Mortgage Rate Finder

04/06/2026

Gen Z Isn’t Giving Up on Property: They’re Just Doing It Differently

Australia’s Gen Z demographic is entering the housing market a little differently compared to previous generations.

Research from Great Southern Bank (GSB) shows Gen Z are 50% more likely than the average Australian to “rentvest.”

So, what is rentvesting? It’s a property strategy where you buy an investment property and rent it out, while continuing to rent in the suburb or area you actually want to live in.

According to GSB, more young Australians are choosing to generate rental income as a way to break into the property market, rather than buying a home to live in straight away.
An Afterpay study also found that 16% of Gen Z own property, compared to Baby Boomers at 24% when they were a similar age.

While schemes like the 5% low deposit scheme are designed to make buying more accessible, it’s not always as simple as it sounds. Once price caps come into play, many Aussies can find their options limited depending on where they want to buy, due to stamp duty expenses etc.

That’s where having a broker in your corner can make a real difference. While we can’t provide investment advice, we can help you understand your lending options—whether you’re looking to buy an owner-occupied home now, or exploring what could be possible as a rentvester.

01/06/2026

First home buyers shaping the market

Since the 5% deposit guarantee scheme expanded in October, one thing has become very clear: demand is at the more affordable end of the market.

New data from Cotality is showing properties valued below the scheme’s price caps have risen 6.7% in the past six months, compared to 3.6% growth for homes above the price caps.

In simple terms, buyers are chasing lower-priced opportunities, creating stronger competition, and that pressure is driving purchase prices.
This is happening across almost every capital city and regional market, except for Regional WA and the NT. Sydney has recorded the most significant split, where homes under the cap rose 4.1% while properties above the cap declined 1.1%.

This shift has most likely arisen because many buyers likely brought forward their purchase plans after the scheme expansion was announced. At the same time, borrowing capacity remains tight, pushing more buyers toward lower-priced homes. Investor demand has also stayed strong, adding pressure in the same markets first-home buyers are targeting.

Not to mention the number of eligible suburbs is also shrinking as prices rise. Fewer areas now sit below the scheme caps, with Darwin recording the smallest share and Perth close behind. Sydney still has a higher share largely because of its $1.5 million cap.

Finance remains another key hurdle. With interest rates above 6% and lenders assessing repayments at 9% or more, many first-home buyers are struggling to qualify.
Looking ahead, demand is likely to keep shifting toward outer metro areas, regional markets, and units, where affordability is more achievable.

30/05/2026

Where’s My Couch? Avoiding online scams

Recently, we’ve noticed more people being caught out by scam websites and providers.

In fact, even Paul experienced this firsthand, he ordered furniture online… and no, this isn’t one of those stories where the couch turns up doll-sized or a completely different colour. After multiple attempts to contact the retailer with no response, he contacted his bank and lodged a scam report. Thankfully, he got his money back, and the site was taken down as he was not the only victim.

So if you think you’ve been scammed, here’s what to do:
1. Contact your bank immediately
Call your bank or card provider and ask them to stop or block any transactions. Acting quickly can help limit any further loss.
2. Escalate if needed
If you’re not satisfied with your bank’s response, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. https://www.afca.org.au/make-a-complaint
3. Report the scam
Report the incident via ScamWatch. This helps authorities track scams and protect others. Even online relationship scams can be reported here. You can also leave a review online to warn other people.
https://portal.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam/

Quick Tips to Spot a Scam
-Search the retailer’s name along with terms like “scam”, “no delivery,”, or “no contact.”
-Be cautious of unfamiliar or unusual payment methods
-Avoid businesses asking for payment in strange or non-standard ways
-Check for legitimate reviews (or lack of them)
-Verify the business via an ABN lookup if one is listed on their website

Test your scam awareness
You can learn more and test your scam awareness on Scamwatch.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Make a Complaint

28/05/2026

Rate rise, fuel prices, how does Australia compare

As many Aussies are now aware, the RBA has increased the cash rate again by 0.25%.

But why are rates continuing to rise here while other countries seem to be pressing pause?

RBA Governor Michele Bullock has said inflation in Australia was already sitting too high, with rising oil prices and global conflict only adding more pressure. Higher fuel costs are now flowing through to transport, construction, groceries, and everyday household expenses.

