It’s no secret that paying off your home loan sooner can save you. However, with cost-of-living pressures and rising interest rates, it can be hard to find extra cash. A series of small changes applied consistently over time could put you on track to reach your goal sooner. Here are 8 tips to help boost your savings.  Tip 1: Make a plan you can stick to Rather than making extreme changes to your lifestyle and spending habits, focus on a range of savings strategies that will be s...

The goal of renovating for profit is to minimise expenditure and maximise return. Here are six smart renovation ideas that will resonate with prospective buyers and help you get a great return when you sell. Curb Appeal  First impressions are everything. Consider the view from the street and if it has that ‘wow’ factor.    Spruce up the front façade, fence, garden, windows, roof and driveway. Make them work together to add charm. Kitchen  Reno...

Building your own home can be one of life’s most rewarding milestones. Not only does a new build have the potential to save you money, but it also gives you the opportunity to design the home you’ve always wanted with all the latest fixtures and fittings. You can also plan your finances with confidence, knowing your new home will need little maintenance or repair for years to come. Your finance needs when building a new home can differ a little from buying an established propert...

Are you looking at becoming a property investor? Purchasing an investment apartment is often a great place to start. Here are a few of the benefits of buying an apartment: An apartment is typically cheaper than a traditional house. This is because houses often have a higher entry price point due to land value - so you could potentially buy an apartment or unit with a smaller deposit. Maintenance is also a cost that must be taken into consideration. If you purchase a house, all maintenanc...

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...