The Latest
Keep up to date with everything related to property investment and renovation.
Breaking Hibernation Habits with a Friend (or Two!)
During the cooler months of the year it’s easy to get into ‘hibernation habits’. Comfort food is much more appealing when it’s awful outside and it can be hard to get off the couch when it’s gloomy or
Spring Into Action for the Spring Selling Season
Spring is traditionally the hottest season for property, with buyers and sellers springing into action. There are more listings and more properties sold than any other season, with the REA finding tha
Is Your Mortgage still Working for You?
A mortgage is a long-term commitment, which many people enter with a ‘set and forget’ mentality. Most loans are around 30 years – during which many things can change, not just in your personal circums
Property Review Video – August 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Property Review Video – July 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Weighing Up Buying Off-Plan
There is a lot of interest in buying off-plan, not least because of the incentives offered through government schemes and the longer timeframe to settlement. However, stories about the risks that come
Couple Goals: Saving for a Home Deposit
One of the biggest challenges first home buyers face at present is saving for a decent deposit. While there are definitely some advantages to buying as a couple compared to on your own, pooling your s
Homebuyer Support to Ring in the New Financial Year
The new financial year marks the opportunity to access a raft of support to help more people buy a home. Now is the perfect time to sort through all the national and state schemes and find the ones th
Property Review Video – June 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Travel on a Shoestring
If you are saving for a long-term goal like a home deposit, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track. That’s not necessarily the case, it is possibl
EOFY for Property Investors
As the end of financial year fast approaches, here are three main factors to keep in mind. By being prepared, particularly with your admin, having an awareness of what you can claim and considering an
Quarterly Property Update – June 2023
Interest rates have been the hot topic of conversation among homebuyers for a year now. In May 2022 the RBA made its first tactical move, raising the official rate for the first time since November 20
Property Review Video – May 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Freebies to Help You Save
Everyone loves a bargain, but as cost-of-living increases continue to put pressure on budgets, tracking down a freebie or two can also take some pressure off.
Airbnb vs Long Term Rentals – Do the Numbers Stack Up?
In just 15 short years, Airbnb has transformed from a platform helping homeowners earn cash from their spare rooms to a business and property investment strategy.
Property Review Video – April 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
How to Make Your Home, Your Happy Place
How do you feel when you enter your front door? Is your home a welcoming sanctuary or just a place to store your stuff and lay your head? If it’s more the latter, there are heaps of things you can do
Ways Parents Can Help You Buy Your First Home
In today’s challenging financial climate, saving enough money for a house deposit can seem out of reach for many. While there are various Government grants available, not everyone is eligible, and som
Negative Gearing: Time to Re-Evaluate Your Strategy?
In the space of a year - and 10 official interest rate rises - plenty of positively or neutrally geared investment properties have slipped into negative territory. After a significant 3.5% jump in the
Property Review March 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
The Journey to a Satisfying Career
Having a career means so much more than just having a job and a regular income. Having a successful career can provide you with great satisfaction but it does require work to get to where you want to
Tactics for Buying in a Falling Market
With higher interest rates causing price falls across most of the country, buying in a falling market can appear tempting. As always, whether it’s a good time to buy will depend on your circumstances
Quarterly Property Update – March 2023
Australian property values appeared to stabilise with a 0.1% increase in national dwelling values for February. There was a –2.3% drop over the quarter according to CoreLogic’s national Home Value Ind
Property Review February 2023
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Supplement Your Savings by Boosting Your Income
It's challenging to get a foot on the property ladder and coming up with a large enough deposit can seem like an impossible task at times. One way of increasing your savings is to boost the amount of
Tick Tock: What’s the Time on the Property Clock
Property investors say that succeeding in real estate is all about timing. Buying at the bottom and selling at the top is easier said than done as there is no easy way to predict exactly when the mark
Making That Holiday Home a Reality
Many of us have dreamed of owning a holiday home, creating an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Holiday homes are great for bringing family and friends together and making memories. Whet
Support For First Home Buyers In 2023
It has been an eventful couple of years for first-home buyers from booming property prices to rising interest rates. Cooling market conditions and a reduction in borrowing power means many frustrated
A Helping Hand To Make A Successful Purchase
If you are looking to buy property this year – congratulations! You have an exciting but somewhat challenging time ahead of you. If you are feeling a little daunted by the prospect, the good news is t
Achieving Your Property Goals In The Year To Come
Goals are important in keeping us motivated to get to where we want to be. When it comes to property, your 2023 goal may be to get a foot on the ladder, grow your portfolio or secure your dream home.