While countries like the US and the UK held rates steady recently, Australia has continued tightening. Canada, Japan, and parts of Europe are also taking more of a “wait and see” approach.

The big difference is that Australia’s economy is still holding up relatively strongly. Employment remains tight, spending has not slowed enough, and the RBA believes inflation could stick around longer if demand stays too high.

Meanwhile, parts of Europe and the UK are more concerned about slowing economic growth and the risk of recession, which is why they are being more cautious with further rate hikes.

Unfortunately, this means Australia now has one of the highest cash rates compared to many other developed nations.

For homeowners and buyers, another rate rise means repayments may continue increasing, borrowing capacity may be reduced, and budgets may feel even tighter.

Not exactly the news anyone was hoping for heading into the second half of the year.

03/05/2026

Finfluencer crack down

If your favourite finfluencer is promising Lambos, passive income, and guaranteed returns before breakfast, ASIC may be about to ruin their content plan.

ASIC, which is the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, has joined forces with 16 international agencies in a global crackdown on unlawful social media influencers, targeting creators suspected of sharing unlicensed financial advice or posting misleading content.

So far, ASIC has issued warning notices to four finfluencers accused of operating without a licence or making questionable claims, including the classic “guaranteed returns” line, which, in finance, is usually code for “absolutely not guaranteed.”

ASIC is also reviewing several Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensees and how they supervise 15 finfluencers operating under their licences.

Why now?
Because social media is increasingly where young Australians get money advice, according to Moneysmart, 63% of Gen Z Aussies use social media for financial information, and more than half trust what they see.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said algorithms reward clicks and engagement, not accuracy of information, meaning flashy content can travel faster than good advice.
The message is clear: if someone online is promising easy money, guaranteed returns, or a secret strategy “banks don’t want you to know,” it might be time to scroll on or dig deeper and talk to your broker, accountants, or financial planner.

Before taking financial advice from social media, Australians are urged to check whether the person is actually licensed.

Because followers are nice. Financial losses are not as nice!

29/04/2026

Are you an investor and missing out?

The 15th of May tax lodgement deadline is near!

Have you arranged your tax depreciation schedule for your investment property or properties this year?

Many Australian property investors miss out on thousands of dollars in deductions a year simply because they have not completed a depreciation schedule.

But what is a Tax depreciation schedule?
In basic terms, it’s a report completed by a quantity surveyor outlining all the deductions the investor can claim for the wear and tear of the property over time.

Feel free to use the link below to arrange a free tax depreciation quote with a partner of Mortgage Rate Finder

This is also a great time for you to review your overall financial position and ensure you are maximising your returns and staying on top of your obligations. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

26/04/2026

Due to a Public Holiday in NSW to commemorate ANZAC Day we will be closed today.
We will be back from 8.30 am tomorrow.

24/04/2026

Lest We Forget

22/04/2026

Where’s My Couch? Avoiding online scams

Recently, we’ve noticed more people being caught out by scam websites and providers.

In fact, even Paul experienced this firsthand, he ordered furniture online… and no, this isn’t one of those stories where the couch turns up doll-sized or a completely different colour. After multiple attempts to contact the retailer with no response, he contacted his bank and lodged a scam report. Thankfully, he got his money back, and the site was taken down as he was not the only victim.

So if you think you’ve been scammed, here’s what to do:
1. Contact your bank immediately
Call your bank or card provider and ask them to stop or block any transactions. Acting quickly can help limit any further loss.
2. Escalate if needed
If you’re not satisfied with your bank’s response, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. https://www.afca.org.au/make-a-complaint
3. Report the scam
Report the incident via ScamWatch. This helps authorities track scams and protect others. Even online relationship scams can be reported here. You can also leave a review online to warn other people.
https://portal.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam/

Quick Tips to Spot a Scam
Search the retailer’s name along with terms like “scam”, “no delivery,”, or “no contact.”
Be cautious of unfamiliar or unusual payment methods
Avoid businesses asking for payment in strange or non-standard ways
Check for legitimate reviews (or lack of them)
Verify the business via an ABN lookup if one is listed on their website

Test your scam awareness
You can learn more and test your scam awareness on Scamwatch.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Make a Complaint

01/04/2026

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable break over Easter.
Our Office will be closed from 1 pm today, and we will be back on Tuesday morning refreshed!