Daniel Venpin - Loanscope

23/07/2026

Australia's rental market remains historically tight. SQM Research reported that the national vacancy rate rose to 1.3% in June, up from 1.2% in May, with total vacancies climbing to 39,229 dwellings. Every capital city recorded a vacancy rate below 2%.

A balanced rental market is typically considered to sit between 2% and 3%, so even with this increase, the country remains well short of that mark.

Perth and Darwin were the most constrained, at 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively. Melbourne held steady at 1.6%, among the more balanced of the capital cities but still below the benchmark.

A sustained shortage of rental stock points to continued strong tenant demand. Even modest month-on-month increases in vacancies are unlikely to shift the underlying supply and demand imbalance in the near term.

For investors, this means well-located rental properties are likely to keep attracting tenants quickly, supporting steady rental income.



If you're considering an investment purchase and want to understand how rental conditions could shape your strategy, the Loanscope team can help. Visit loanscope.com.au or call me on 0422 855 586

17/07/2026

Two of the most misunderstood (but useful) features on a home loan? Offset accounts and redraw facilities. Here's the difference.

An offset account is a separate transaction account linked to your loan. The balance is offset daily against your loan balance, reducing the interest charged, while your funds remain fully accessible.

A redraw facility works within the loan itself, letting you access extra repayments you've made above the minimum.

For borrowers, choosing between the two often comes down to accessibility. Offset funds can be used like an everyday account, which can be useful if you want quick access to savings for renovations or emergencies. Redraw funds are still yours, but getting to them can involve more steps, and some lenders cap how much you can withdraw.

Neither is better across the board – it depends on how you plan to use your savings, your income and how disciplined you want your repayments to be. A Loanscope mortgage broker can talk through your situation and help you decide which structure, or combination of both, suits your circumstances.



Not sure which structure suits your situation? The Loanscope team can talk you through the options. Visit loanscope.com.au or call me on 0422 855 586.

18/12/2024

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all my connections, colleagues, and partners for their support, collaboration, and inspiration throughout the year.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and quality time with loved ones. Here's to a successful and prosperous New Year ahead!

Thank you for being part of my journey—I look forward to what we can achieve together in the coming year.

13/12/2024

RBA holds rates steady, but is a cut on the horizon?

As expected, the RBA held the rates this week.

But there's growing speculation that a rate cut could happen as early as February.

And let's face it, we could all use some relief.

The housing market is feeling it, with prices dipping by 0.4% in Sydney and 0.5% in Melbourne.

The positive news is inflation is easing and moving closer to the target range which if continues to improve at this pace, should lead to a rate cut is likely in the first half of 2025.

Now is the perfect time to assess your financial position. Whether you're considering refinancing or planning to buy or sell, our team is here to support you

Reach out today to discuss your options.

Send a message to learn more

29/11/2024

There's a surprising power in having too many options.

Let's face it, navigating home loans can feel overwhelming - What's with the multiple lenders, rates, loan options, concessions, LVR, LMI, etc.

However, having too many options works in your favour when you have a mortgage broker to walk you through it.

From evaluating your current financial situation to negotiating the best deal - a mortgage broker handles it all.

And it costs you nothing... zero... zilch

Read more: https://www.loanscope.com.au/blog/the-role-of-a-mortgage-broker-your-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-home-loan/

22/11/2024

Are you taking advantage of the Christmas boom?

In Melbourne, we're witnessing the highest amount of houses on the market in more than a decade!

With 1,300 properties ready for auction this weekend, it's a strong buyer's market.

Making now the perfect time to buy.

So if you're sitting on the fence, unsure if now is the right time to buy consider this:
- Vendors may be more open to negotiations so they can sell before Christmas
If you buy this coming weekend, you still have time for a 30 day settlement before the end of the year
- It's currently a buyer's market, but potential rate cuts in the New Year will bring more competition
- It's not too late to secure your next property this side of Christmas. In fact, there's three reason right there why you should take action now.

For further information get in touch with our mortgage brokers for impartial advice. We'd love to help you purchase an extra special Christmas present this year.

07/11/2024

If you’re looking to buy a home or investment property in Australia you’ve probably heard people talk about stamp duty, which is a tax State Governments across the country charge when buying real estate.

Read more: https://www.loanscope.com.au/blog/lets-talk-about-stamp-duty/

25/10/2024

CoreLogic’s latest report shows construction costs are still on the rise, with a 1% jump in the September quarter—the biggest increase since late 2022. Over the past year, costs have surged by 3.2%, raising the question: how will this impact the government’s ambitious goal of delivering 1.2 million new homes by mid-2029? With materials costs stabilising but labour shortages and supply chain issues still creating roadblocks, builders are left wondering if these rising costs will continue to squeeze profit margins.

Read more: https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2024/residential-construction-costs-pick-up-pace-in-september-quarter

Residential construction costs grew 1% over the September quarter, in line with the pre-Covid decade average, according to CoreLogic's latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI).

17/10/2024

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a significant cost for homebuyers borrowing more than 80% of a property’s value. The good news for legal professionals is many banks offer LMI Waivers and special discounts because they’re considered low-risk borrowers due to their high earning potential and stable career path.

If you’re a legal professional working in Australia, you could save thousands on your next property purchase. Here’s how: https://www.loanscope.com.au/blog/legal-professionals-how-to-save-money-on-your-next-property/