Fin9 Lending Solutions, South Melbourne (2026)

20/11/2025

Introducing 5 great reasons to invest in property today:

Do you sometimes listen to those seasoned property investors and wonder how they got started?

It's quite simple actually - they probably started with just one investment property.

Anyone can realise the dream of achieving your financial goals through property investment.

If you're not sure why you would want to get involved, here are the five best reasons:

1. Financial Independence

Now, more than ever, it's important to make sure you have steps in place if you want to live comfortably in your retirement. The retirement age seems to be increasing, and people are no longer able to rely on the aged pension as a sole source of income.

If you start now you can build a property investment portfolio that will provide you with financial independence - whatever that means to you.

For some people that means one investment property that provides a rental return. For others, it means building a veritable monopoly of investment properties in an apparent bid to conquer the universe.

2. Take control of your own investments

The great thing about investing in property is that you're completely in control of what you purchase, and you can take steps to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of achieving excellent capital growth or rental return figures.

The problem with investing in shares and superannuation is that you aren't able to control fluctuations in the market - your role is very passive.

3. Grow your portfolio as your equity increases

Once you start investing in property, it's sometimes difficult to stop. One investment starts to grow which allows you to purchase another, and before you know it you have a nice little collection of properties making money for you.

4. Capital Growth

If you choose wisely, you should be able to achieve strong capital growth on your investment properties. The key is to choose the right type of property in the right area. This might not be an area where you would choose to live - it just needs to be an area with lots of potential for growth.

5. Rental Income

If you hope to achieve a good rental income from your investment properties, you should purchase carefully, and keep your ideal tenant in mind. If you like the idea of renting to students, make sure you look in areas near a university or very near to public transport. If you would prefer to rent to a family, schools, shopping centres and parks might be more important.

But decide what's most important first: capital growth or rental return. You might not always get a great rental return in an area that has a high level of growth.

20/11/2025

FIN9 Lending Solutions – Community Engagement Update

Our Director, Prabath Fonseka, recently visited Sri Lanka as part of our ongoing commitment to support communities in need through his charity, Relief for Kids Inc.

During this visit, FIN9 Lending Solutions funded and delivered a clean drinking water project for Velusumana Maha Vidyalaya in the Anuradhapura District — a school of more than 600 students. Now that the project is completed, the school has access to a new filtration system that provides over 350 litres of clean drinking water per day.

The Anuradhapura region has long struggled with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin (CKDU), strongly linked to limited access to safe water. By providing this essential filtration system, we hope to support the long-term health and wellbeing of the students and the broader community.

At FIN9, giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do — both here in Australia and abroad.

19/11/2025

We have recently helped someone reduce their loan repayments by over $423 per month through refinancing their home loan and other debts.

In fact for the clients I see who are struggling with their mortgage and debt repayments, I regularly manage to save them hundreds of dollars per month.

In these uncertain times of interest rate changes most mortgage owners are now starting to consider their finance options.

Perhaps I can help you, like I was able to with many of your nearby residents.

If you require:
- reduced loan repayments,
- consolidation of debt,
- funds to renovate, install a pool or purchase a significant item,
- finance to purchase another property,
- parent equity guarantees to assist your children to purchase a property, or any other finance requirement

Please contact me for a free no obligation assessment of your current situation. https://www.mortgageaustralia.com.au

18/11/2025

Variable Interest Rate - Are you sure this is the right choice for you?

With so many different loans on the market, it's easy to get a little confused. It's not always simple to work out which lender is offering the best deal, or who has the best interest rate.

One of the main choices you need to make early on, is whether to opt for a standard variable interest rate, or a fixed rate loan.

Many lenders offer fixed rate loans for 1 to 3 years, some even offer periods of up to 10 years without a change to your interest rate. So with all of this certainty on offer, what are the benefits of the old-fashioned variable interest rate?

Lower interest rate

Usually your rate will be lower than a fixed rate mortgage, meaning that you pay less interest. Variable rates are generally lower than fixed rates. If you choose to fix your rate, you're paying for the certainty that this offers.

Take advantage of decreasing cash rate

If your lender reduces their standard variable interest rate, your interest will be reduced accordingly, meaning that you always pay the lowest standard rate that your lender is offering. So when the Reserve Bank lowers the official cash rate, there is a good chance that your repayments will reduce.

Features and Flexibility

Usually standard variable rate loans offer an array of features that you don't get with a fixed rate loan.

Most variable rate loans give you the flexibility to make additional payments when you want to, but then redraw the extra money again later if your situation changes.

Many lenders also allow offset accounts for your savings which reduce the overall interest charged on your loan - because the bank takes your savings into account before calculating your interest.

