Michael Fernandez - ZENRG Finance Pty Ltd

27/08/2026

Time in Full Time Employment Rules have Changed

There used to be a rule where you had to be past probation (3 or 6 months) before a lender would consider your income. This is no longer the case. There are lenders that will use your income from day one as long as you have had 6 months industry experience previously.

If you are Thinking of Changing Employers and need to Borrow Money in the Short Term, let's have a chat before you leave.

Credit Image: My Dream Job Careers Consulting

25/08/2026

Self Employed Borrowing

With the Lending Policy changing more recently, it is important to know what Options you have.

Some Lenders require full tax returns, others just ATO Notice of Assessments to service the loan, other Lenders look at Tax Debt.

If you wish to discuss Your Options, please message me and I will put you in touch with someone within my Team.

Credit Image: linkedin

17/08/2026

Looking to Become a Mortgage Broker?

If you're exploring a career in mortgage broking or looking for a platform that supports your growth, we'd love to have a conversation.

17/08/2026

What Does All the Talk About Inflation Affect Mortgage Rates and what Does it Mean?

Credit: Accredited Broker

1. What is the main purpose of targeting 2–3% inflation?
Central banks set a 2–3% inflation target to maintain economic stability. This range encourages sustainable economic growth while avoiding the risks of deflation or runaway inflation. It also provides a predictable environment for businesses and homeowners.

2. How does inflation influence mortgage interest rates in Australia?
Inflation and interest rates go hand-in-hand. When inflation rises above the target, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) typically increases the cash rate, which pushes home loan interest rates higher. Conversely, if inflation falls below 2%, the RBA is likely to lower rates, reducing borrowing costs.

3. Why can’t inflation just be zero?
Aiming for 0% inflation might sound ideal, but it creates major economic risks. Zero inflation increases the chance of deflation, limits the RBA’s ability to cut interest rates in downturns, and makes wage adjustments harder during tough times. A slight positive inflation rate provides the flexibility economies need.

4. When did the RBA adopt the 2–3% target band?
The Reserve Bank of Australia adopted its inflation target policy during the early 1990s, influenced by reforms in New Zealand and other developed nations. Since then, the 2–3% target has become a cornerstone of Australian monetary policy.

5. How does the inflation target benefit everyday Australians?
Stable and predictable inflation keeps interest rates more consistent, making it easier for Australians to budget for mortgage repayments, loans, and investments. It helps protect against sudden cost-of-living spikes and supports long-term financial planning.

6. Why is understanding inflation important for mortgage brokers?
Inflation trends influence lending decisions and borrowing costs. When brokers understand what drives rate changes, they can better advise clients on fixed versus variable rates, refinancing strategies, and long-term affordability.

13/08/2026

Why do People Refinance Their Home Loan?

People refinance their homes to replace their current mortgage with a new one, usually to lower monthly payments by securing a better interest rate, shorten the loan term to pay it off faster, switch between fixed and variable rates, or tap into home equity for cash.

Lower Interest Rates and Payments
• Better rates: Secure a lower market interest rate to reduce monthly costs.
• Remove variable risk: Switch from an adjustable or variable rate to a stable fixed rate.
• Extend the term: Reset a loan back to a longer duration (like moving back to 30 years) to shrink regular bills.
Access Equity and Cash
• Home renovations: Borrow against built-up property value to fund home improvements.
• Debt consolidation: Roll high-interest debts, like credit cards or personal loans, into a lower-rate mortgage.
• Major expenses: Release cash for large life costs, investments, or purchases.
Change Loan Terms or Features
• Faster payoff: Refinance from a long term to a shorter term (such as 15 years) to build equity quicker.
• Better features: Gain access to helpful account add-ons like offset accounts, redraw facilities, or flexible repayment options.
• End fixed periods: Transition smoothly when an initial fixed-rate term expires.

12/08/2026

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% following its August monetary policy meeting. Read the full statement here.

