Updates/news

If you’ve just boarded the home buyer express, chances are ‘value’ is high on your list of neighbourhood must-haves. Well, it turns out that house hunters who are happy to stay on the train for just one more stop can be rewarded with savings totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Season 21 of The Block may be over but the sales are not, with two homes failing to find buyers at auction. It’s a different story across the broader market though. As auction clearance rates heat up we explain how to get your auction game on. 

They say there’s nothing quite like a parent’s love. Well, perhaps except for a parent’s love plus an extra $40,000 to help buy your first home. Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of family support – plus other ways to buy a first home that give mum and dad a break.

The Reserve Bank has the cash rate in a holding pattern, and several of the big banks have scaled back their predictions of another cash rate cut in 2025. Here’s what it could mean for your home loan.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal.

Switching to a new home loan might sound like a hassle. But new research shows brokers don’t just make refinancing easier, they can also help home owners secure a lower interest rate – and much more.

The clock is ticking towards the festive season, and home buyers still have a small window of opportunity to be settled in their new place by Christmas Day. The good news is that a broker can help you get there.

If you’re like most first home buyers, you’ve probably realised by now that saving up for a 20% deposit can be a real slog. But what if we told you that you now only need a 5% deposit? And better yet, you could already have that amount ready to go now.

Spring is traditionally the peak season for property, and three rate cuts this year could further fuel buyer competition. Check out five steps that can give you a valuable head start this spring.

The popular Home Guarantee Scheme that lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit has been expanded sooner than expected. But an unexpected twist means first home buyers may want to bring forward their buying plans.

Since February, three rate cuts have prompted homeowners across Australia to review their mortgages. Many have found better deals through home loan refinancing. More than 100,000 home loans were approved in the past quarter. This week, the ABS reported that 1.26 million home loans have been refinanced over the past three years. Refinancing first surged during the RBA’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023. Now that rates are falling , demand for refinancing remains as strong. In the June 2025 quarter alone, almost 100,000 mortgages were refinanced. That equals more than 1,000 home loans for refinancing every day, the highest level since September 2023. So, why are Australians turning to refinancing in such large numbers? Saving on Loan Interest and Cutting Repayments Through Refinancing The RBA’s rate cuts this year total 0.75%. That has delivered some relief. Yet many borrowers are achieving far greater savings by choosing a refinancing home loan. According to Canstar , a borrower with a $600,000 loan could save more than $12,000 in two years by switching to a lower-rate loan. This assumes they have not renegotiated their rate in the past three years. For many Australians, that is the case. A Finder survey also shows that over half of homeowners do not know their current interest rate. This lack of awareness means many are paying more than necessary instead of exploring home loans for refinancing. Accessing Home Equity Through Home Loan Refinancing Refinancing a home loan is not just about securing lower repayments. It also allows borrowers to unlock the equity in their property. Property values have risen 45% nationally in the past five years and are 65% higher than they were a decade ago. This growth gives borrowers more flexibility to use refinanced home loans to fund: Home renovations Children’s education An investment property purchase Debt consolidation at a lower rate Upgrading to a Home Loan for Refinancing That Works Better Many borrowers choose refinancing to improve loan features. These features may include: Offset accounts to cut interest Flexible repayment options The ability to split between fixed and variable rates A redraw facility for extra repayments If your current loan does not offer these features, refinancing could deliver more flexibility and long-term value. Why It Pays to Act Now on Refinancing a Home Loan In the last quarter, over 100,000 Australian families refinanced their mortgages. They secured lower repayments, unlocked equity, or upgraded loan features. Waiting longer only means paying more on an outdated loan. At Osinski Finance , we make home loan refinancing simple. We offer services in home loans , property investment , and refinancing your home loan . Whether you want to cut repayments, access equity, or enjoy smarter features, our experts compare hundreds of options and handle the process for you. Contact us today and let us help you find the best home loans for refinancing so you can save money and move forward with confidence Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Borrowers around the country have been delivered a sunnier financial outlook this month after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today trimmed the cash rate by another 25 basis points to 3.60%. How much could your monthly mortgage repayments decrease?

