Afterpay, Zip, Klarna, and similar services are often used for groceries, clothing, travel, or household items. Because they feel informal and interest free, many borrowers are surprised to learn that BNPL can still matter when you apply for a home loan. In […]
Help to Buy Scheme in Australia: How It Works and Eligibility
For many buyers across Sydney, saving a deposit is no longer the only challenge. Even with a steady income and careful budgeting, the gap between what you can reasonably borrow and current property prices can feel difficult to close. This is where the Help to Buy Scheme in Australia has become part of the conversation. […]
Franking Credits: The Hidden Advantage Investors Use
Ever wondered why some investors seem to earn more from dividends, even when they hold the same shares? It is not always about choosing better companies. In many cases, the difference comes down to understanding how tax works in your favour. One often overlooked feature of dividend income is franking credits, which can help improve […]
Inflation remains within RBA’s target range…
The latest inflation data, which were recorded before the USA’s recent series of tariff announcements, show further progress in the battle against inflation, making future interest rate cuts more likely. The annual headline inflation rate fell from 2.5% in January to 2.4% in February, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which was the seventh […]
Most home loan customers could withstand a financial downturn: RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has found “the vast majority of borrowers would remain able to service their debt under a range of plausible economic scenarios”, according to the central bank’s latest Financial Stability Review. Crucially, about 97% of borrowers have positive cash flow, which means they’re able to meet their mortgage commitments and potentially […]
How To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster in Australia
Looking to pay off your mortgage faster in Australia? With rising interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, more homeowners are rethinking the traditional 30-year loan. This guide explores practical, realistic strategies to help you cut years off your home loan — from fortnightly repayments and offset accounts to refinancing and smart lump-sum contributions. Discover how to reduce interest, build equity sooner, and create a personalised repayment plan that aligns with your financial goals.
How Queensland’s Stamp Duty Exemption Impacts Homeownership
Queensland’s stamp duty exemption offers first-home buyers a financial advantage by reducing upfront costs. This incentive can make homeownership more accessible, but it also has longer-term consequences that buyers should consider. Does it help build equity faster? Could it contribute to rising property prices? And how might changes to government policy impact home values and […]
Record number of consumers turning to brokers…
About three-quarters of homebuyers are now using mortgage brokers, according to the latest data from Comparator. In the September quarter, brokers originated a record-high 74.6% of all new home loans, while banks originated a record-low 25.4%. Choice is the number one reason homebuyers prefer brokers – a broker will compare home loan products from a […]
Government unveils new assistance scheme for owner-occupiers…
If you’re a lower-income or middle-income earner, you will soon have a new way to buy a property, after the federal parliament passed legislation for ‘Help to Buy‘.‘. Under ‘Help to Buy’, individual buyers who earn less than $90,000 per year or joint buyers who earn less than a combined $120,000 will be able to […]
Australia’s Four-Year Low Inflation: What It Means for the Cash Rate and Your Finances
Don’t miss our LinkedIn post where we first shared this exciting update! The recent drop in Australia inflation rate is remarkable, marking the lowest point in nearly four years. At 2.8% for the September quarter, inflation now sits comfortably within the Reserve Bank of Australia inflation target range of 2-3%. This shift has led to […]
5 tips to beat out other buyers…
Property buyers are being forced to compete hard in many markets around Australia, so how can you improve your chances of securing your dream home? Here are five tips to beat out other buyers: –Have a home loan pre-approval in place. This will make you look more attractive in the eyes of real estate agents, because […]
Which Banks Offer Multiple Offset Accounts
When it comes to managing your mortgage effectively, multiple offset accounts can be a game-changer. Whether you want to reduce your interest payments, increase your financial security, or manage your funds more efficiently, you can benefit a lot from multiple offset accounts. In this article, Unconditional Finance will help you explore what multiple offset accounts […]