Property Guides Australia — Stamp Duty, Mortgages & First Home Buyers
Guides to help you buy, sell, refinance or invest in Australian property without getting burned.
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.
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.
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.
Can I Afford a $1.0M House?
Thinking of a $1M home in 2026? Discover the minimum salary, required deposits (5-20%), and estimated repayments to make your dream home affordable.
Can I Afford a $1.2M House?
Can you afford a $1.2M home in 2026? We break down deposits, repayments, and the salary needed to buy in Australia.
Can I Afford a $700K House?
Can you afford a $700K house in 2026? We break down required deposits, minimum salary ($140k+), and monthly repayments.
Can I Afford a $900K House?
Can you afford a $900K house in 2026? Learn about minimum salaries, deposit requirements, and LMI costs in Australia.
Can I Afford a $500K House?
Can you afford a $500k house in 2026? We break down deposits ($25K-$100K), minimum salaries, and monthly repayments at 6.2%.
Can I Afford a $600K House?
Thinking about a $600K house in 2026? Learn the minimum salary, deposit requirements, and LMI costs you need to budget for.
Can I Afford a House on $200K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $200k in 2026? Learn about borrowing power, deposit goals, and realistic price targets in Sydney, Melbourne & beyond.
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.
Can I Afford a House on $150K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $150k in 2026? Learn your borrowing power, deposit targets, and realistic city options in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond.
Can I Afford a House on $180K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $180k in 2026? We break down borrowing power, deposit needs, and realistic city targets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
Rent and Invest vs Buy in Australia: Full 2026 Breakdown
We model 6 real scenarios across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and regional Australia. Rent + invest vs buy at $500K, $750K, and $1M price points with real stamp duty, rates, and investment returns.
Can I Afford a House on $130K? (2026)
Earning $130k in 2026? Discover your borrowing power, target house prices in Sydney, Melbourne, and regional areas, and master the deposit strategy.
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.
Buy a House or Invest? The Australian Decision in 2026
Should you buy a house or invest in shares, ETFs, or gold in Australia? We run the numbers at every price point, compare 10-year outcomes, and show you exactly what most calculators miss.
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 $110K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $110k in 2026? We break down borrowing power, deposit needs, and realistic price ranges in Aussie cities.
Can I Afford a House on $120K? (2026)
Buying a house on $120K in 2026? See your realistic price targets, deposit needs, and tips for improving your borrowing power.
Can I Afford a House on $90K? (2026)
Buying a house on $90k in 2026? Find out your borrowing power, target price range, and deposit strategies for Aussie real estate.
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 $70K? (2026)
Buying a house on $70k in 2026? Learn your borrowing power, target price ranges (Sydney $1.4M), and how to boost your deposit.
Can I Afford a House on $80K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $80k in 2026? Learn about borrowing power, deposit needs, and realistic target prices in Australia.
Can I Afford a House on $50K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $50K in 2026? Learn about deposit goals, borrowing power, and realistic locations across Australia.
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.
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.
How to Read a Strata Report (First Home Buyer Guide)
A strata report tells you what you're really buying. Here's what to look for — sinking fund balance, special levies, defects — with red flags that should make you walk away.
Debt Recycling Australia: How It Works [2026]
Turn your mortgage into a tax deduction. Debt recycling converts non-deductible home loan debt into deductible investment debt — here's how.
Pay Off Mortgage or Invest? (Australia 2026)
Mortgage vs. Investing in 2026: Learn if paying off your 6.5% mortgage or investing in ETFs is the best financial move.
Extra Repayments: How $200/Month Saves $100K+
$200/month extra on a $500K mortgage at 6% saves $114,000 in interest and cuts 5 years off your loan. Here's the full breakdown.
Australian Property Market Autumn 2026: Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
Autumn 2026 property market analysis — price trends, auction clearance rates, spring vs autumn buying, and what rate cuts mean for buyers.
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.
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.
Mortgage Stress Test: Can You Afford Another Rate Rise in May 2026?
Markets price a 40% chance of a third RBA hike in May 2026. Here's what your repayments look like at 4.10%, 4.35%, and 4.60% on loans from $400K to $1M — plus the warning signs you're in mortgage stress and what to do about it.
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.
