Insider Finance

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

Anyone planning a new build needs to budget for a very different cost environment than existed just a few years ago.

The cost of building a new home has risen another 5.7% over the past year, according to the latest ABS data, as builders pass on higher labour and material costs.

Zoom out further and the shift is even more striking: homebuilding costs are now 47.7% higher than at the start of 2020.

That makes careful planning especially important before signing a building contract.

➡️What to look for

⭐Before committing, look beyond the headline build price.

⭐With build costs significantly higher than a few years ago, even small exclusions from the contract can add up quickly.

⭐Allow room for expenses such as site works, council requirements, landscaping, driveways and upgrades that may not be included in the base contract.

⭐It’s also worth keeping a contingency buffer in case costs change during construction.

Finance works differently too. Construction loans generally release money in stages as the build progresses rather than providing the full amount upfront.

That means the loan structure needs to match the building contract and payment schedule.

Before signing a building contract, get in touch to make sure the finance is ready to support the project from the first progress payment to the last.

Reach out today⬇️

☎️0480421806
✉️[email protected]
💻 Make a booking - Visit our website
www.insiderfinance.com.au

14/10/2026

Let us crunch the numbers and see if we can find you a better rate.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

☎️0480421806
✉️[email protected]
💻 Make a booking - Visit our website
www.insiderfinance.com.au

12/10/2026

After attending a million inspections, scanning countless websites and being introduced to more agents than you can bare to think about, you’ve finally found your dream home.

It’s been worth every minute and you can’t wait to start moving in the furniture.

Unfortunately, that’s when the boring part begins.

Buying property is a huge undertaking and as such, there are some fairly stringent legalities that you have to consider. Since most of us aren’t fluent in property law, it’s advisable to get someone who is, to help you navigate the process.

A conveyancer will:
Prepare and lodge your contract and accompanying legal documents
Thoroughly check the history of the property and its certificate of title
Act on your behalf with a vendor or agent
Handle your deposit
Ensure your rates and taxes are correct
Act as your representative through settlement
The selling agent will generally ask for the contact details of your conveyancer, so it’s best to have engaged one as soon as you are certain on a property.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions we make in our lifetime, so why wouldn’t you want the peace of mind an expert’s guiding hand can give you.

If you would like us to help you find a conveyancer that is right for you, contact us today.

☎️0480421806
✉️[email protected]
💻 Make a booking - Visit our website
www.insiderfinance.com.au

09/10/2026

The latest building approvals data contains both good and bad news for Australia's future housing supply.

The bad news is total dwelling approvals fell 6.1% in August to 16,953, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

But detached housing is moving in the opposite direction.

Private-sector house approvals rose 3.7% during August to 10,885 and were 18.4% higher than a year earlier.

August also marked the eighth consecutive month in which more than 10,000 private-sector houses were approved across Australia.

The weak spot was higher-density housing, with approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses falling 21.2%.

That matters because Australia needs a strong pipeline of both houses and higher-density homes if housing supply is going to keep pace with demand.

09/10/2026

We are often asked whether it’s better to purchase an established property or something new 🏠

Just like the smell of a freshly purchased car, some people really vibe on having a brand new house that no-one’s ever lived in before. It’s free of defects and nothing needs to be repaired.
While they’re often built in up-and-coming areas with brand new parks and facilities nearby, new developments tend to lay on the outskirts of cities, with limited access to public transport.

Existing homes on the other hand tend to be in established suburbs that are close to amenities such as hospitals, schools and transport. They might need a lick of paint or even a full face-lift but the cost of those repairs are minimal compared to the overall value of the house.

Stamp duty exemptions are also something to consider.

If you’re wondering whether you are eligible for an exemption, contact us today⬇️

☎️0480421806
✉️[email protected]
💻 Make a booking - Visit our website
www.insiderfinance.com.au

07/10/2026

First home buyers who used the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme have collectively avoided an estimated $1.4 billion in lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) costs over the past year.

That’s according to new federal government figures, which show 102,594 first home buyers have used the scheme since it was expanded on 1 October 2025.

The scheme allows buyers to enter the market with a deposit as small as 5% without paying LMI, which would normally be an additional cost for many borrowers purchasing with less than a 20% deposit.

For someone purchasing the national median-priced home with a 5% deposit, the government estimates the LMI saving at around $23,700.

That doesn’t make buying a first home easy, but it can substantially reduce the upfront hurdle for buyers who qualify.

06/10/2026

🏡 Buyers may finally have a little more breathing room.

With more homes hitting the market and prices easing across many capital-city suburbs, buyers now have:

✅ More choice
✅ Less urgency
✅ Greater negotiating power

But don't assume every seller is desperate to sell. Good properties are still attracting strong demand.
The key? Know your borrowing limit before you negotiate.

Thinking about buying?

Reach out and let's work out your budget and finance options before you start making offers🏠

Contact our team today ⬇️

☎️0480421806
✉️[email protected]
💻 Make a booking - Visit our website
www.insiderfinance.com.au