Property Review December 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Quarterly property update – December 2022
Values decline as the cash rate continues to climb It took the Reserve Bank just seven months to move the official cash rate from an historic low of 0.10% in April to 2.85% by November. The last time
Buy now pay later and your festive spending
The festive season is a magical time of year but it’s also a time when it’s easy for your spending to go off the rails.
Prepare for successful buying in 2023
If you’re planning to take advantage of lower property prices and buy in 2023, now’s the time to get organised. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move to a different house or invest, you’
Property Review November 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
What is my credit score and how do I manage it?
After months of research, weekends spent attending inspections and auctions, finding the perfect home, at the right price brings a sense of relief and excitement. But what if you haven’t sold your cur
Make your home transition smoother with bridging finance
After months of research, weekends spent attending inspections and auctions, finding the perfect home, at the right price brings a sense of relief and excitement. But what if you haven’t sold your cur
2022-23 Federal Budget Analysis (October)
In his first Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers' emphasised the three Rs – responsible budget repair and restrained spending, right for the times. For good measure, resilience also got a mention with spen
Property Review October 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Fighting inflation at the checkout
With the price of iceberg lettuce peaking at an insane $12, and inflation not letting up any time soon, it’s a good time to review what you can do to reduce your food spend.
How to maintain your lifestyle and still save for a deposit
For the first time in years, the amount needed to save for a deposit is decreasing as housing values across most of Australia decline.
Property Review September 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Quarterly property update – September 2022
Winter has brought a cool change for home values After a bumper 21/22 financial year, it’s clear Australia’s property boom is over (at least on paper) however values are still above pre-covid prices.
Flexing your financial fitness
It’s a challenging time for household finances right now. Interest rates are rising as the Reserve Bank of Australia increases the cash rate to put the brakes on inflation, and flat wage growth means
Spring clean your home loan
As the days get longer and we understand more about how the outlook for interest rates and the property market are shaping up, it’s the perfect time to pull back the curtains to give your home loan an
Property Review August 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Know where you stand – stress testing your mortgage
With the double whammy of cost of living and mortgage interest rate rises, it’s no wonder many mortgage holders, and those saving to buy their first property, are feeling anxious about meeting their r
Achieving harmony when you buy together
Mustering a deposit to buy property can be an intimidating exercise and joining forces with a partner, family, or friends could make it a lot more accessible than flying solo. However, it’s a big fina
Property Review July 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
The cash rate – and how it impacts your home loan
With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raising the cash rate for the first time since November 2010 – and more rises forecast over the next year – many people are worried about their mortgage repaym
The influence of emotion on our finances
We’ve all heard of the dangers of emotional spending but what about emotional saving? Emotions can wield a powerful influence on our personal finances in a positive way, but they can also have a negat
Property Review May 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Thinking of fixing your loan? Here’s what you need to know
With interest rates looking like they’re on the rise in Australia, it’s worth asking yourself how your finances would handle a rate increase. You are likely to find out the answer to that soon enough,
Is it time to reassess your buying strategy?
Is the constant property market coverage making you feel anxious about your plans? It’s little surprise with headlines such as ‘New study finds housing affordability in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & A
Property Review April 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Have we seen the peak of the property cycle?
It seems Australia’s most popular spectator sport over the past year has not been cricket, or even the various codes of football, but making backyard bets on when property prices will peak. Following
Save faster for your first home with the increased FHSS
There’s good news for first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme which allows you to save for your deposit in your super account, is increasing its maximum release to $50,000. How it
Safety starts at home
Your home should be your haven – a place where you and those you share it with always feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, the home has proven to be a place where accidents can and do happen, however
2022-23 Federal Budget Analysis
Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living pressures, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s fourth Budget also has one eye firmly on the federal election in May. At the
Property Review September 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
Quarterly property update – March 2022
After a bumper year across the Australian property market – from the city to the regions - experts are predicting slower price growth ahead. However, with limited supply and low-interest rates for the
Opening opportunities with your home equity
Many of us have seen our home’s value grow significantly over the last few years. This could mean that your equity is now large enough to put to a new use. So, whether you’re looking to renovate, inve
Financial planning for your growing family
Starting a family, whether it be taking those first steps of planning or knowing your baby is on their way, is exciting – and expensive. Before you start thinking of paint colours for the nursery, it’
Property Review February 2022
Stay up to date with the latest developments in the property market over the past month.
