Chris Hutton Mortgage Broker

07/09/2026

I’ve been contacted by an ABC journalist who’s working on a story about mortgage stress — specifically families or individuals feeling the impact of cost‑of‑living pressures and interest rate increases, and who’ve tried to refinance to ease the strain.

If you or someone you know is comfortable sharing your experience, I’m happy to pass your details on.

Mortgage stress is affecting more people than ever, and real stories help the media show what’s actually happening in households across SA and NT. There’s absolutely no obligation — only reach out if you feel safe and willing to talk.

24/08/2026

Big news from the MFAA recently — and it confirms what many of us already see every day.

Mortgage brokers are now helping Australians secure **81% of all new home loans**. That’s the highest level ever recorded, and it shows just how much trust people place in the broker channel.

So why are more Australians choosing brokers over going directly to the bank?

💙 **We’re legally on your side**
Brokers follow the *Best Interests Duty*, meaning we must recommend what’s best for YOU — not the bank. Banks don’t have this obligation.

📘 **Lending has become more complex**
Policies, documentation, and lender differences are bigger than ever. Brokers help you navigate it all with clarity and confidence.

🏦 **More choice = better outcomes**
Instead of one bank’s products, brokers compare dozens of lenders — major banks, regional banks, credit unions, non‑banks, and specialists.

📉 **Lower complaint rates**
Industry data shows banks receive most home‑loan complaints. Broker‑supported loans typically involve fewer issues because clients get personalised guidance from start to finish.

🤝 **Australians trust brokers**
When more than eight in ten borrowers choose brokers, it’s clear people value expert support, transparency, and someone who genuinely advocates for them.

Brokers aren’t just an alternative anymore — we’re the **preferred pathway** to home ownership.

If you’d like to read the full breakdown, including MFAA insights and industry commentary, the full blog is now live on my website.

14/08/2026

Many Australians are feeling the squeeze right now, and the term “mortgage prison” is becoming more common — not because people are doing anything wrong, but because lending rules and living costs have changed so much.

I recently contributed to a thoughtful piece by Emily Power at Domain, exploring why so many borrowers are finding it harder to refinance, even when a better rate could make a big difference.

👉 You can read the full article here:
https://www.domain.com.au/advice/mortgage-prison-australia-refinancing-home-loans-1543921/

A big thank you to Emily Power for shining a light on an issue affecting families across Australia, including right here in SA/NT. She captured the challenges — and the opportunities — with real care.

The important message is this:
Mortgage prison isn’t always permanent.
Many borrowers have more options than they realise, and a quick review can uncover pathways that aren’t obvious from the outside.

If your rate feels “sticky” or you’re unsure where you stand, I’m always here to help you understand your position and explore what’s possible.

09/08/2026

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—and it’s normal to feel nervous when you hear news about falling property prices. Recently, the Australian Financial Review reported that the top end of the market is seeing the biggest price drops, especially in prestige suburbs (AFR 2026). That can sound alarming, but it’s important to understand what’s really happening at the entry level of the market.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you feel confident and informed.

What is negative equity?
Negative equity happens when your home is worth less than the amount you still owe on your loan.
For example:
If your loan is $500,000 and your home is valued at $480,000, you have $20,000 of negative equity.

It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong—and it only becomes a problem if you need to sell or refinance.

Are first home buyers actually at risk?
The short answer: Only in certain situations.
The biggest price drops are happening in luxury homes, not affordable suburbs. Entry‑level properties continue to hold their value better because:

More people are competing for affordable homes

Rental demand is strong

Government schemes are supporting first home buyers

Migration is keeping pressure on lower‑priced markets

This means most first home buyers—especially in South Australia and the Northern Territory—are not seeing the same price declines as prestige suburbs.

What about the 5% deposit scheme?
The expanded 5% deposit scheme allows buyers to enter the market with a smaller deposit and higher price caps. This is great for getting into your first home sooner, but it does mean:

You start with less equity

You’re more sensitive to short-term price movements

Buying at the very top of the price cap can increase your risk

Some buyers in Sydney and Melbourne who purchased at the maximum price caps are seeing early signs of negative equity, especially with rising interest rates. But this is not happening across the country.

In Adelaide, regional SA, NT, Perth and Brisbane, price movements have been much steadier.

How do you protect yourself from negative equity?
Here are simple, practical steps:

1. Buy below the scheme’s maximum price cap
This gives you a buffer if prices move slightly.

2. Choose suburbs with strong rental demand
High demand helps support property values.

3. Plan to hold your home long-term
Short-term price dips usually recover over time.

4. Build a small savings buffer
This helps you stay comfortable if interest rates change.

5. Get personalised guidance before you buy
A broker can help you compare lenders, understand repayments, and choose a safe borrowing level.