When you opt for a variable rate loan, you always have the flexibility to fix your rate later, meaning that you can wait and see if rates are further reduced, potentially saving you money. If you have already fixed your rate, you will continue to pay the same interest rate even when the official cash rate continues to decrease.

On the other hand though, if the official cash rate rises, your loan repayments will increase accordingly. Did you make the mistake of borrowing too much? If you opt for a variable rate loan, and then interest rates start to rise, you might find that you struggle to meet your repayments.

To avoid issues in the future, it's really important that you take the time to compare the loans available to you, and choose the loan that suits your lifestyle and budget.

17/11/2025

How to buy a property with a friend (and remain friends)!

How would you like to double your deposit and double your income to buy your first property? Sounds pretty good doesn't it? That's the reason why many young homebuyers are now working together with a partner, friend or relative to break into the property market.

Although there are some excellent benefits to entering a property partnership, there are some pretty nasty horror stories out there too - so you need to make sure you protect yourself against the worst.

Make sure you have similar goals for you property purchase.

Do you both agree on how long you would like to keep the property for? Do you want to rent it out, or will you be living there together? Make sure everyone is on the same page before you enter into any contracts.

Buy with someone who is at a similar stage in life.

If you buy with a family member who has a baby on the way, you might be asking for trouble. Likewise, buying with a sibling who is too young to appreciate the importance of keeping up financial commitments could be just as much of a recipe for disaster.

Take a moment to check your financial compatibility.

You will be responsible for the loan if the other party becomes unable to pay, so take the time to have some open discussions about money, and make sure you are both equally committed to paying things on time and keeping track of the bills.

Decide if you want to be housemates.

If you plan to live together in the home, make sure you both agree about things that could cause arguments such as having pets in the house, allowing partners to sleep over, housework and other potentially touchy subjects.

Get Legal Advice.

Find out about your options legally if something was to go wrong, and decide whether you want to be Joint Tenants, or Tenants in Common. This might depend on whether you will pay an equal share of the deposit and loan repayments.

Create a formal agreement.

Get a formal agreement drawn up that covers as many issues as you can think of. Hopefully you won't have any problems, but it might be helpful if you already agree on the solution ahead of time. Property partnerships can turn into nasty legal battles when parties don't agree on important issues, such as whether or not to sell the property. If you can thrash out some of these issues now you will save yourself a lot of worry in the future.

Keep records of spending.

Make sure you keep it even, and try to keep records of who paid for what, just in case you have problems down the track.

Hopefully your property partnership will be a very positive experience, and if you follow these steps you should be well on your way to being a great team.

16/11/2025

How to save for your FIrst Home - without moving back to Mum and Dad:

Are you trying to save up for your first home? There's so much to think about - not just an enormous deposit, but stamp duties, moving costs, conveyancing fees and loan costs all add up to quite a number.

Saving such a large amount can be a tough slog. You try and put a bit away each week but unexpected things tend to pop up, and it can feel like you're not getting anywhere at all. But there are a few things you can do to speed up your savings journey.

1. Cut your costs

It's time to sit down with the calculator and work out just how much you spend - on what. It's all too easy these days to 'tap and go' when you make purchases, without really stopping to notice the cost.

For example, you might be horrified to learn that you currently spend $900 per year on energy drinks. And that's not including your morning coffee.

Wait until you're in the right mood - and then be brutal. It's time to work out where you can trim the fat.

2. Kill the credit cards

Credit cards are expensive to keep - and they have a way of blossoming if you don't keep paying them off in full. If you have a credit card debt, get rid of it.

Sell your old textbooks, get a Saturday job, do whatever it takes because this one isn't doing you any favours.

Not only will a credit card accrue interest, your savings goals will be undermined if you have to keep making repayments on credit cards all the time.

3. Make a budget

Write down what you earn. Then list all of your 'non-negotiable' expenses - like rent, groceries, bills, train fares etc.

Deduct the non-negotiable expenses, and what you have left is your disposable income. Rather than disposing of it - try to save as much as possible.

Make a plan for how much you can afford save each month. It might be a bit of a stretch some months if you receive a big bill - so try keeping a separate account where you save a small amount every week.

That way, if you receive your car registration you can pay it without compromising on your savings that month.

4. Leave some room to breathe

We all need a break occasionally, and it's important that your budget does include some room to breathe. You might need to buy new shoes for work, or a present for your sister's birthday.

Don't make it so tight that you can't even go to the movies. Leave a bit of slack for those times when you really need to live a little. That way, you're more likely to reach your savings goal.

16/11/2025

Should you buy close to the city or out in the suburbs?

Buying near the city vs buying further out is a common dilemma.

In fact, difficulty making this decision even prevents some people getting into the property market. Of course there is a lot to think about but it is not something you need to lose sleep over.