There are tentative signs that inflation is heading in the right direction. Annual trimmed mean inflation – the RBA’s preferred measure – held steady at 3.6% in the 12 months to June 2026, unchanged from May, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Even so, the Board is not ready to declare the job done. In a recent speech, Governor Michele Bullock warned that underlying inflation remains too high and that “some further easing in the growth of demand is likely to be required” to bring it back to target sustainably. She also noted that the full effects of this year’s cash rate rises are yet to be felt, suggesting the Board is content to let earlier increases continue to work their way through the economy before deciding on the next move.

If you’re wondering how a prolonged pause in the cash rate could affect your borrowing power or repayments, now is a good time to check in. Feel free to reach out.

29/07/2026

New Business Cards from ZENRG Finance Pty Ltd - "We grow with you"

Reach out for your Finance Needs.

Are you an Accountant, Financial Adviser, Real Estate Agent or Solicitor/Conveyancer and would you like to become a Referral Partner?

Interested in becoming a Mortgage Broker (Existing or New to the Industry)?

Does your Business need Offshore Staff Support to give you more time back in the day, so you can complete activities that make you money?

21/07/2026

What Changed in Investment Lending with the Budget Changes?

Credit: AccreditedBroker

The two headline changes are:
• Negative gearing limits: From 1 July 2027, negative gearing will only apply to new builds that add to housing supply. Established properties purchased after May 2026 will no longer allow investors to offset rental losses against their salary income.
• Capital gains tax overhaul: The current 50% CGT discount on property gains will be replaced with an inflation-indexed approach and a 30% minimum tax rate from July 2027.

These reforms are designed to encourage Investment in new housing construction and improve affordability but, in the short term, they’ve made existing properties less attractive to traditional investors.

What was the Impact on Lending?

Most lenders have changed the way they treat future investment property purchases for existing properties and this has now led to a reduction in borrowing capacity.

People that had pre-approvals for finance before the Budget changes, I recommend reviewing this as your Borrowing Capacity/Pre-Approval Amount may have changed.

18/07/2026

Legislation Refresher: Key Updates for Landlords In Queensland

Credit Ray White - North Lakes

A lot of Clients have bought Investment Properties in Queensland due to the Price Point to get into the Market.

Staying up-to-date with rental legislation is essential for landlords. Not only does it ensure compliance, but it also helps you understand your property manager's practices and maintain strong relationships with tenants.

Here's a quick refresher on three important recent changes in Queensland:

1. Rent Increases
Recent legislation now limits how often rent can be increased. Rent cannot be increased unless at least 12 months have passed since the current rent amount became payable. This 12-month rule applies even if the last rent increase occurred under a previous tenancy or by a previous owner/agent.

The tenancy agreement must include the date of the last rent increase, and tenants have the right to request written proof. Property managers or owners must provide this within 14 days.

2. Reletting Costs for Early Lease Breaks
If a tenant breaks their lease early, the compensation they are responsible for has changed. Reletting costs are now calculated based on the remaining time on the tenancy and/or whether the lease term is greater or less than three years.

The tenant is responsible for the specified reletting cost depending on the remaining time left on their tenancy or the rent between their vacate and a new tenancy starting - whichever is less. No additional costs can be requested, aside from rent up to the vacate date and the reletting cost.

Standard vacating procedures still apply.

3. Charging for Utilities
When a tenant is responsible for utilities or general service charges, the property manager or owner must provide a copy of the relevant bill or document from the service provider within four weeks of receiving it. If this isn't provided in time, the tenant is not required to pay.

Staying ahead of legislative changes helps protect your investment and maintain positive tenant relationships.

18/07/2026

Joining Back with ZENRG Finance Pty Ltd - "We grow with you" I am confident in Referring My Clients and Referral Partners to the Team. Please reach out to me and I will Match you with one of the Brokers that would be most suitable for you.

★★★★★ We asked Adrian McVittie from ZENRG Finance to tailor a loan to our specific business needs and requirements. Adrian achieved our financial goals in every single way. Adrian constantly communicated with and helped us through each stage of the loan process. We are extremely happy with...