Lifecycle Finance - Lana Moy

27/05/2026

It is now a buyers market!

20/05/2026

A double edged budget sword is impacting those to it aimed to help

What’s escaped scrutiny in this week’s Budget fallout is the sneaky way the Albanese has declared war on Aussies’ savings.

19/05/2026

Well, what a budget that was!

By now we have all heard about the Government's proposed Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Reform.

With the dust still settling we are coming to grips with what lending will look like.

The main changes are in the bank's calculations for loan serviceability on investment lending

Previously, negative gearing add backs were used to increase affordability. Now for established property purchases, negative gearing is no longer allowed used. Exceptions exist based on the property's purchase date and type (e.g., new build or existing).

From the attached tax explainer "New build exemptionInvestors who buy new builds will be able tochoose either the 50 per cent CGT discount orindexation and the minimum tax when they sellthe property. These investors will also continue to have access to negative gearing. This means if they make a rental loss on a new build, they can still use that loss to reduce their taxable income (including salary and wages).New builds are residential properties which genuinely add to supply"

These changes can significantly impact lending serviceability!

There is an obvious push to increase available properties in the market.

There will potentially be a two tiered assessment for lending. One set of lending rules applies to new, ineligible purchases, and a second set applies to older, 'grandfathered' investments.
Additionally, lenders' time to assess applications may increase due to these further complexities.

With negative gearing removed, understanding factors such as shading of personal income, rental income, overtime, and allowances becomes more important than ever to maximise affordability.

Reach out if you need anything

06/05/2026

Came across a good short clip around inflation.

What inflation measures, what it doesn’t, and why it can feel disconnected from your budget. CommBank Economist Harry Ottley explains. ...

05/05/2026

Another rate rise....what to do next

With the news just now that the RBA has again hiked interest rates (soon to be followed by your lender), what can you do to lessen the impact?

Try these three steps;

1. Is your loan still competitive? Contact your broker to help in lowering your rate, or investigate refinancing to a more competitive loan/lender.
2. Reduce your everyday costs. Food, electricity, gas, water, fuel, and insurances (services like Compare the Market, and Canstar may help).
3. Get on top of your debts. Can you pay out or consolidate debts to a lower rate?

If you can lower your payments and have extra left over, consider parking money in your loan or offset account and reducing the interest you pay.

04/05/2026

As cost of living and affordability bites, property focus is changing

National home prices have fallen for the first time this year, but one segment of the market is still powering ahead.

16/04/2026

March 2026 Wrap Up

Bank's economists are anticipating further rate increases from the RBA in the foreseeable future. Depending on who you ask it sounds like 1 - 3 increases may happen this year. Fixed rates for loans have also (started) to increase in line with these predictions.

Lending tightening due to DTI caps.
We have been informed that;
We are now 60 days into the APRA (banking regulator) DTI (debt to income ratio) caps. Reports have suggested major ADIs (Banks) are reaching their 20% internal limits for lending at a Debt-to-Income ratio of 6x or higher.
High-leverage investors are being declined by banks not because of their "repayment ability," but because the bank's "quota" is full. Portfolio-heavy clients may still be in a position to use Non-Bank Lenders. Non-banks are not bound by the APRA cap and are currently the only "safe harbor" for investors with multiple properties. Note these lenders do have slightly higher rates.
Scams are on the increase
You have no doubt read that some bankers, brokers, and accountants were caught up in mortgage fraud. AI was used to created fake documents that flew under the banks radars until they finally uncovered. This has prompted increased security and oversight.
Westpac confirmed this week it spent over $500M last year on fraud and scam mitigation.
AI-powered scams are increasingly targeting the "Settlement Window." The advice is to verbally verify any change in bank details for settlements via a known phone number.

First home and single applicant buyers.
Many first home buyers have been using the governments Home Guarantee Scheme to get a foot onto the property ladder. Utilising the 5% deposit option has opened up opportunity in cities rather than needing to move to regional areas for some.

Home loan reviews
We are seeing a request not just for rate reviews but 'lifestyle reviews' where rate is checked but also clients requesting debt consolidation and restructuring to realise extra monthly savings (cash flow)

Please reach out if you need any help or wish to discuss your personal situation.

29/03/2026

Could a slowdown be good for buyers, or will supply of homes for sale dry up?

Sydney vendors face a harsh reality check as auction clearance rates plummet and a record number of listings hits the market.

25/03/2026

Rate increases have decreased competition at auctions.
“Now, people are getting homes for, if not market value, slightly below,”
“It’s definitely a good market for buyers.”

While the latest interest rate rises have reduced borrowing power, experts say they have created the ideal conditions for buyers to score a deal.

23/03/2026

Be alert, there's another scam to look out for.

Fraudsters are posing as financial service providers and loan brokers, setting up fraudulent websites and posting advertisements on social media platforms offering personal loans.

Scamwatch has outlined several warning signs:

Communications that ask for your personal details and identification documents.
Requests for upfront insurance payments that must be paid before loan funds are released.
Requests to pay funds to a personal bank account.
The loan provider is not licensed and does not appear on ASIC’s professional registers.
The loan provider appears on ASIC’s investor alert list.
Pressure to make payments and to pay in a particular way.
Claims that insurance premium payments will be refunded after 3 months.