Perhaps this quick guide can help.https://www.mortgageaustralia.com.au/email/files/shouldwebuyorinvestincityorsuburbs.pdf

14/11/2025

Do you wonder what it must be like for people who don't have to worry about their household budget? How much different would your life be if you didn't have that mortgage payment coming out every fortnight?
What if there was a way to pay your loan off sooner so that you can start enjoying the finer things in life?

Well, there are six steps you can take today, which will make an enormous difference to the time that it takes to pay your loan off.

You could be holding that title in your hand sooner than you think.

In the past weeks, we looked at Step 1: choosing the best loan, and Step 2: changing your repayment frequency. These are both excellent ways to reduce both the length of your loan, and the total amount that you pay over the life of your mortgage.

Today, we will discuss how a few small changes to your budget can make a huge difference to the time it takes you to achieve your financial goals.

Step 3: Pay more to pay it off early

It might seem strange, but in the first few years of your home loan, you usually just pay off interest, barely touching the amount that you borrowed in the first place. This means that the interest on your loan won't start to reduce for quite some time if you only make the minimum repayments.

If you can tweak your budget to pay just a little bit more each month, or each fortnight, you might be surprised at what a difference it can make.

For example, on a loan of $400k:

By paying an extra $50 each month, you could save around $36k on your total interest, and pay your loan off 1 year and 9 months sooner than expected.

Do you buy a takeaway coffee every day on the way to work? By saving $4 per day, and paying the savings off your loan now, you could save about $55k on your total interest, and pay your loan off about 2 years and 8 months early.

Try making a list of all the small things you spend money on daily or weekly, and see if there is anything you could happily do without. Just for fun, grab a calculator and multiply the item by 52 weeks, and then 25 to 30 years. You might be surprised what you find!

Want to pay your mortgage off sooner? Stay tuned for Step 4: the power of Offset Accounts and Redraw Facilities.

13/11/2025

Here's some help with saving for your first home:

Crush credit card debt

You are working with one hand tied behind your back if trying to save for a home deposit while carrying credit card debt. Switch to a low-interest credit card and pay off as much as you can afford each month. The quicker you clear your debt, the faster you can put those funds into your deposit.

Move home

Rent is another way to s***f out savings. While not everyone is in a position to do so, moving back to the family home can be a fast ticket to savings central.

The simplest way to work out if a non-bank lender is right for you and your circumstances is to talk to your broker. Brokers act as a one-stop shop, with access to a wide range of lenders, including banks and non-banks, and hundreds of home loan products.

From little things:

If you require five or more years of savings to build a deposit, consider parking the funds in a term deposit account, where you are offered a higher interest return than a regular savings account in exchange for the use of your money for a set period.

Minimum term deposit amounts can start at $1,000. While interest rates are fairly modest, it will take a number of years for your savings to sprout, but it's a low risk investment option to consider. As with any investment decision, speak to a financial advisor before making any decisions.

Manage expectations:

Even the best laid plans can go astray. If you find your circumstances change, the real estate market jumps beyond your reach or life throws a curve ball at your savings, you might need to lower your expectations for your first property.

A one-bedroom unit might be more within your budget than a house and garden, or you might have to look at a different location. You may also have to save for much longer than expected.

Don't be thwarted. Adjust your plan if needed, but stick with it. Perseverance is often the key to that first home."

10/11/2025

The secret way to save a Deposit - without sacrificing your lifestyle.

One of the biggest challenges for many first home buyers is finding a way to save enough for a deposit.

For those of us who couldn't wait to leave home and find some freedom - moving back in with parents is not always an appealing option. And if you're still in your twenties you might not feel ready to sacrifice your social life, and commit to a few years of watching movies on the couch.

Well, it might surprise you to learn that there's a secret way to save that deposit, live comfortably and still enjoy the odd dinner at a restaurant.

It doesn't involve moonlighting, or donating your organs on the black market. And it might even allow you to travel a bit, or enjoy a little luxury while you watch your bank balance grow.

So what's this big secret?

Well, let me ask you a question first. How much do you spend per year on your living expenses right now? Not food, but costs associated with renting your place of residence. The figure should include rent, utilities, internet connection and any maintenance that you're responsible to pay for.

For most couples, this figure would easily add up to about $25,000 per year.

How quickly could you save a deposit if you didn't have to pay anything towards your household expenses? Pretty fast - I would imagine. That's the benefit of house-sitting.

Offering your services as a house-sitter allows you to live comfortably while saving money at the same time. Let's face it - if you're looking for a house-sitter, chances are that your house is pretty nice to start with.

You don't need to charge a fee for this service, because you're saving tens of thousands just by living in someone's home and not paying rent and household bills.

