Posts
Offset vs Redraw in 2026: a decision framework for variable-rate Australian mortgage holders
An offset account and a redraw facility both reduce your interest bill on paper — but tax treatment, refinance portability, and access mechanics separate them. A 2026 decision framework with numeric examples.
April 24, 2026
Lender specials April 2026: 10 live cashback, fee-waiver and loading-off offers
Our April tracker of ten current lender promotions — Bank of China, Suncorp, ME Bank, IMB, Great Southern Bank, ORDE Financial, Latitude and Uptain — with target borrower notes and the usual catches.
April 23, 2026
The genuine savings rule: 5% in savings over 3 months
Lenders look for evidence of savings discipline, not just a lump sum. What counts, what doesn't, and the workarounds.
April 21, 2026
Vendor bids at auction: how to spot them
One vendor bid is legal in every state. Identifying it early tells you how close the price is to the reserve.
April 20, 2026
Positive gearing: where it actually happens in Australia
Gross yields above 6-6.5% now generate positive cash flow after costs. The suburbs and property types where that still exists.
April 19, 2026
End-of-financial-year tax checklist: the June-30 to-dos
Depreciation, prepaid interest, concessional super, private health, investment losses - the ten items to finish before June 30.
April 17, 2026
SMSF property: the LRBA rules and the lenders who still play
The big four exited SMSF lending years ago. Who's filling the gap and on what terms.
April 13, 2026
How break costs on a fixed loan are actually calculated
The formula lenders use is publicly disclosed but rarely explained. We walk through a $600k, 3-year example step by step.
April 12, 2026
Property yield vs growth: the 2026 trade-off
Low-yield capital-city houses vs higher-yield regional or dual-occ. Which is doing better on a five-year view.
April 11, 2026
Credit scoring in Australia: Equifax, illion, Experian
Three bureaus, three scores, three different effects on your file. How lenders actually weight them.
April 9, 2026