SG Fin4nce Pty Ltd

31/12/2025

08/07/2025

RBA UPDATE | Effective July 9, 2025

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has held the official cash rate steady at 3.85%, defying widespread expectations of a cut. This marks a cautious pause after two earlier cuts in February and May.

Why the hold? Despite easing inflation and slowing growth, the RBA board opted to wait for more data before making another move. In its statement, the board noted it wanted “a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5% on a sustainable basis”.

Notably, the decision wasn’t unanimous — six members voted to hold, while three supported a cut.

Mortgage holders hoping for relief will need to wait at least another month. Meanwhile, despite growing cost-of-living concerns, many Australians are still choosing to maintain higher repayments to get ahead on their loans.

Looking ahead, several factors are expected to shape the housing market for the remainder of the year. On the positive side, interest rates are forecast to fall further, possibly to the early 3% or even high 2% range by year's end, which should improve consumer sentiment and borrowing capacity. However, affordability constraints, elevated household debt levels, and a cautious lending environment may temper growth.

If you have any concerns with your current home loan, reach out to your mortgage broker. The RBA's next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, August 12.



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25/06/2025

Home renovation trends we’re seeing in 2025!!

Whether you're planning to sell or simply upgrade your lifestyle at home, here are four trends that we’re seeing.

Renovate with the next buyer in mind - Even if you’re not selling right away, renovating with broad appeal in mind is a smart move. Think energy efficiency, functional floor plans, upgraded tech, and timeless finishes. These updates will help attract buyers when the time comes to sell.

Bring the spa home - Bathrooms continue to be one of the most valuable areas to renovate. In 2025, spa-inspired updates are trending, like rain showers, underfloor heating and soft lighting. Even small touches like a new vanity, mirror, or heated towel rail can transform the space without breaking the budget.

Prioritise wellness and natural light - Home gyms, meditation corners and natural light-filled rooms are on the rise. Open floor plans, eco-friendly materials and greenery indoors are helping Aussies create calming, energising spaces to support their mental and physical wellbeing.

Pet-friendly design that looks good - Built-in pet beds, stylish wash stations and durable, easy-clean materials are becoming part of high-end renovations. It’s all about creating spaces that work for the two-legged and four.

Planning to renovate?

If you’d like to reevaluate your mortgage, why not reach out to a broker for a complimentary home loan health check?

The RBA's next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, July 8.



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20/05/2025

RBA UPDATE | Effective May 21, 2025

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lowered the official cash rate by 25 basis points, marking the second rate cut of 2025. Now sitting at 3.85%, this decision was driven by falling inflation and easing economic growth.

Australian Broker reported on the relief to mortgage holders and investors. “Even a small cut could shave thousands off annual repayments — a timely boost as households continue to grapple with soaring living costs.”

Since the last cut in February, property prices have surged, according to data from PropTrack. Inner Melbourne leads with 3.6% growth in house prices and 5.9% in unit prices, the fastest in Australia. Melbourne’s affordability has subsequently drawn buyers, with 40% of Victorians believing it's a good time to buy.

Darwin is attracting investors with high rental yields and has rebounded with a 3.3% house price increase, while the Gold Coast saw nearly 3% growth. Queensland, particularly Townsville, leads annual growth, with house prices up 22%.

If you’d like to reevaluate your mortgage, why not reach out to a broker for a complimentary home loan health check? The RBA's next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, July 8.



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21/02/2025

19/02/2025

RBA UPDATE | Effective February 19, 2025

For the first time since 2020, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has dropped the official cash rate to 4.1% following 13 rate hikes. The news was announced after their first board meeting of the year, providing borrowers with some much-needed relief.

Whilst the RBA’s decision was in acknowledgement of easing “a little bit of that restrictiveness,” that was handed down from the November 2025 rate increase, RBA Governor Michele Bullock has warned “we cannot declare victory on inflation just yet,” as the board cautioned borrowers not to count on too much more rate relief.

PROPERTY MARKET FORECAST | 2025

According to KPMG's Residential Property Market Outlook, house prices in Australia are expected to rise by 3.3% in 2025, with Perth leading at 4%. Unit prices are predicted to grow by 4.6% nationally.

The rental market is stabilising, with Sydney and Melbourne seeing no changes in the December quarter, maintaining median rents of $730 and $570, respectively. Perth and Adelaide are the strongest markets, with Perth's rental price growth at 8.3% and Adelaide at 7.4%. Adelaide's median weekly rent of $580 has surpassed Melbourne's, while Perth at $650 has moved ahead of Brisbane's $630.

Regional areas continue to outperform capital cities, with regional rents climbing 10% to $550 per week, compared to capital cities' 6.7% growth to $640. The market shows signs of moderating demand, with median days on market increasing from 19 to 20 days, and average enquiries per listing decreasing from 24.1 to 19.5 nationally.

The RBA's next meeting will be announced on Tuesday, April 1.



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24/09/2024

RBA UPDATE | Effective September 25, 2024

The official cash rate will remain on hold at 4.35% for the seventh consecutive time.

The Australian Broker reports, “anticipation is building for a rate cut this side of Christmas.” Meanwhile the ASX expects to see four rate cuts in 2025.

Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, new data from Finder has shown that 40% of Australians will struggle to pay their home loan this month.

23/09/2024

Six key factors to consider when choosing an investment property this Spring

With the arrival of the spring selling season, it can be a great time for buyers to find an investment property. However, selecting the right investment property requires careful consideration of several factors.

