How to buy your first home
Struggling to save for a home deposit in a market where prices seem to rise faster than your savings? This article provides a comprehensive guide to buying your first home, revealing how strategies like leveraging a guarantor loan, utilising government schemes, or even paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can help you get on the property ladder sooner than you might think.
Australian properties see record profits in 2024
Did you sell a house in the last financial year? You were likely part of the 96% of Australians who turned a profit, with the median gain hitting a remarkable $326,000. This article dives into the latest data, revealing the top-performing capital cities, and why getting into the property market continues to be a powerful wealth-building strategy.
How to protect your home from bushfires, flood and storms
With bushfire, flood, and storm season upon us, is your home truly ready? This article provides a quick guide to preparing your property with measures that can be taken right now, from creating a buffer zone for fires to securing outdoor structures, and offers long-term solutions to protect your biggest asset.
How the property market looks as we head into 2025
Heading into 2025, the Australian property market is not a single entity—it's a "two-speed" market, with some cities seeing impressive growth while others are slowing down. This article breaks down the key trends, revealing which markets are hot and which are not, and why factors like interstate migration, housing supply, and even state taxes are creating vastly different outcomes across the country.
Your money new year resolution hit list
Ready to make 2025 your best financial year yet? Whether you're a first-time buyer, a homeowner with an existing mortgage, or a business owner, this article provides a "hit list" of practical steps to boost your finances. From slashing expenses and improving your credit score to refinancing for a better rate and securing business finance, find out how to set yourself up for success in the new year.
Government to launch new Help to Buy scheme
Struggling to save for a home deposit? The Federal Government’s new Help to Buy scheme is finally here, and it could be your ticket to homeownership with just a 2% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Find out how this shared equity program works and if you could be one of the 40,000 Australians it aims to assist.
How to buy a property through an SMSF
Many Australians have used funds that are ‘stuck’ in superannuation to purchase investment properties as a way to grow their retirement wealth.
Four different ways to finance a car purchase
Ready for a new car but unsure how to finance it without overpaying? Beyond just picking a vehicle, your loan choice—whether it's secured or unsecured, includes a balloon payment, or even leverages a novated lease—can significantly impact your budget and long-term costs. Discover the ins and outs of each option to drive away with the smartest financial deal.
The pros and cons of paying for LMI
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) often gets a bad rap, seen as an extra cost when buying property. But what if paying LMI could actually get you into your dream home years sooner and even be a smart financial move in the long run? This article explores the hidden benefits of LMI, even with its significant upfront cost.
February cash rate cut: What it means for you
Good news for many Australian households! The Reserve Bank of Australia has just cut the cash rate for the first time since 2020, dropping it to 4.10%. What does this mean for your budget? This significant move could lead to lower home loan repayments and increase your borrowing power, potentially saving you thousands each year.
The impact of natural disasters on property prices
North Queensland is facing floods, but how do natural disasters really impact property values in the long run? You might be surprised to learn that while initial price drops are common, most markets tend to recover within 12-24 months. Discover what factors truly drive this resilience, from insurance coverage to location desirability, and why some "risky" properties still command premium prices.
Rental growth slows as affordability is stretched
Australian rents soared again in 2024, with the national median climbing 4.8% and some capitals seeing over 8% growth. But despite these increases, the heat is coming out of the market. Why? This article reveals how "affordability has become a significant drag," pushing renters to their limits and changing household dynamics.
How to upgrade to a new, improved car loan
Did you know you could be paying too much for your car loan? Just like a home loan, you can refinance your car loan to potentially slash your monthly repayments, access better features, or even consolidate other debts. Find out how this smart financial move could save you money and simplify your finances.
Claiming the instant asset write-off for your business
Looking to cut your business's tax bill and boost cash flow? The Australian Taxation Office's Instant Asset Write-Off scheme could be your answer!
How to refinance your home loan
With recent interest rate changes, are you wondering if you could be saving thousands on your mortgage? Discover the eight key steps to refinancing your home loan, from understanding your goals to settling on a new, better deal, and learn how this process can unlock significant savings or even help you access equity.
What the federal budget means for buying property
Australia's latest Federal Budget just dropped, and it's set to impact your hip pocket and property aspirations! From expanded Help to Buy scheme access and new infrastructure spending to direct tax cuts and electricity bill relief, discover the key takeaways designed to ease the cost of living and reshape the housing market.