Buying a first home isn’t always easy, and first-timers sometimes miss out on a place they’ve set their heart on. But more than one-in-ten first-time buyers have missed out simply because they didn’t have home loan pre-approval.

Location, location, location. Or should we say: education, education, education. New research shows homes in the catchment areas of sought-after public schools can command six-figure price premiums. Here’s why.

There’s a lot to love about buying a brand new home, and sales of recently constructed homes have increased 19% over the last quarter. We look at the pros and cons of buying a new home – and the financial incentives available to new home buyers.

If you haven’t checked your borrowing power recently, it might be worth another look. A lot has happened in 2025, and your borrowing capacity could be higher than you realise.

Home owners hoping for rate relief in July may be disappointed, but it’s still possible to score a rate cut of your own by refinancing. Despite this, plenty of borrowers are sticking to an old loan – and it could be costing them.

Growing a 20% deposit isn’t just challenging. It can be a (very) long slog. Fortunately, 50,000 new places in the popular 5% deposit Home Guarantee Scheme just opened up on July 1. Here’s how to secure your spot.

Finding the property that’s right for you and your budget is an exciting milestone! But what happens next? We explain how to make an offer and seal the deal.

Here’s some warming news for winter – first home buyers are making a welcome return to the property market. Several factors suggest the stars may have aligned to make now a good time to take that first step on the property ladder.

Property values nationally have passed a major milestone with the average home price pushing through the $1 million mark for the first time ever. Have you been putting off buying? If so, here’s how to get the ball rolling.

With winter temps falling, chances are your power bills will rise. This helps explain why buyers are willing to pay 14% extra for energy-efficient homes on average. Here’s how to give your place a ‘green premium’.

Despite two much-awaited rate cuts this year, plenty of Australian households are keeping their mortgage repayments on hold – and it could see them save in long-term interest costs.

Australian borrowers have received another reprieve with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today cutting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. How much could this decrease your monthly mortgage repayments?

It’s a common belief that real estate values double every decade. But is this true? New research reveals how much home values have increased over the past ten years.

The votes have been cast and it’s clear Labor will hold the reins of federal government for another 3-year term. We look at what this may mean for first home buyers and current home owners.

There’s a common misconception around offset account home loans that making loan repayments more frequently helps to pay off the balance much sooner. We bust that myth and reveal the real secret to harnessing the power of your offset account.

Tariff-triggered cuts to interest rates could be just around the corner, with Australian borrowers the likely winners if they come to fruition.

Australians will head to the polls on May 3, and with housing affordability shaping up as a key election issue, we unpack how the two major parties are pledging to help first home buyers.

Did you know that the average home owner saw their property’s value rise $46,000 per year over the past five years? Today we’ll look at ways you could put that recent increase in equity to further use.

The RBA may have swiped left on an April rate cut, but plenty of home owners are taking matters into their own hands by refinancing to save on interest with a lower rate.

‘Close to public transport’ is often touted as a plus for home buyers. But new research shows just how much close proximity to a busy road, railway or flight path can impact property values.

This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips to enjoy a memorable getaway – at home.

It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills.

The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why now could be a good time to buy.

Good news for the three million Australians who have a student debt. New rules are on the cards that could soon increase their borrowing power when applying for a home loan.

Finally, a long-awaited reprieve for borrowers. The Reserve Bank of Australia has today cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%. How much could this rate cut decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? And can we expect more cuts this year?

If you’re in the market for a first home, there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the Home Guarantee Scheme, and it could slash the time it takes to buy a place of your own by several years. Here’s how it works.

Great news for home owners – plenty of economists are tipping an RBA rate cut for February. Assuming it happens, once the celebrations have died down, what next? We explain what to expect when rates head south.

Ever spotted a bargain property and then thought to yourself: ‘What’s the catch?’ Well, more often than not there’s a good reason behind a lower-than-expected price tag. And while an undesirable location might not be a deal breaker for you, it could make it harder to sell later.

Bathroom blitz? Kitchen kit out? Or perhaps some landscaping love might be on your house upgrade wishlist for 2025? If so, it’s worth knowing what reno finance options are available. Today we’ll explain some ways to fund your home improvement project.