Blackwattle Finance

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

🏡
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.

18/03/2025

It’s not exactly a hack, but from time to time I am asked about how paying fortnightly can shave time off your home loan. It’s actually very simple.

By taking your monthly mortgage payment, dividing it by two, and paying that amount every fortnight, you’ll end up making 26 half-payments each year. This adds up to 13 full payments instead of the usual 12 — effectively one extra payment per year.

All you’re doing is paying extra, but it feels like a hack because it’s a small change with outsized benefits.

On a 30 year, $500,000 mortgage at 5% interest, switching to fortnightly payments would:
✅ Cut your loan term down to roughly 25 years and 3 months
✅ Help you pay off your mortgage 4 years and 9 months faster
✅ Save you around $85,000 in interest

A simple change with impressive benefits — now that’s worth knowing!a

10/02/2025

Buying a property in your self managed superannuation fund is a bit more involved than a typical property purchase.

There are pros and cons, and it’s important to know what you are up for before plunging in. Speak to us if you’re keen to know more.

16/12/2024

Here’s some simple tips to make sure your festive season doesn’t break the bank:

- Have a budget and stick to it. Prioritise your spending into essentials and nice-to-haves. You might decide those luxury Christmas crackers that are going in the bin at the end of lunch are actually just overkill.
- Consider low cost or “no cost” gifts for loved ones. A home made Christmas cake or a painted candle is a personal and meaningful way to share the Christmas spirit!
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Keep all those gift bags and consider using plain craft paper or similar for wrapping. Go easy on the plastic decorations that are going to end up in landfill.
- Raid your drawers for unused gift cards. You could use them to purchase something for someone, or simply regift them if you’re into that. Regifting is not a dirty word - just be mindful of who you are regifting to. Aunty Gladys might notice if you give her back her Dymocks gift card.
- Give your time. Spending time with people is by far the most meaningful way to show your love. You could get together with your family or friend group to volunteer some time to others who are struggling. Honestly it beats anything that a Chinese factory can produce.

All the best for a nice holiday season.

19/11/2024

It was great to have a visit from today with a fresh stash of condiments for the pantry. Can’t wait to get them all home!
Thanks Christopher and a huge congratulations to you and Rachel on your new home ❤️🏡