Last reviewed October 2026 by Megan Birot, Content Editor, OurTop10. Figures checked against the sources named in the article. The short version: Sydney house prices are falling. The median house is $1,529,308 as at August 2026, down 4.6% over the quarter, and units are down 2.5% to $889,617. The cause is the cash rate, which
Last reviewed October 2026 by Megan Birot, Content Editor, OurTop10. Figures checked against the sources named in the article. Find My Loan MatchBudget PlannerPart of our complete first home buyer guide, which walks the whole journey from saving the deposit through to settlement day. Stamp duty is the biggest cost of buying a home after
The journey of buying a home in Australia often involves understanding the role of a guarantor, especially for first-time buyers or those looking to refinance for renovations. A guarantor is someone (usually a family member) who agrees to be responsible for a loan if the primary borrower fails to make repayments. This role is particularly
Introduction Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life, but it can also be one of the most daunting. Sadly, recent interest rates have risen, and the soaring cost of living and sky-high rents have left many Australians feeling like they’ll never buy their first home. We’ve written this
A professional mortgage broker can tell you exactly what government incentives you qualify for. Maximise what you get, and get into your new home sooner. Discover everything you need with a top-rated Sydney Mortgage Broker or Melbourne mortgage broker as quickly as this week—at no charge. From a financial point of view, buying your first
With the rising cost of living making it harder to save for a deposit, lenders now recognise strong rental history as proof of financial discipline. When you apply for a mortgage, most lenders require evidence of genuine savings, especially if your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) is over 80%. That is, if you’re borrowing more than 80%
There are a number of ways Australians can use their super to buy property. This guide explains the different ways to buy a home using super, the rules you need to follow, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Can you use super to buy a house? Yes, you can use money in your
Buying property in New South Wales often comes with a cost that catches buyers off guard. Stamp duty can add tens of thousands of dollars to a purchase, yet many buyers only factor it in late in the process. That can place pressure on savings, delay settlements or force last-minute changes to loan plans. This
Saving for a home deposit can feel like an uphill battle, especially with property prices climbing. Traditional advice has always been to save at least 20% of the purchase price before buying. But with median property prices in every capital city now over $500,000, a 20% deposit means saving at least $100K—no easy feat for
Leveraging your superannuation can be a strategic way to boost your property investment portfolio. Many Australians are now tapping into their super to purchase investment properties with good reason. Here are the essential steps, benefits, and strategies to simplify the process. 1. Understanding the Home Super Saver Scheme The Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) is an Australian
When embarking on the journey of homeownership, the path to securing a mortgage is often paved with complexities and unique terminologies. Among these, the concept of ‘non-genuine savings’ often emerges as a perplexing hurdle for many prospective homeowners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify non-genuine savings, outlining their significance, implications, and how they differ from
Navigating the path to buying your dream home or embarking on significant renovations requires more than just a desire; it necessitates a solid financial foundation. Among the critical elements in this journey is the concept of genuine savings. This guide is tailored for homebuyers and individuals looking to refinance for renovations in Australia, breaking down
Buying a home in Australia is a significant financial commitment, and one of the expenses often overlooked by first-time homebuyers is stamp duty. This state-based tax can be quite substantial, depending on the property’s value and the state in which it is located. The good news? There are stamp duty exemptions and concessions available that
As a first home buyer, you may be entitled to financial incentives that could make it easier to buy your first house. In Australia, federal and state governments offer several programs to support first-time home buyers. This helps young people break into the property market, often purchasing a home sooner than would otherwise be possible.
Buying a house is an exciting step towards financial freedom! But what should you keep in mind when purchasing your first property? In Sydney, the home buying process includes many steps and legal requirements that you’ll need to be aware of to ensure a positive experience. A mortgage broker or financial advisor can help with
Buying a house is a big step toward helping you and your family have increased financial security and build wealth and equity for the future. Alongside mortgage brokers and financial advisors, what schemes and initiatives are available to support single parents? For single parent home buyers even if you are receiving child support payments, the
Are you buying your first home? Whether you’re an owner-occupier or planning to purchase an investment property, buying a home is an exciting journey. But there are many things you’ll need to learn to get the best possible value for your money. Before purchasing a new home, it’s important that you understand your rights and obligations as