The true value of convenience
Even with the varying degree of lockdowns experienced across Australia in 2020 and 2021, the world remains largely at our fingertips. In fact, through the pandemic the use of our phones or computers t
Protecting your home. What to look for when comparing policies
It’s tempting to put price above everything else when choosing insurance for your property. However, whether you’ve just taken out a new mortgage or are hunting for a better deal, making sure you have
(Re)finance your way to renovation
Why go through the worry (and expense) of moving when you can turn your current place into your dream home? While renovations aren’t always stress-free (or cheap) there are some straightforward ways t
Make 2022 the year you buy your first home
If your New Year goals include buying your first home, even though you’re finding it impossible to save for that ever-increasing deposit, you’re not alone. Many people ask us if they can get a home lo
Buying an investment property: how to get started
Investment properties can generate wealth or earn you a passive income - maybe both - but even in a booming market profit is never promised. The key to purchasing a successful investment property is t
Strategies for successful new years’ resolutions
A brand new year presents a clean slate to do things a little differently, break habits you don’t want to hang on to and change things for the better. Unfortunately our good intentions are often just
Quarterly property update – December 2021
Metropolitan housing markets experienced yet another quarter of bumper price growth, however the regions are giving the cities a run for their money.
5 tips to shave years off your mortgage
Every homeowner loves the idea of becoming mortgage-free faster and paying less interest in the lead up to that landmark event. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to get there sooner
8 money experts reveal the financial gift they’d like to receive this Christmas – Canstar
Canstar asked me and 7 other money experts to share what we were hoping Santa will bring us this year. Here’s what we had to say
Maybe just maybe, the festive season is a little more in 2021
Here in Australia we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for this year. After a tough couple of years of pandemic-induced uncertainty, we are opening up with travel back on the cards, we can also
Raising the bar: How tighter leading criteria will impact you
Australia’s thriving property market has recovered so swiftly since the brief pandemic-induced recession of 2020, that authorities have stepped in to pull the reigns on runaway real estate prices. As
Finance your dream home with a construction loan
Building your own home is a dream for many of us. And with the current low interest rates and government incentives available, it’s great that more and more of us are doing it.i Here’s what you need t
Keeping control of your spending this holiday season
For those of us who’ve been in and out of lockdown over the past 20 months, this has meant a significant shift in the way we shop, not only physically, but the way we pay for our goods has changed too
Timing the market – a buyer’s guide to the property cycle
If you are surprised at how prices in cities and regional areas have risen even in the face of the social and economic havoc caused by COVID-19, you’re not alone. If you are thinking of buying propert
Financial Health Day: Take a day – it can pay
Ever thought about taking a break from your routine, a “Financial Health Day” to spend some time tightening up your personal finances?
Give your home deposit a super boost
With property prices continuing to rise across the country, it’s becoming much harder for many Australians to take that first step onto the property ladder.
Quarterly property update – September 2021
In any other year, September 1 marks a significant day on the national property calendar but as we all know by now, 2021 is anything but typical.
Time to spring clean your home loan
Just like the property it allowed you to buy, your mortgage benefits from regular maintenance. Spring is the perfect time to look at your current mortgage and make any adjustments that are needed.
Communication counts when buying as a couple
Buying a property with your partner is an exciting milestone. But before you start the endless rounds of open for inspections, it’s a good idea to sit down together and have some important conversatio
Survival guide: Buying and selling at the same time
Buying and selling a home at the same time – it’s the ultimate chicken and egg scenario. At the best of times, it is a juggling act, but in the current market where prices are rising, listing numbers
House hunt with confidence with a pre-approval
In today’s fast-moving property market, it is particularly important that you’re as organised as possible before you start seriously looking for your next home. While it’s easy to get caught up in the
Keeping busyness at bay
We’ve had some adjusting to do over the past couple of years in terms of our time commitments. Many of us have had to deal with limitations around what we were able to do when lockdowns were implement
New COVID-19 relief schemes explained
As we navigate ongoing lockdowns due to COVID-19 across Australia, here is a guide to the latest benefits you may be entitled to from the Federal and State Governments.
Rates on the rise – time to lock in?
Fixed term rates have never been lower in Australia but with some lenders starting to move fixed rates and further changes on the horizon, is it time to have a look around to ensure you are getting th
Investing in property with a limited deposit
The Australian property market is a national obsession. It’s a popular topic around the barbeque, with bricks and mortar remaining one of our best loved investments. It’s little wonder, given the pote
Furry friends and your finances
For those who enjoy the company of a furry friend, 2020 was the year of the pet. Animal shelters and breeders reported a surge in interest in pet ownership as many of us found we suddenly had enough t
The Property Nerds: Why you should be watching the rental market
In a recent Podcast by The Property Nerds, they discuss and interesting way investors can find a demand for an area, by looking into rental markets
Buying your first home: 5 property experts share how they did it – Canstar
Canstar asked 5 experts - including me - to share how we got on the property ladder and share what we learned from our experiences Here’s what we had to say.