Negative Gearing Changes: What the May 2026 Budget Could Mean for Investors
Treasury modelling for the May 2026 Budget includes capping negative gearing at 2 investment properties and cutting the CGT discount from 50% to 33%. Here's what's being proposed, who it affects, grandfathering provisions, and worked examples of the tax impact.
Fixed vs Variable Mortgage 2026: Which Should You Choose?
Fixed or variable in 2026? We compare current rates, analyse when fixing historically paid off, explain split loans and break costs, and give you a decision framework based on the RBA outlook and your risk tolerance.
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.
First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes 2026: Every State Guide
$10,000-$30,000 in grants plus $0 stamp duty. Every 2026 first home buyer scheme: FHOG, Home Guarantee, Help to Buy, and state programs.
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.
Strata Fees Explained: What You Pay, What's Included & Red Flags
A complete guide to strata fees in Australia. Covers what they pay for, average costs by city, capital works vs admin funds, red flags in strata reports, and how strata affects your borrowing power.
Should You Fix Your Mortgage in 2026? Fixed vs Variable Rate Analysis
With oil prices dropping and inflation easing, is now the time to fix your mortgage? Detailed pros and cons analysis of fixed vs variable rates in the current Australian market.
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.
Pay LMI or Wait for 20% Deposit? (Calculator)
LMI vs. 20% deposit in 2026: Should you pay LMI now or wait? We run the numbers for you.
Buying Off the Plan in Australia: Risks, Benefits & What to Check
A comprehensive guide to buying off-the-plan property in Australia. Covers stamp duty savings, sunset clause risks, developer insolvency, valuation gaps, and cooling off periods by state.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): How to Use Super for a Deposit
Withdraw up to $50,000 from super for your first home deposit. The FHSS scheme saves you $6,000-$10,000 in tax vs saving outside super.
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.
First Home Owner Grant 2025-26: Eligibility & Amounts by State
Complete guide to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in every Australian state and territory for 2025-26. Check eligibility, grant amounts, and how to apply.
How to Compare Home Loans in Australia: 9 Things Beyond the Rate
0.5% rate difference = $180/mo on a $600K loan. Comparison rates, fees, offset accounts, and the features that actually matter when choosing.
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.
Fixed vs Variable Mortgage: Which Is Better? (2026)
Fixed vs Variable Mortgage in 2026: A guide to choosing the best loan structure. Understand fixed rates, offset accounts, and how to save money.
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.
Buying vs Renting in Australia 2025-26: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
$600/wk rent vs $4,000/mo mortgage on the same property. We crunch buying vs renting in every major Australian city. The answer depends on where.
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026? A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to refinancing your home loan in 2026. Covers when it makes sense, break costs, comparison rates vs headline rates, cashback traps, and what banks look for.
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.
Can I Afford an Investment Property? (2026)
Thinking of an investment property in 2026? Learn about minimum deposits, cash flow realities, and negative gearing tax benefits.
Help to Buy Scheme 2026: Government Pays Up to 40% of Your Home — Full Guide
The Help to Buy shared equity scheme lets the government buy up to 40% of a new home or 30% of an existing home with you. Here's how it works, eligibility criteria, property price caps, and how to apply.
Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Saves You More?
$50K in offset saves ~$3,250/yr on a 6.5% mortgage. Offset vs redraw: how each works, tax traps for investors, and which suits your situation.
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.
LMI Explained: What Is Lenders Mortgage Insurance & How to Avoid It
LMI on a 90% LVR costs $8,000-$15,000 on a $600K loan. How lenders mortgage insurance works, what triggers it, and smart ways to avoid it.
Property Investment for Beginners Australia 2026: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about property investment in Australia in 2026. Covers location selection, negative gearing, tax deductions, LMI, tenant management, and SMSF property.
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.
First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes in Australia 2025-26 (Every State)
Up to $30,000 in grants plus $0 stamp duty in most states. Every first home buyer scheme in Australia by state, updated for 2025-26.
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.
Stamp Duty in Victoria 2025-26: Rates, Concessions & Changes
$44,000+ on a $800K VIC property. First home buyers save up to $33,250 on homes under $600K. Full Victorian stamp duty rates and concessions.
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.
What Happens If I Can't Pay My Mortgage?
Missed mortgage payment? Learn your rights, the 2026 timeline, and free help options. Don't panic—start by calling 1800 007 007.
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.