Here are six things to look out for when choosing an investment property:

Capital growth potential
Capital growth refers to the increase in a property's value over time. To assess this potential, start by looking at median sale prices in your target suburb. Analyse price trends over the past few years and compare that to how median prices have changed over the past 20 or more years. You can also consider any future development plans in the area that may boost property values.

Rental demand and yield
A property's ability to generate income is crucial for investors, as that money can be used to pay off mortgage on the property. If your yield is higher than your repayments – or at least the interest component – then you might have a positively geared property.

Investigate the area's rental demand and vacancy rates to ensure a steady flow of tenants. Research median weekly rents and potential growth rates to get a clearer picture of your rental income over time. Aim for a steady, reliable rental income that covers a significant portion of your property expenses.

Strategic location
The old adage "location, location, location" holds true for investment properties. Look for properties that are close to public transport, schools, shops, and amenities. Safe neighbourhoods with positive growth indicators are ideal. Also, keep an eye on upcoming infrastructure projects or developments that could boost the area's appeal. Typically, the best investment locations are areas where owner-occupiers want to live in.

Property type
The choice between houses and apartments can significantly impact your investment. Consider the target demographic of the area, such as families, students, or young professionals. Typically, houses offer higher capital growth potential, while apartments come with lower entry costs. However, apartments may have additional costs such as strata fees. The key is to match the property type to the location and target tenant demographic. For example, don’t buy an apartment in an area where families want large homes.

Age and condition of the property
The age and condition of a property can affect ongoing costs and potential returns. Newer properties may require less maintenance but offer lower depreciation benefits. Older properties might need renovations but could have character appeal. Always conduct professional building and pest inspections to avoid unexpected surprises.

Property features
Even as an investor, it's important to think like a potential home homeowner. Look for properties with practical layouts and designs, plenty of natural light and ventilation, additional bathrooms or ensuites and garage or off-street parking. Features such as a home office space or modern appliances and fixtures can make a property more attractive. Consider what features would make the property stand out to potential buyers down the track.

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19/08/2024

Brisbane property prices could surge 50% by 2032

Property prices in Brisbane could see a boom of over 50% in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics, according to industry insiders. REA Group Chief Executive Officer, Owen Wilson, said he expects Brisbane to outperform the rest of the country.

"I expect Brisbane will see the highest price appreciation in Australia in the lead-up to the Olympics," Mr Wilson said. "There has been 45 per cent growth in the last few years, I expect it will be more than 50 per cent price growth in the lead-up to the Olympics."

Mr Wilson highlighted the growing interest from foreign investors, particularly from India, as a key driver of growth in Queensland's property market. "The largest source of immigrants at the moment is Indian high net worth investors who are looking to buy property," he said. “Some ten years ago it was China.”

“There is still strong interest from foreigners to buy property in Australia.” Mr Owen said Brisbane is attracting people globally, based on the level of enquiries.

“If you look at enquiries on listings on realestate.com.au it’s up 20 per cent, which compares to four per cent in total for the country,” he said.

“There’s so much interest in property here.

“Brisbane has been a huge beneficiary of international and internal migration, especially from the southern states.

“The only place that rivals Brisbane for energy right now is Perth.”

Ray White Group Managing Director, Dan White, said that South East Queensland's property market has consistently outperformed other major urban areas over the past three years.

"Brisbane houses have had the highest growth rate in the region of 40 per cent over three years, or 12 per cent annually," Mr White said.

“The last three to four years have seen a change in a relatively long-standing historical trend – SEQ growth previously tracked with or underperformed the rest of Australia, it’s now growing at a dramatically higher rate.”

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19/07/2024

Understanding the factors that impact interest rates on car loans
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When it comes to financing a car purchase, understanding the factors that influence interest rates is crucial. Not all car loans are going to be equal and depending on your personal financial goals, you’re likely to see different interest rates. Here are three factors that impact the interest rate on a car loan.

🚗Secured vs unsecured loans🚗
Lenders offer different interest rates on finance products, primarily based on the level of risk involved. Secured loans, where the car acts as collateral, often come with lower interest rates.

By using the vehicle as security, lenders mitigate their risk as they have the option to repossess and sell the car if the borrower defaults on payments. In contrast, unsecured loans, which do not require collateral, pose a higher risk to lenders. Consequently, they charge higher interest rates to compensate for this increased risk.

🚗Fixed vs variable interest rates🚗
Car loans can feature either fixed or variable interest rates, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Fixed interest rates remain constant for a predetermined period of time, making it easier to budget for borrowers by ensuring consistent monthly payments. On the other hand, variable interest rates fluctuate based on market movements.

While variable rates offer the potential for lower initial payments, they also introduce uncertainty, as repayments may increase if interest rates rise. Whether fixed rates are higher or lower than variable rates depend on the lenders' assessment of what might happen to interest rates in the future.

🚗Impact of Credit Score🚗
Your credit score, also known as a credit rating, significantly influences the interest rate you'll receive when applying for a car loan. Lenders assess your creditworthiness by examining your credit history, including your track record of making debt repayments on time.

A good credit score improves your chances of securing a loan at a lower interest rate, as it indicates responsible financial behaviour in the past. On the flip side, a poor credit score represents more risk to lenders, leading to higher interest rates or potential rejection of your loan application.

Before applying for finance, it's advisable to check your credit score with the help of a finance broker and take steps to improve it.

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04/07/2024

Housing affordability improves for home buyers

Housing affordability for home buyers has finally turned a corner, showing a slight improvement for the first time in three years, according to REIA.

The proportion of income required to meet average loan repayments fell to 46.7 per cent from 47.7 per cent in December 2023, after wages rose and rates remained on hold.

REIA reported that housing affordability improved in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, housing affordability remained stable in South Australia but declined in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.

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