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
Based in: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Specialises in: Australian home loans, Mortgage brokering, Stamp duty, First home buyer schemes, Property investment, Lenders Mortgage Insurance
Articles by James Hartley (66)
How Much Should I Be Earning at My Age in Australia? [2026]
ABS-sourced salary distribution by age cohort, plus where your number sits in 30 seconds. Updated for 2026, gendered super for women under-paid story, every cell linked to a calculator.
Refinance in May 2026? The 30-Minute Decision Framework
Two RBA moves done, the May meeting on the table — should you refinance this month? Here's the 30-minute framework: 4 numbers, 2 calculators, one decision.
Stage 4 Tax Cuts: Real Cut or Political Theatre? [Budget 2026-27]
Treasury hints at a Stage 4 cut — 30c bracket dropped to 28c. We costed it on real Australian salaries. Here's who actually wins, who pretends to win, and how much it's worth.
Budget Night 2026 Cheatsheet: 7 Things to Listen For (and 3 to Tune Out)
Two hours of Treasurer speech. We've boiled it to 7 lines that actually hit your money and 3 distractions you can safely ignore. Open the calculator alongside.
Which Banks Pass on Rate Changes Fastest (and Slowest) — May 2026
After two RBA moves in 2026, the pass-through behaviour of every major lender is now public record. Here's who moved first, who held back, and what to do about it.
RBA in May 2026: Two Moves Done, Is a Third Coming?
The RBA has already moved twice this year and the May 5 meeting is on. Here's the case for a third move, what each scenario costs your mortgage, and exactly what to do this week.
Federal Budget 2026-27: What It Could Mean for Your Money
The May 2026 Budget lands soon. Here's what to watch — tax brackets, super caps, HECS, family payments, housing — and the calculators that turn each line item into your number.
Can I Afford to Live Alone in Sydney? (2026)
Can you afford Sydney in 2026? We break down the budget, minimum salary needed, and tips to make living alone work.
How Much to Earn to Live in Hobart? (2026)
Need to know how much to earn to live comfortably in Hobart in 2026? See our salary guides for single people, couples, and families.
How Much to Earn to Live in Melbourne? (2026)
Need to know how much to earn to live in Melbourne in 2026? Get our guide on salary requirements for single, couple, and family life.
Can I Afford a $1.5M House?
Can you afford a $1.5M house in 2026? We break down required salaries, deposits, and LMI costs.
RBA Is Now Running Instagram Ads: Inflation 2–3%, Rate Hikes Coming
The RBA has launched paid Instagram, Facebook and Threads campaigns targeting women 18-44 to explain the 2–3% inflation target. Here's what the ads actually say, why Gen Z is the target, and what it means for your money.
Can I Afford a $400K House?
Can you afford a $400k house in 2026? Learn about deposits, minimum salary needs, LMI costs, and first home buyer grants.
When Does the Fuel Excise Cut End? Petrol Prices From 1 July 2026
The halved fuel excise expires 30 June 2026. Here's exactly what ends, what it adds to a tank, and how to budget for the snap-back in petrol prices.
Can I Afford a House on $140K? (2026)
Can $140k afford a house in 2026? We break down borrowing power, deposit strategies (5-20%), and realistic price targets across Sydney, Melbourne & more.
RBA at 4.1%: What Two 2026 Rate Hikes Mean for Your Mortgage
The RBA has hiked twice in 2026 — cash rate is 4.1% and NAB and Macquarie have already passed it on. Here's exactly what it costs you and how to fight back.
Can I Afford a House on $100K? (2026)
Can a $100K salary buy a house in 2026? See realistic price targets, deposit requirements, and strategies for improving your borrowing power.
Can I Afford a House on $60K? (2026)
Buying a house on $60k in 2026? Learn about borrowing power, deposit goals, and realistic price targets across Australia.
$200K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Earning $200K in 2026? Learn your true take-home pay, how much to save, and if it's enough to buy a home in Australia.
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.
$160K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Earning $160K in 2026? See your take-home pay, how to save for a deposit, and how this salary compares to the $98,218 average.
$120K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Earning $120K in 2026? Learn what your take-home pay is, how to budget for a home deposit, and smart strategies to build wealth in Australia.
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.
$50K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Living on $50k in Australia (2026)? Learn your true take-home pay, what lifestyle it affords, and how to save for a deposit.
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.
Should I Salary Sacrifice Into Super? (Calculator)
Should you salary sacrifice into super? Learn how it works, who benefits (32.5%+), and how to use the $30K cap for 2026.
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.
Can I Claim Work Clothes on Tax? (Australia 2026)
Can you claim work clothes tax in Australia 2026? Learn the rules on scrubs, hi-vis gear, and laundry deductions.
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.
12 Ways to Reduce Your Taxable Income in Australia
Lower your 2026 tax bill! Discover 12 ways to reduce taxable income in Australia, from super contributions to WFH deductions.
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.
Is $120K Enough for a Family in Australia?
Is $120K enough for a family in Australia in 2026? We break down the true after-tax budget, costs, and tips.
Is $150K a Good Salary in Australia? (2026)
Is $150K a good salary in 2026? We break down your take-home pay, housing options, and budgeting tips for Australian life.
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.
Is $75K a Good Salary in Australia? (2026)
Is $75k a good salary in Australia in 2026? Learn about your take-home pay, budgeting tips, and what it can afford in Sydney vs. regional areas.
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.
Is $45K a Good Salary in Australia? (2026)
Is $45k a good salary in 2026? We break down your take-home pay, budgeting, and if it's enough to live comfortably in Australia.
How to Save $10,000 in 6 Months (Australia)
How to save $10,000 in 6 months in Australia. Master your budget, cut costs, and reach your goal by 2026.
How to Save for a House on $60K Salary
Saving for a house deposit on $60K in 2026? Learn to budget, calculate your timeline (5-20%), and master the FHSS scheme.
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.
Should I Use the FHSS to Buy My First Home? (2026)
Thinking of buying a home in 2026? Learn how the FHSS works, save up to $2,625 in tax, and compare it to HISAs.
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.
Rent or Buy a Home? (Australia 2026 Calculator)
Rent vs Buy in Australia 2026? Use our calculator to compare costs, including stamp duty, maintenance, and opportunity costs.
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 Australia 2026
$200K gain = $39,975 tax (or $79,950 without the 50% discount). How CGT on investment property works, with examples.
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.
Can I Afford to Have a Baby? (Australia 2026)
Planning for a baby in 2026? See the upfront costs ($0-$15K), ongoing childcare costs ($120-$180/day), and subsidies needed to afford parenthood in Australia.
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.
What Happens If I Access Super Early?
Thinking of taking super early? Learn about the tax hit, compound growth loss, and the strict rules for accessing your super in 2026.
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 2026: $31,335 on $800K (First Home Buyers: $0)
An $800K property costs $31,335 in NSW stamp duty in 2026 — but first home buyers pay $0 under $800K. See the exact figure for any price plus FHB exemption thresholds.
Lost Your Job With a Mortgage? Here's What to Do
Lost your job with a mortgage? Learn the 48-hour action plan, how to access JobSeeker, and manage hardship provisions in Australia.
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.