Blackwattle Finance

05/06/2026

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After three rates rises and a Federal Budget announcement creating caution for investors, buyers are now clearly the ones calling the shots in the property market.

Auction clearance rates have dipped to 2022 levels and it appears this trend will continue for the medium term.

First home buyers are taking advantage of the cooling with First Home Guarantee Scheme approvals continuing to be approved at high levels.

Get in touch if you are considering whether now is the time for your next move!

21/04/2026

Plenty of economic uncertainty around at the moment. Some of you will be feeling it more than others.

If rising interest rates have been on your mind, fixing part or all of your mortgage might be something to consider. Happy to chat if it’s something you’ve been thinking about 🤔

23/02/2026

Your credit file shows potential lenders a lot more than just a score.

It’s a comprehensive report that shows repayment histories for the last two years, credit limits (not just balances), enquiries, defaults...

Lenders are looking at the types of loans you have applied for, your conduct on those loans, and just how much other credit you are carrying.

A weak credit file can be enough to stop you getting that loan you want.

If you would like help understanding your credit report please get in touch.

29/11/2025

21/11/2025

From first-home buyers to seasoned investors, from the self-employed to the simply curious...

Blackwattle Finance makes the complex easy.

Nothing is too big. Nothing is too small.

14/11/2025

A tenth of all homes purchased across Australia last month were bought using the government’s first home buyer incentive.

Under the expanded scheme, buyers in Sydney can purchase a home in Sydney valued up to $1,500,000 with a deposit as little as five percent. Income caps under the previous scheme rules have been discarded.

October was the first month the expanded first home buyers guarantee was in effect.

Government predictions are that 70,000 scheme places will be issued over the next 12 months.

Please get in touch if you’d like to learn more!

04/09/2025

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The Albanese Government has announced an expansion to the First Home Guarantee 5% deposit scheme. Under the scheme, first home buyers can purchase an owner-occupied home with a five per cent deposit, backed by a government guarantee, and pay no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

The scheme expansion was planned for early 2026 but has been brought forward to October 2025.

The changes:

✅ All first-home buyers are in. Previously there were income ceilings and they have now been removed.
✅ Property price caps are a much more realistic. In Sydney, the scheme now applies up purchases up to $1.5 million (previously was $900k), Brisbane up to $1 million, Melbourne up to $950k, and similar upgrades nationwide.

On a median-priced home of $844k, you can purchase with a $42,500 deposit, and avoid lenders mortgage insurance which would run at about $30,000 for this scenario.

If you’d like to learn more please get in touch!

04/08/2025

Recently I went back to my old stomping grounds at Greystanes High to talk money and credit, and the big wide world beyond school.

Clever kids, great questions, awesome staff 🤓

05/06/2025

🏡 Home Buyers: Here’s What You’re Up Against Right Now

✔️ Property prices have risen four months in a row – up 1.7% year to date
✔️ Lower-priced homes are in high demand = more competition
✔️ New home + apartment approvals fell sharply in April – fewer options available

A few questions to ask yourself:
🔹 Are your “must haves” really non-negotiable?
🔹 Could you compromise on location?
🔹 Have you been pre-approved yet?
🔹 Are you ready to move quickly?
🔹 Would a buyer’s agent help?

03/06/2025

Some people save lives for work.

Once I explained how to maximise an offset account without anyone falling asleep.