Chris Hutton Mortgage Broker

03/11/2026

📈 Why do interest rates rise when inflation is high?

It's a question I hear regularly from clients.

Most people know the Reserve Bank raises interest rates to help reduce inflation. What many don't realise is that inflation affects much more than just the RBA's cash rate decisions.

When inflation rises, it can influence:

✅ Bond yields
✅ Bank funding costs
✅ Mortgage rates
✅ Business lending
✅ The Australian dollar
✅ Investment decisions across the economy

In fact, financial markets often start pricing inflation risk long before borrowers notice changes in lending rates.

I've put together a deeper look at the economics behind inflation, interest rates and borrowing costs, drawing on research from the RBA, IMF and leading economic texts.

If you've ever wondered why interest rates can remain high even when inflation appears to be easing, this may help explain what's happening behind the headlines.

📖 Read the article here:

https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/why-interest-rates-must-rise-during-high-inflation-beyond-the-rbas-inflation-target/

💬 I'm interested in your view:

Do you think most Australians understand the connection between inflation, bond yields and mortgage rates, or do we focus too much on the RBA's cash rate alone?

02/11/2026

**Why do some mortgage brokers get better results than others? 🏡**

It's a great question, particularly when choosing someone to help with one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

Not all mortgage brokers approach lending in the same way. And often, the difference isn't simply about who can find the lowest interest rate.

It's about the strategy, experience and knowledge behind the loan.

Some of the things that can make a real difference include:

🔹 Understanding different lender policies and credit criteria.
🔹 Knowing how to structure a loan around your individual circumstances.
🔹 Recognising opportunities that others might overlook.
🔹 Having the experience to navigate more complex lending scenarios.
🔹 Understanding which lenders are best suited to your needs.
🔹 Providing personalised advice and support throughout the process.

A good mortgage broker shouldn't simply ask, *"What interest rate are you looking for?"*

They should be asking, *"What are you trying to achieve, and how can we structure your finance to help you get there?"*

After more than 20 years in the industry, I firmly believe that the value of an experienced broker isn't just about getting a loan approved. It's about the strategy, advice and personal service that goes into achieving the right outcome.

Our industry also benefits from organisations such as the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) and aggregator networks like Finsure, which support professional standards, education and knowledge sharing.

I've explored this topic in more detail in my latest blog:

👇 **Why Some Mortgage Brokers Get Better Results Than Others | Home Loan Strategy Explained**

https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/why-some-mortgage-brokers-get-better-results-than-others-home-loan-strategy-explained/

**I'd love to hear your thoughts!**

When choosing a mortgage broker, what matters most to you?

Experience, lender knowledge, loan strategy or personalised service?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

**Chris Hutton Home Loans**
Experience. Service. Results.

Not all mortgage brokers deliver the same outcomes. Learn why lender policy knowledge, strategic guidance, product choice and client advocacy can significantly influence your home loan results.

12/10/2026

📉 **Borrowing power is quietly shrinking across Australia — and many SA/NT buyers are feeling it.**

With APRA’s 3% buffer still in place, rising living costs, and lenders tightening their policies, borrowing capacity has dropped for many households in 2026. The surprising part? Most people don’t realise *how much* it’s changed.

But here’s the good news:

💡 Borrowing power isn’t fixed
💡 It varies massively between lenders
💡 And with the right strategy, many clients regain **$50,000–$150,000+** in borrowing capacity

I’ve put together a clear breakdown of what’s causing the squeeze — and the practical steps SA/NT buyers can take right now to strengthen their position.

👉 **Read the full article:**
[https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/borrowing-power-is-quietly-shrinking-heres-whats-causing-it-in-october-2026-and-how-sa-nt-buyers-can-respond/](https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/borrowing-power-is-quietly-shrinking-heres-whats-causing-it-in-october-2026-and-how-sa-nt-buyers-can-respond/)

If you’re planning to buy, refinance, or simply want clarity on your numbers, this will help you understand what’s changing — and how to stay ahead.

06/10/2026

Mortgage stress is rising across South Australia — and the latest data shows 27.8% of SA mortgage holders are now feeling the pressure. With repayments increasing and household budgets tightening, many families are asking what they can do right now to get ahead.

I’ve put together a clear, practical guide to help local borrowers understand what’s happening and the steps that can make a real difference.

👉 Read the full article here:
Mortgage Stress in SA Hits 27.8%: Practical Steps Local Borrowers Can Take Right Now
https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/mortgage-stress-in-sa-hits-27-8-practical-steps-local-borrowers-can-take-right-now/

In the article, I cover:
• Why mortgage stress is rising in SA
• Suburbs seeing the biggest increases
• How repricing or refinancing may help
• Loan‑structure options that can ease pressure
• What to do before arrears begin
• How non‑bank lenders may offer alternatives
• Simple ways to strengthen household cash flow

If your repayments feel “sticky”, or you’re worried you might be paying more than you should, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

I’m here to help SA/NT borrowers understand their options clearly and calmly, and to find a path forward that actually works for your household.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like a quick check‑in on your current rate or loan structure.

By Chris Hutton — Owner/Broker, Chris Hutton Home Loans Award‑winning SA/NT mortgage broker | MBA | 20+ years industry experience Mortgage Stress in SA Hits 27.8%: Practical Steps Local Borrowers Can Take Right Now Mortgage stress has climbed sharply across South Australia in 2026, with 27.8% of...

27/09/2026

💼 Self‑Employed? Here’s How to Get a Home Loan in 2026 (Without the Stress)
Running your own business shouldn’t make getting a home loan harder — but it does mean lenders assess your income differently.

The good news?
With the right strategy, self‑employed borrowers can unlock the same competitive home loan options as PAYG applicants… and often boost borrowing power by tens of thousands.

I’ve just released a complete 2026 guide covering everything you need to know, including:

✨ How lenders assess self‑employed income
✨ Full‑doc vs low‑doc vs alt‑doc loans
✨ Add‑backs that increase borrowing power
✨ Why lender selection matters more than ever
✨ The most common reasons self‑employed loans get declined
✨ Practical steps to strengthen your application

If you’re a sole trader, contractor, company director or trust beneficiary — this guide will help you understand exactly what lenders look for and how to prepare.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.homeloans.homes/insights/self-employed-home-loans-in-australia-the-complete-guide-2026/

If you’d like personalised guidance or a multi‑lender comparison, I’m always here to help.

By Chris Hutton — Owner/Broker, Chris Hutton Home Loans Introduction Self‑employed Australians make up a large and growing share of the home‑buying market, yet many still believe getting a home loan is harder when you run your own business. The reality is far more encouraging: self‑employed ...

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.

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...