Property
How to save money around the home amidst the rising interest rates
9 July
With interest rates rising almost everywhere, including Australia, people have begun tightening their purse strings as best they can. However, decreasing spending to ensure your expenses match your reduced budget could mean barely any savings or...[Read More]
Family affair: investor tax changes spawn new tactics
9 July
A 1950s red brick walk-up in southwest Brisbane is a window into how the federal budget is reshaping the property market. Marketed as “the ultimate set-up for multi-generational living”, the three-unit apartment block in Oxley has bucked the...[Read More]
What blackout? More Aussies are disaster-proofing homes
2 July
More Australians are upgrading the tech in their homes to not just to keep the lights on but make sure they stay connected during natural disasters. From solar panels and batteries to electric cars and better broadband, experts say at-risk...[Read More]
Treasurer responds after budget attack by ex-RBA head
1 July
The treasurer has hit back at attacks to budget tax changes from a former Reserve Bank governor after the contentious laws passed parliament. Ex-RBA governor Philip Lowe said changes limiting negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount would...[Read More]
Pledge to fix ‘widow’s tax’ on investment properties
1 July
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised to fix laws imposing a so-called “widow’s tax” on investment properties, without providing details on how he will close the loophole. The issue, which relates to investors with jointly owned properties...[Read More]
Home owners told to ‘take a deep breath’ on tax reforms
25 June
Plunging auction clearance rates are not cause for concern, top government ministers are insisting, with one urging anxious home owners to “take a deep breath”. An overhaul of negative gearing and capital gains tax is expected to pass federal...[Read More]
‘Missed opportunity’ to act on power plan loyalty tax
25 June
A proposal to clamp down on the loyalty tax paid by disengaged power customers does not go far enough in the view of consumer and small business groups. Australia’s electricity rule-maker initiated a review to tackle the problem of customers...[Read More]
Your home: 7 ways to increase its value and enjoy it more
18 June
Your home is more than bricks, mortar, paint and flooring. It is the place where life happens. It is where families gather, memories are made, visitors are welcomed, and everyday routines unfold. For many people, their home is also one of their...[Read More]
CGT share changes will ease home prices, treasurer says
18 June
Controversial tax changes for shares and businesses will prevent more money from being funnelled into existing homes, Treasurer Jim Chalmers claims. Businesses have been relatively receptive to Labor’s decision to wind back tax breaks for property...[Read More]
Nation-first stamp duty cut gains federal endorsement
18 June
State governments have been encouraged to follow the lead of the ACT and abolish stamp duty, but it’s unlikely to happen without Commonwealth support. ACT Treasurer Chris Steel announced all first home buyers would be exempt from paying stamp duty...[Read More]
Residents to get no-interest loans for energy upgrades
17 June
Residents in NSW can now access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund lower energy upgrades to their homes, aimed at slashing bills and taking pressure off the grid. Ahead of next week’s state budget, the NSW government announced on...[Read More]
How to feel more self-sufficient at home
11 June
There is something deeply rewarding about knowing your home can do more than simply provide shelter. A self-sufficient home gives you a greater sense of control, comfort and confidence. It does not mean living completely off-grid, growing every meal...[Read More]
7 signs you are ready to downsize the home and take life a little easier
4 June
There comes a time when the family home that once felt full of noise, movement and memories can start to feel a little too big, too quiet, too expensive or simply too much work. Downsizing is not just about moving into a smaller home. For many...[Read More]
Interest rate impact hits housing approval levels
4 June
Rising interest rates have been blamed for a downturn in housing approvals, but tax changes in the federal budget could lead to an uptick. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the total number of dwellings approved in April fell...[Read More]
Labor shrugs off claim tax shift will sink house prices
3 June
Contentious changes to taxes on property investments won’t be the main driver of expected falls in prices, the housing minister says. As auction clearance rates hit lows not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, Clare O’Neil said it was unclear how...[Read More]