The bottom line
Most first home buyers are not at high risk of negative equity—especially in affordable markets like SA and NT. The biggest price drops are happening in prestige suburbs, not entry-level homes (AFR 2026).

If you buy sensibly, avoid stretching to the top of the price cap, and get the right advice, entering the market today can still be a safe and smart move.

29/06/2026

Feeling incredibly honoured to be named a finalist for Finance Broker of the Year – SA at the Finance Brokers Association of Australasia Limited Awards of Supremacy 2026.

South Australia has some truly outstanding brokers, and it’s a privilege to be recognised alongside such high‑calibre finalists:

• Leah Busby – Blackfish Finance
• Chris Hocking – Loan Market
• Peter Savage – Savage Money

I’m grateful every day for the clients who trust me with their home loan journey, and for the amazing lender partners and colleagues who support the work I do.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards — what a fantastic group to stand alongside.

28/05/2026

Getting into the property market is tough — but for many families, there is a safe and powerful way to help first‑home buyers get started sooner.

✨ Family Guarantee Home Loans ✨

They’re one of the most effective (and misunderstood) tools available in 2026. When structured properly, they can help buyers purchase sooner *without* exposing parents or guarantors to unnecessary risk.

Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 How it works:
A family member uses a *limited portion* of their home equity as security — usually up to 20% of the purchase price. This reduces the buyer’s LVR and often removes the need for LMI.

🔹 Why buyers love it:
• Buy sooner
• Avoid LMI
• Strengthen borrowing power
• Keep savings for moving or renovations

🔹 Why guarantors are protected:
• Guarantees are capped
• Independent legal advice is required
• Lenders assess the guarantor’s financial position
• The guarantee can often be released within 2–5 years

With the right structure, it’s a safe, strategic way for families to support the next generation into home ownership.

I’ve helped hundreds of SA/NT families navigate this process over the past 18+ years — including first‑home buyers, relocators, expats, and self‑employed clients. If you’re considering a family guarantee, I can guide both you and your guarantor through the process clearly and confidently.

👉 Read the full guide here:
https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/family-guarantee-home-loans-explained/

If you’re planning to buy, refinance, or explore your options, I’m here to help you make informed, confident decisions.

📩 [email protected]

How They Help First‑Home Buyers and Protect Guarantors in 2026 For many first‑home buyers, saving a 20% deposit feels impossible — especially with rising property prices and cost‑of‑living pressures. A Family Guarantee Home Loan can bridge that gap, helping buyers enter the market sooner w...

19/05/2026

🏠 Is the housing crisis really caused by investors?
The data tells a different story.

Over the past 30 years, both South Australia and New South Wales have seen public housing stock fall dramatically — while private rents have surged.
Our latest analysis shows that the crisis may be less about investors “buying up properties” and more about government divestment from public housing.

See the graphs and full breakdown here 👇
🔗

The Data Suggests a Very Different Story For years, a dominant narrative has shaped Australia’s housing debate:“Investors are buying up all the properties and pushing out first home buyers.” It’s a simple explanation — and simple explanations spread easily — but when we examine long‑te...

13/05/2026

Big changes are coming for property investors.
The 2026 Federal Budget has overhauled negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) — and it’s set to reshape how Australians invest in property.

From 1 July 2027, negative gearing will only apply to new builds, and the long‑standing 50% CGT discount will be replaced with a system that taxes only real (inflation‑adjusted) gains.

If you’re investing, refinancing or planning your next move, understanding these changes early can make a real difference to your strategy.

I’ve broken down the key points in a simple, easy‑to-read guide on my website.
Take a look and stay ahead of the curve.

14/04/2026

My latest blog post dives into the common reasons why home loan applications get rejected and what you can do to improve your chances. This is just the start — I’m planning a series of educational posts to guide you through every step of the home ownership journey.

Read more here:

Applying for a home loan is one of the biggest financial steps Australians take — but even strong applicants can find themselves unexpectedly declined. With lending rules tightening and banks required to lend responsibly, more applications are being knocked back than many people realise. Some indu...

20/03/2026

We’re beyond excited to share that we’ve WON Best Regional Office at the Better Business Awards 2026 🏆
What an incredible honour!
This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing clients, referral partners, and community. Thank you for trusting us to help you with one of the biggest financial decisions in your life.
We love what we do—helping people get into the right home loan—and we’re just getting started 🙌
Thank you for being part of the journey 💙