SG Fin4nce Pty Ltd

14/10/2026

Things first home buyers often don’t know about the First Home Guarantee

The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5 per cent deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
But there are a few details about the scheme that many applicants are not aware of.

Places are limited each financial year - The scheme has an annual allocation of places. Once they are filled, no further guarantees are issued until the new financial year begins.

Not all lenders participate - The guarantee is only available through a select group of approved lenders. Your choice of lender is limited to those on the scheme’s panel.

Property price caps apply - Eligible properties must fall below a price threshold that varies by location. In some markets the cap can be a limiting factor, particularly for houses in capital city suburbs.

You still need to meet the lender’s own criteria - The guarantee reduces the deposit requirement but does not change the lender’s assessment of your income, expenses, credit history and borrowing capacity.

A mortgage broker can help you understand whether you are eligible and compare your options across participating lenders.



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04/09/2026

4 things to know about making an offer on a property in spring

Spring always brings more listings and more competition. If you are planning to make an offer this selling season, here are four things worth knowing before you do.

Know how to make an offer correctly - Verbal offers carry no legal weight. In most states, offers are made in writing through a contract of sale or a formal offer document. Your conveyancer can walk you through the process before you get to this point.

Subject to finance clauses protect you - Including a finance condition gives you the ability to exit the contract if your loan is not formally approved. In a competitive market, some buyers waive this condition, which significantly increases their risk if finance falls through.

Cooling-off periods vary by state - Most states provide a short cooling-off period after signing a contract, typically two to five business days, during which you can withdraw. Auctions are excluded. Knowing your state’s rules before you sign is important.

Going unconditional is a serious commitment - An unconditional offer means no cooling-off, no finance clause and no exit. Only make an unconditional offer if your finance is fully approved and your due diligence is complete.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options and apply for pre-approval before spring gets underway



www.sgfin.com.au

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*Terms and conditions apply*.

**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

22/07/2026

5 signs it might be time to refinance your home loan!!

With interest rates moving considerably over the past 12 months, homeowners might be sitting on a loan that no longer suits their situation. Here are five signs it might be worth a review.

You haven’t reviewed your rate in over a year - Lenders regularly offer more attractive rates to new customers than existing ones. A mortgage broker can help compare what’s available.

Your fixed rate term is ending - Rolling onto a variable rate at expiry doesn’t always deliver the best outcome. Before your fixed term ends is a good time to review.

Your equity has grown - If your pro
perty has increased in value, a lower loan-to-value ratio may qualify you for a lower rate or allow removal of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Your credit position has improved - A stronger credit history or higher income since you first borrowed may mean you now qualify for products that weren’t previously available.

Your needs have changed - A growing family, change in income or plans to renovate can all mean your current loan structure no longer fits.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options across a range of lenders


Your success, our commitment!!

*Terms and conditions apply*.

**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

08/05/2026

First home buyer scheme driving up prices for affordable homes!!

The expanded 5 per cent deposit guarantee scheme is increasing competition at the lower end of the market.
Since the scheme was expanded on 1 October last year, properties below the price caps have grown 6.7 per cent in value, nearly twice the 3.6 per cent recorded for homes above the thresholds.
Sydney shows the sharpest divide, with homes under the $1.5 million cap rising 4.1 per cent over six months while those above fell 1.1 per cent.
The share of suburbs with a median house value below the price caps has dropped from 48.6 per cent nationally in September to 39.5 per cent by March.


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**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

08/05/2026

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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**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

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.



Your success, our commitment!!

*Terms and conditions apply*.

**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

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.



Your success, our commitment

*Terms and conditions apply*.

**Disclaimer statement: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.**

21/02/2025