Laine Gordon

Housing affordability getting worse

Two in five Australians believe housing affordability is an issue, according to new research from the University of Sydney.

Not all renovations add value

Australians will spend $35 billion renovating their homes this year, with kitchens and bathrooms the most popular makeovers. But not all DIY additions are guaranteed to add value, and it's important to carefully consider the pitfalls before tackling a project.

Could a smartphone replace your wallet?

If you believe the pundits, your mobile phone will soon become an electronic wallet, as we take the next step towards a cashless society.

Reverse mortgages at highest levels since the GFC

Reverse mortgages have grown to their highest levels since 2007, as 'asset rich' but 'cash poor' seniors look to their family home to finance their retirement, research by Deloitte shows.

Rate hike warning for 2013

Borrowers are being urged to prepare for interest rate hikes as early as next year, on the back of strong economic growth forecasts for 2012.

Would you marry for money?

Romances of the rich and famous can be extremely profitable. For the rest of us, marrying for money may be the least romantic reason to wed, but tying the knot can bring financial advantages.

Buy a home at half the cost

The rising cost of living is forcing Australian families to change the way they live and driving new housing schemes that make buying property more affordable.

Supersize your first home deposit

It takes the average first home buyer more than five years to save a 10 percent deposit, research shows. Consider these tips to help you get a foot on the property ladder sooner.

How to get the best price for your house

Spring is the peak selling season for Australian residential property. But it's a tough market for vendors with a record number of houses now on the market, research shows.

Job satisfaction more important than money

Two in three Australian workers are not engaged with their jobs, and salary is less important than job satisfaction among employees, research shows.