Mark Bristow

Perth prepared for 2018

The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) is forecasting steady and moderate improvement to the Perth property market in 2018, though we shouldn’t expect rapid growth in either the established housing or rental markets over the coming year.

HomesVic launched to support Victorian first homebuyers

The Victorian government recently launched HomesVic – a new housing affordability scheme intended to assist struggling first home buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder.

Adding up the back-to-school bills

As parents count down to the start of a new school year, they’re also counting up the growing costs of sending the kids back to school, thanks in part to the increasing emphasis on technology in the classroom.

What is a comparison rate, and how is it calculated?

While many people talk about home loan interest rates, far fewer people talk about comparison rates. This is unfortunate, as home loan comparison rates can make a big difference when you’re estimating the costs of different mortgage options, whether you’re applying for your first home loan or refinancing.

Rents rising nationally

Rents are rising across Australia, according to CoreLogic, with the majority of capital cities as well as regional markets recording year on year increases in rental rates, though rental yields are flat.

Melbourne price growth drives first home buyers to regional suburbs

Melbourne experienced its strongest property market in seven years in 2017, with this price growth driving many first homebuyers out of CBD-adjacent areas and into the surrounding suburbs and regional areas.

East coast vs west coast, how the cost of living stacks up

Sydney has topped the charts measuring costs of living in the Oceania region, while Australia's number two spot was taken by Perth.

Home building in 2018 may prove stronger than expected

Bank customers reluctant to consolidate or switch

While Australian bank customers are mostly remaining loyal to Australia’s big banks, they also lack sufficient motivation to consolidate their wealth with one lender or switch to a new lender, according to a new survey.

2017 a record year for car sales

Australia’s sales of new motor vehicles rose at the end of December 2017, wrapping up a strong year for the nation’s automotive market.