You could experience different areas before you commit to buy in a particular suburb or town. This could give you an excellent opportunity to really research your purchase before you jump in head-first with a 30 year mortgage.

Depending on your work situation, you might even be able to do some travelling, and see a bit of the world while you continue to save.

If you're interested in doing some house-sitting while you save your deposit, there are a couple of websites that you can browse for opportunities:

www.mindahome.com.au

www.aussiehousesitters.com.au

www.houseminders.com.au

This concept isn't for everyone, and it might not suit those who already have a lot of nice furniture. But if you don't mind moving around a bit, and perhaps walking a dog or feeding a cat - this could be a great opportunity to save your deposit in no time at all.

10/11/2025

Here are the questions I get asked most often by Home Buyers:

How much money can I borrow?

We're all unique when it comes to our finances and borrowing needs. And different lenders lend very different amounts. Even if your own bank won't lend you the amount you want, do not assume other's won't.

Contact me anytime, I can help with calculations based on your circumstances, all over the phone.

How do I choose the loan that's right for me?

Our guides to loan types and features will help you learn about the main options available. There are hundreds of different home loans available.

How much do I need for a deposit?

Usually between 5% - 10% of the value of a property, which you pay when signing a Contract of Sale. Speak with us to discuss your options for a deposit. You may be able to borrow against the equity in your existing home or an investment property.

How much will regular repayments be?

Go to the Repayment Calculator on our website for an estimate. Because there so many different loan products, some with lower introductory rates.

How often do I make home loan repayments - weekly, fortnightly or monthly?

Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will shave dollars and time off your loan.

What fees/costs should I budget for?

There are a number of fees involved when buying a property. To avoid any surprises, the list below sets out all of the usual costs:

- Stamp Duty - This is the big one. All other costs are relatively small by comparison. Stamp duty rates vary between state and territory governments and also depend on the value of the property you buy. You may also have to pay stamp duty on the mortgage itself. To find out your total Stamp Duty charge, visit our Stamp Duty Calculator.

- Legal/conveyancing fees - Generally around $1,000 - $1500, these fees cover all the legal rigor around your property purchase, including title searches.

- Building inspection - This should be carried out by a qualified expert, such as a structural engineer, before you purchase the property. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the building inspection, so if there are any structural problems you have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. A building inspection and report can cost up to $1,000, depending on the size of the property. Your conveyancer will usually arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).

- Pest inspection - Also to be carried out before purchase to ensure the property is free of problems, such as white ants. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the pest inspection, so if any unwanted crawlies are found you may have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. Allow up to $500 depending on the size of the property. Your real estate agent or conveyancer may arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).

- Lender costs - Most lenders charge establishment fees to help cover the costs of their own valuation as well as administration fees. I will let you know what your lender charges but allow about $600 to $800.

- Moving costs - Don't forget to factor in the cost of a removalist if you plan on using one.

- Mortgage Insurance costs - If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price of the property, you'll also need to pay Lender Mortgage Insurance. You may also choose to take out Mortgage Protection Insurance. If you buy a strata title, regular strata fees are payable.

- Ongoing costs - You will need to include council and water rates along with regular loan repayments. It is important to also take out building insurance and contents insurance. Your lender will probably require a minimum sum insured for the building to cover the loan, but make sure you actually take out enough building insurance to cover what it would cost if you had to rebuild. Likewise, make sure you have enough contents cover should you need to replace everything if the worst happens.

09/11/2025

If you really want to save money - it might be time to refinance.

Should you refinance?

"My lender is charging me a higher home loan rate than I see advertised elsewhere. Can I change lenders?"

This is exactly the reason why most people change lenders. There may be a penalty clause in your current home loan, meaning you may need to pay a discharge fee, but it could still be in your financial interests to change.

When shopping around it is always important to look for the comparison rate of a product. A comparison rate is essentially the true rate, taking into account the fees and charges you will pay on the loan. So even though you see a lower rate it doesn't mean the repayments are less.

"I have just come off a 'honeymoon' interest rate to a much higher rate. Can I move lenders or am I locked into my mortgage?"

You can walk away from most mortgages, although penalty fees sometimes apply to fixed rate loans.

"If I move my mortgage to a new lender, is there anything stopping that lender from increasing their rates in a few months time?"

It depends what kind of product you have. If you're concerned about rising rates, perhaps you should consider a fixed rate home loan, where repayments are fixed for a period from 1 to 5 years.

"Why do some lenders charge more than others for lending the same amount of money?"

Banks and other lenders pay different amounts for the money they on-lend to you, they have different overhead structures and different profit expectations. All these factors affect how much they charge to lend people money.

"What documentation do I need to refinance?"

The last 3 - 6 months of mortgage statements is sufficient to begin this process. I can advise on other documentation.

Fin9 Lending Solutions

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