Quarterly property update
After a sizzling hot start to 2021, when rising home prices were clocked at their fastest pace in 32 years, the Australian residential property market is heading into winter still on the boil.
The latest government home schemes explained
There was some good news for first home buyers in the recent Federal Budget. It included a variety of new schemes and extensions to existing schemes, all aimed at helping more people realise their dre
Budget your way into the black
$2.2 trillion. That’s how much Australian households owe right now, according to the latest ABS stats. Household liabilities grew by $1.2 billion in the last quarter alone. Real household debt per per
The Great Australian Dream – EP 30. The Federal Budget’s policy incentives – are they a win?
It's now been a few days since the federal budget was handed down and there were a few incentives for first home buyers and over 60's. In the latest episode of the Great Australian Dream podcast we'll
Federal Budget 2021-2022 Analysis
After reeling from the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, property values throughout Australia have strongly rebounded, rising at their fastest pace in 32 years. These exceptionally strong conditio
Keeping your cool in a hot market
After reeling from the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, property values throughout Australia have strongly rebounded, rising at their fastest pace in 32 years. These exceptionally strong conditio
Financially planning parenthood
Parents often refer to their children as their ‘pride and joy’ and there is no doubt that becoming a parent can be a profound, life changing experience, which is just as well because the cost of raisi
Property prices are rising, will interest rates be next?
Many Australian homeowners haven’t seen anything like it - values rising at their fastest pace in 32 years, property searches hitting record highs and selling at unprecedented speeds. Throw in histori
Be aware of hidden costs when purchasing a property
You’re dreaming of your property – what it will look like, where it will be, all the happy memories you’ll make in it. When saving to buy a new property, there is more to consider than just the final
Positives and negatives of gearing
Negatively gearing an investment property is viewed by many Australians as a tax effective way to get ahead and indeed, despite the pandemic’s shake up of the rental and property market in 2020, our l
Getting your balance right
The balance between our work lives and our personal lives has been even more challenging of late. Around 68% of working Australians have experienced a change in their employment situation in the past
How to spot a good investment
Not even a global pandemic can quash Australia’s obsession with bricks and mortar. We follow auction results like sporting fans and spend more than two and a half hours per week viewing property - whe
Preparing your home for sale
With so many of us determined to reset our lives in 2021, it’s not surprising that for many people, selling their home is high on the ‘to do’ list. If you’re one of them, now’s the time to start plann
20 experts share their top money tip – Canstar
Canstar asked 20 experts - including me - to share the one money lesson they think everyone should know. Here’s what we had to say.
Property report – 2020 in review
2020 will be remembered as the rockiest rollercoaster ride Australia’s property market has ever seen. Whether you were buying, selling - or just thinking about doing either - there were hurdles but al
How to get a home loan during the pandemic – The New Daily
Record-low interest rates have boosted our borrowing capacity and made mortgage repayments cheaper than rent in some suburbs.
How to Buy and Sell a House at the Same Time -Canstar
Buying and selling a home at the same time is possible – you just need to know what to do and how and when to do it.
Where your focus goes energy flows… what are you focusing on?
We let too many things we can't control worry us and cause us stress.. Read more.
The pursuit of happiness, cycling and lockdown musings
it’s not an 80’s movie, but the story is truly inspiring…
Property vs Shares? OMG shares are not for the faint hearted!
Earlier this year my son sold up his entire Lego 'portfolio' and made $1200.
Why Property Investing can feel like Mission Impossible
If you are like me you like Tom Cruise films. However, I get it – the series of Tom Cruise films are a bit hit and miss.
Dude, are you kids ready for an excellent adventure?
One thing I’ve heard over and over again, especially when it comes to any kind of investing is:
Macauley Culkin just dosen’t play fair..
It’s been so many months of this “new normal”, that I can’t even remember the last time I was “home alone” ...
Is “Hello” enough?.. Probably not, according to “The Princess Bride”
Recently I was reading something about the “perfect” way to introduce yourself…let’s face it with virtual meetings these days making a good impression is a little harder.
Geared for Growth Podcast
Recently i was on a podcast with Mike Mortlock from MCG Quantity Surveyors check out my approach to property investing.