More consumers buying EVs as tighter efficiency standards kick in
Thinking about a new car in Australia? As of January 1, 2025, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is shaking up the market, pushing car companies to supply more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. While it promises lower running costs and reduced emissions, the industry is seeing mixed results. But beyond the NVES, did you know you could also qualify for a significant tax break on electric vehicles if you acquire one through a novated lease?
Help to Buy scheme and changes to how lenders consider student debt
Struggling to get into the property market as a lower or middle-income earner, or worried your student loan is holding you back? Big changes are coming! The federal government's expanded Help to Buy scheme could let you purchase a home with just a 2% deposit, and new ASIC guidance means your student debt might no longer be the barrier it once was for mortgage approval.
Home loan redraw facilities explained
Did you know you could access those extra home loan repayments you've been making, essentially giving yourself a flexible financial safety net? Discover how a redraw facility works, how it differs from an offset account, and whether it's the right feature to help you manage your mortgage and unexpected expenses.
What are low-doc loans and who are they for?
Self-employed and struggling to get a home loan due to a lack of traditional payslips and tax returns? Low-doc loans might be your solution! Discover how these specialized loans allow you to prove your income differently, but be aware of the higher deposit and potential interest rates.
How to use equity to purchase property
Did you know your home could be the key to unlocking your next property investment, without needing a cash deposit? Discover how leveraging your home equity can open doors to wealth building, but also learn the crucial risks and considerations before you dive in.
6 ways to fund your wedding
Planning an Australian wedding? With the average cost hitting $36,000, chances are you'll need more than just savings. Discover six popular ways couples are funding their big day, from personal loans to leveraging home equity, and learn the pros and cons of each to ensure a financially stress-free start to married life.
How much do you need for a home deposit?
Think you need a massive 20% deposit to buy a home in Australia? You might be surprised! While it's the standard, discover how you could get into the market with as little as a 5% deposit, and what other crucial costs you need to budget for beyond just the deposit.
What are deposit bonds and how do they work?
Planning to buy a property but don't have the 10% cash deposit ready to go? Discover how a deposit bond can be your secret weapon, allowing you to secure your dream home without tying up your funds upfront.
Quick guide to green loans
Did you know you could get a loan with lower interest rates to make your home more eco-friendly? Discover how "green loans" are helping Australian homeowners and investors fund everything from solar panels to energy-efficient appliances, potentially saving you money and boosting your property's value.
Understanding conditional loan approval
Dreaming of buying a property but worried about getting your offer accepted in a hot market? Discover how conditional approval can give you the edge, showing sellers you're a serious buyer and giving you a clear idea of your borrowing power before you even find your dream home.
How property markets are performing throughout Australia
Australia's Property Market in 2025: A Landscape of Steady Growth and Shifting Dynamics Are you tracking the latest movements in the Australian property market? Dwelling prices are on a steady upward trend across most capital cities, with national median prices rising 0.5% in May and 1.7% over the first five months of 2025. While this broad-based growth is promising, some cities are clearly outpacing others. Read on to discover which markets are leading the charge, the key factors driving these price increases, and how the gap in growth rates between capital cities is narrowing, signalling a more synchronised market nationwide.
Top tax tips for property investors
Navigating Property Investment Tax in Australia: Don't Miss These Crucial ATO Tips! As the 2024-25 financial year draws to a close, are you confident you're maximising your property investment tax entitlements and avoiding common pitfalls? The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released essential guidelines to help property investors just like you navigate the complexities of tax time. Discover what you can and can't claim, how to handle capital improvements, and the vital importance of meticulous record-keeping to ensure a smooth tax return.
New buy-now-pay-later laws could impact your credit score
Think your "Buy Now, Pay Later" accounts don't impact your financial future? Think again. With new regulations in Australia, your BNPL activity is now under the same scrutiny as credit cards and personal loans, potentially affecting your credit score and future borrowing power.
Almost 95% of property resales delivering a profit
Did you know nearly 95% of Australian property resales turned a profit last quarter, with a median gain of over $300,000? This article dives into the latest trends from the Cotality Pain & Gain Report, revealing which areas and property types are seeing the biggest boosts, and what it could mean for your equity.
Mortgage Refinancing Options
A guide to mortgage refinancing options, including benefits and considerations for homeowners.
Business Lending Options
A guide to various business lending options available for entrepreneurs, including traditional and SBA loans.
Understanding Mortgage Options
A comprehensive guide to understanding different mortgage options, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.
Let’s chat today to find the right solution for you.
Let’s chat today to find the right solution for you. Whether it's your first home, a growing business, or a new vehicle, Gwen and the Ferns Finance team are here in Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim, and on the Gold Coast to offer expert, obligation-free advice tailored to your goals.