How do you know how much to pay for a property? As a buyer, it can be tricky. Offer too much and you’ll end up paying more than market value. Offer too little and you risk missing out on your dream home or investment property. So, how do you ensure you’re getting a good deal whilst remaining competitive against other buyers? Here are some tips. Look for recent sales in the area Start by looking at what’s been selling in your preferred neighbourhood. Focus on the immediat...

Over the past few months, it seems like predicting the RBA’s next cash move has become a national pastime. Will the cash rate go up, down or sideways? How many times will the RBA increase the cash rate over the next year? How will it affect my family, my neighbour and the milkman? But what most people do not understand is exactly why the RBA is increasing the cash rate. Let’s explain. What has happened to the RBA cash rate since May 2022? In May 2002, the RBA increased ...

With the cash rate increasing 0.25% last month and 0.50% this month, many of you are asking what’s the impact on me and what can I do? So how does the RBA cash rate affect interest rates and ultimately your home loan repayments? Let’s explore. What is happening with the cash rate? Until late 2021, the RBA predicted that economic conditions requiring a rate rise wouldn’t be met until late 2023 or early 2024. Rising inflation, low unemployment and wage growth has meant th...

Whether its superannuation, allowable deductions or small business asset write-offs, working with a finance professional or going it alone, make sure you are prepared for tax time with our list of planning tips. 1. Increase in Superannuation Guarantee rate As of 1 July 2022, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate rises to 10.50%, with further increases to come each year until 1 July 2025. For some people this will mean their take home pay will reduce as more of their salary is directed tow...

If you’re like most property investors, trawling through boxes of receipts to tally up your allowable deductions is probably not your idea of fun. So, how can you make tax time a little easier?  Here’s our pre-tax time checklist.  1. Gather all your documents in one place The earlier you get organised, the less painful tax time will be.   To get started, gather up all the paperwork your accountant may need, from private health insurance info to rental incom...