In a landmark move aimed at making homeownership more accessible for Australians burdened with student debt, financial regulators have agreed to relax the treatment of HECS-HELP debt by lenders. This decision comes after significant advocacy from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who pushed for a fairer approach to student loan assessments in mortgage applications. What’s Changing for Continue reading
Real Estate
Global Rental Prices: How Australia’s Rent Compares on the World Stage
Across the world, over 1.2 billion people live in rental accommodation, spanning everything from modest studio apartments to lavish penthouses. With billions of dollars exchanged in rental payments annually, the market remains a crucial part of global housing economies. However, rental costs vary significantly between countries, influenced by factors such as demand, income levels, and Continue reading
Single vs. Couple: The $200,000 Property Shock That Could Change Your Buying Strategy
Valentine’s Day may be all about love, but for many Australians, securing a home loan is an even bigger commitment. While couples often seem to have an advantage with dual incomes, new data reveals that singles may have more borrowing power than they realize. In fact, until a couple reaches a combined income of $200,000, Continue reading
$95K Homebuyer Boost: How New Student Loan Rules Could Help Australians Secure Bigger Mortgages
For many Australians, homeownership has felt like an impossible dream, with skyrocketing property prices, rising interest rates, and tough mortgage eligibility rules standing in the way. But now, a major change to how banks assess student debt could make a big difference—boosting borrowing power by as much as $95,900 for some homebuyers. This new policy Continue reading
Canada’s Rental Prices Hit 18-Month Low – Will the Downward Trend Continue?
Rental prices across Canada have been steadily declining, reaching their lowest levels in 18 months, according to a recent national rent report by Rentals.ca and Urbanation. The report highlights a 4.4% annual drop, with the average monthly asking rent in January 2025 falling to $2,100, a $96 decrease from the previous year. Why Are Rental Continue reading
Canadian Fixed Mortgage Rates Drop as U.S. Tariffs Shake Markets: What Homebuyers and Investors Need to Know
The Canadian housing market is experiencing a significant shift as financial markets react to the U.S. government’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods. The tariffs—25% on most Canadian exports and 10% on oil and gas—have caused major economic turbulence, driving down bond yields and leading lenders to reduce fixed mortgage rates. While the Continue reading
The “Wealth Effect” in Full Swing: The 77 Australian Suburbs Where Homeowners Earned Over $200,000 in 2024
The Australian property market had an extraordinary year in 2024, with home values surging in several key suburbs across the country. According to the latest PropTrack data, a staggering 77 suburbs saw median house prices increase by at least $200,000, significantly boosting homeowner equity. While many high-end suburbs in Sydney’s eastern districts and Northern Beaches Continue reading
$300,000 Pension Warning for Downsizing Baby Boomers: How Selling Your Home Could Impact Your Age Pension
As many Baby Boomers consider downsizing their homes to unlock retirement funds, it is crucial to understand how this decision might impact their Age Pension entitlements. Services Australia has issued a warning regarding the impact of asset limits on pension eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the latest asset limits for full and part Age Pension Continue reading
Australia’s Property Market Holds Steady—Why Experts Say Now Is the Best Time to Buy Before Prices Surge
The Australian property market has surprised experts by holding firm in January 2025, despite concerns of a downturn. While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne experienced slight price declines, national home values remained stable, signaling resilience in the housing sector. With expected interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) later this year, Continue reading
Ontario’s Housing Crisis Deepens as New Construction Plummets by 16% Amid Rising Costs, Red Tape, and Sluggish Sales
Despite expert projections of a potential rebound in Toronto’s real estate market, new data reveals that Ontario’s housing supply is shrinking, developers are hitting financial roadblocks, and buyers remain hesitant due to high costs and economic uncertainty. While new home construction rose across most of Canada in 2024, Ontario saw a 16% decline in housing Continue reading