Interview with Finance and Coffee – Humans of Finance Jane Slack-Smith
Check out my interview with Finance and Coffee - I discuss my path to becoming a Mortgage Broker
Gearing Unpacked with Jane Slack-Smith
Check out my interview with Real Estate Talks - I discuss my Financial Freedom Framework for First Home Buyers (and any buyer hoping to buy well) and a quick explanation about negative and positive g
Your Investment Property Magazine- How to Renovate Your Bathroom for Profit
This month I had the honour of featuring in Your Investment Property Magazine to give my advice on how to achieve the perfect bathroom renovation.
The Number of Passed-In Properties on the Rise – Should Investors Fear the Current Real Estate Market?
In a property auction, if no one bid on the property or if the bids didn’t meet the reserve, it gets passed in. These two words are unfriendly to any seller and can easily become a nightmare if it kee
The Block 2018: The Best and the Worst of Week 12
After 12 weeks of blood, sweat, and tears, the contestants have finally put down their tools for good.
Leading Economist Says We Should Expect More Property Price Declines in Sydney and Melbourne
Throughout 2018, Sydney and Melbourne have experienced property price cooling. And now, a leading economist claims that the worst is yet to come.
The Tech Secret That One Couple on The Block Has Up Their Sleeves
The contestants on The Block are gearing up to go to auction next week. But it looks like one couple has a little tech secret up their sleeves that they’re ready to spring onto the other contestants.
The Block’s Room Design Challenge Highlights Some Important Concerns for Renovators
Contestants on The Block faced a mixed reception this week as they moved into apartment 1 challenge. A challenge to redesign a bedroom led to some contestants facing scathing criticism.
Episode 42 of The Block Highlights Budget Concerns That Affect All Renovators
Property investors need to take note of some changes that NSW’s government wants to introduce. The state hopes to make all property transactions digital by 2019 with resources like Block Chain.
NSW Government May Use BlockChain Tech for Property Transactions by 2019
Property investors need to take note of some changes that NSW’s government wants to introduce. The state hopes to make all property transactions digital by 2019 with resources like Block Chain.
The October Suburb in the Spotlight
Jane's pick for October's Suburb in the Spotlight!
Podcast with The Elephant in the Room
My podcast with Elephant in the Room
Video: Master the Market with Suncorp
Master the Market with Suncorp Live on Facebook
The Burning Topic for October: Is property investing too hard?
Currently there is have record low clearance rates in Sydney and Melbourne, negative gearing and capital gains tax proposed changes, landlords rights are diminishing, banks are putting up rates – why
The September Suburb in the Spotlight
Jane's pick for September's Suburb in the Spotlight!
The September Burning Topic
Spilling the tea on this September's hot community topic
How to Continue to Finance Your Investments after the New APRA Changes
The APRA lifted its cap on investor lending growth in July 2018. But what might these mean for investors who want to get a loan?
Former Explosives Engineer Reveals How She Transitioned To A Highly Success Property Renovator and Investor
Discover how I transferred the skills I developed while working in the mining industry to the property sector.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Area to Invest In (And Find the Best Renovation Hot Spots)
Location plays a huge role when completing a strategic renovation for profit. An amazing property may not sell if it’s in the wrong area. Here are some tips on finding the best renovation hotspots.
4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Buying a Property to Renovate
Many investors buy properties with the aim of renovating them so they can sell at a profit. Unfortunately, there are several pitfalls you need to understand if you intend to use this strategy.
How RBA’s Recent Interest Rate Freeze May Affect APRA’s Decisions
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has chosen to freeze interest rates again. Find out what this means for you and how it may affect the APRA’s future decisions.
How To Navigate The Minefield Of Lending Changes
A lot has changed in the world of investor finance in the last couple of years. Many investors have seen their borrowing capacity slashed by hundreds of thousands of dollars, slamming the brakes on
10 Investment Strategies to Build a Property Portfolio in Australia
Choosing the right investment strategy to grow your property portfolio can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time stepping into the property market. I’ve compiled the 10 most common strategie
Why Location Is The Single Most Important Factor When Buying An Investment Property
After observing thousands of investors, I find that the #1 most common mistake investors make is: They invest in the wrong suburbs. I’d like to introduce you to a proven system for pinpointing precise
Discover the Latest Auction Clearance Rates for the Week Ending 5th August 2018
Clearance rates across most of the states and territories came in fairly low during this week. Only one state managed to reach a 70% clearance rate, with several falling below 40%. Recent APRA regulat
