James Hartley
Property & Lending Editor
James worked as a mortgage broker in Sydney for eight years before moving into personal finance journalism. He writes about stamp duty, property investment, home loans, and first home buyer schemes. He is a former member of the MFAA and holds a Cert IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking.
Cert IV Finance & Mortgage Broking, former MFAA member
Articles by James Hartley (30)
Offset vs Paying Off Mortgage: What to Do When Rates Match
When your offset rate matches your mortgage rate, the maths is identical but the flexibility isn't. Here's how to decide — with worked numbers on a $650K loan.
HECS Indexation 2026: Your Debt Just Grew
HECS debts indexed by 3.2% on 1 June 2026. On a $30,000 debt, that's $960 added overnight. Here's exactly how much yours went up.
EOFY 2026: Tax Return Deadline & Tips
The 2025-26 financial year ends June 30. Tax returns due October 31 (or May 15 with a tax agent). Your complete EOFY checklist.
Best ETFs Australia 2026: Top Picks
The top Australian and global ETFs for 2026 by returns, fees and diversification. VAS, VGS, IVV, A200 and more compared.
Your FIRE Number in Australia [2026]
How much do you actually need to retire early in Australia? We break down the FIRE formula, super preservation gap, and real numbers by spending level.
Crypto Tax Australia 2026: CGT Rules Explained
The ATO treats crypto as a CGT asset. Every trade, swap, and spend triggers tax. Here's how it works and how to use the 50% discount.
Child Support Australia 2026: How Much?
Child support is based on both parents' incomes, care percentage, and number of children. Here's how the formula works in plain English.
RBA Rate Hikes 2026: How Much More You'll Pay on Your Mortgage
The RBA has hiked twice in 2026, pushing the cash rate to 4.10%. Here's exactly how much more you'll pay on a $400K, $500K, $600K, $750K, and $1M mortgage — with before-and-after comparisons, fixed vs variable analysis, and what to expect from the May meeting.
FHSS Scheme 2026: Save Faster for Your First Home
The First Home Super Saver scheme lets you save your deposit through super and pay less tax. $15K/year cap, $50K total. Here's how it works.
RBA Rate Rise March 2026: How Much Your Mortgage Repayments Just Went Up
The RBA hiked the cash rate to 4.10% on March 17, 2026 — the second consecutive increase. Here's exactly how much more you'll pay on a $400K, $500K, $600K, $750K, and $1M mortgage, when banks pass it on, and what to do next.
Fixed vs Variable Mortgage 2026: Which Saves You More After Two Rate Hikes
After back-to-back RBA hikes to 4.10%, should you fix your mortgage or stay variable? We compare current fixed rates (5.99-6.49%) vs variable (6.20-6.80%), run a break-even analysis on a $600K loan, and show exactly when fixing wins and when it doesn't.
How to Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026: Step-by-Step After the Rate Hikes
Refinancing from 6.89% to 6.29% on a $500K mortgage saves $186/month. Here's the complete step-by-step guide to refinancing in 2026 — when to do it, how much you'll save, the costs involved, and the exact process from application to settlement.
Interest Rate History Australia: Every RBA Move from 2020 to 2026
Complete timeline of every RBA cash rate decision from the COVID emergency cuts to 0.10% through the 2022-23 hiking cycle, the 2024-25 easing, and the surprise 2026 hikes to 4.10%. A full table of every move with context on what drove each decision.
Offset Account vs Redraw: Which Is Better for Your Mortgage?
$50K in offset saves ~$3,250/yr at 6.5%. Key differences between offset and redraw, tax traps for investors, and which saves you more.
Rent vs Buy in Australia 2026: The Real Numbers Behind the Decision
$600/wk rent vs $4,200/mo mortgage + $35K stamp duty. We crunch every cost of renting vs buying in 2026 to find which wins in your city.
Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Saves You More?
Compare mortgage offset accounts and redraw facilities in Australia. Understand the key differences, tax implications, and which option saves you more interest in 2025-26.
Property Investment in Australia: A Beginner's Guide for 2025-26
A $600K investment property can generate $5,000-$15,000/yr in tax benefits. Financing, depreciation, risks, and what to look for in your first buy.
Stamp Duty in WA, SA & Tasmania 2025-26: Rates & Concessions
$15,000-$22,000 in stamp duty on a $500K home in WA, SA, or TAS. First home buyer concessions and transfer duty rates in one guide.
RBA Interest Rate Changes 2026: Impact on Your Mortgage Repayments
How RBA cash rate changes in 2026 affect your mortgage repayments. Includes repayment impact per $100K borrowed, fixed vs variable analysis, and how to stress-test your mortgage.
Rental Yield Explained: How to Calculate & What's a Good Return
A $700K property renting for $550/wk = 4.1% gross yield. How to calculate rental yield and what to target across Australian capital cities.
RBA Interest Rate Decision March 2026: What It Means for Your Mortgage & Savings
Analysis of the RBA's March 2026 interest rate decision — impact on mortgage repayments, savings accounts, borrowing power, and what to expect for the rest of the year.
Capital Gains Tax on Property 2026
$200K capital gain? You could pay $24,500 in CGT or $49,000 without the 50% discount. How property CGT works in 2025-26.
Negative Gearing Explained: How It Works in Australia (2025-26 Guide)
Understand how negative gearing works in Australia. Learn the tax benefits, risks, and whether negatively gearing an investment property is worth it in 2025-26.
Stamp Duty vs Annual Property Tax NSW: Which Should You Choose?
NSW lets first home buyers choose between upfront stamp duty or an annual property tax. We break down how each works, the break-even point, and who benefits from each option.
Negative Gearing Explained: How It Works in Australia (2025-26)
Claim $10,000-$20,000/yr in losses against your income. How negative gearing works for property investors and whether it's worth it in 2025-26.
How Much Can I Borrow? Australian Home Loan Borrowing Power Explained
On $100K income you can borrow roughly $550K-$650K. How banks calculate your borrowing power using income, expenses, HEM, and the 3% buffer.
How Much Deposit Do You Need for a House in Australia 2026?
Find out exactly how much deposit you need to buy a house in Australia in 2026. Covers 20% vs 5% deposits, LMI costs, government schemes, and saving strategies by capital city.
Stamp Duty in Queensland 2025-26: Rates, Thresholds & Exemptions
$21,850 on a $700K QLD property. First home buyers get concessions up to $550K. Full transfer duty rates, thresholds, and foreign buyer surcharges.
NSW Stamp Duty Calculator 2025-26
A $800K property costs ~$31,335 in NSW stamp duty. First home buyers pay $0 under $800K. Calculate your exact amount here.
Stamp Duty in NSW 2025-26: Rates, Exemptions & Calculator
$31,335 on a $800K home, but first home buyers pay $0 under $800K. Full NSW stamp duty rates, exemptions, and calculator for 2025-26.