first home

As we kick-start the new year, here are my predictions for property trends in 2019 - and what they mean for different types of markets. 1. Sharp fall in investor-dominated markets The investor dominated market tends to be in places like the CBD, or ... More

If you want to buy a home, the big question is whether you should wait or buy now? One reason to wait is the flood of properties coming onto the market. Auction clearance rates are dropping and house prices are falling so you will typically pay less ... More

Banks are wary of older first-time borrowers - unless they want finance for an investment property First home buyers Sarah and Michael (not their real names) were unable to secure a home loan but had no problems getting an investment loan. Can you guess ... More

One day the mollycoddling will end and the kids will be responsible for themselves My first mode of transport was a Honda C70 step-through motorcycle. The 70 stood for 70 cubic inches of raw power. That bike got me through my first year at university ... More

Q. My 24-year-old daughter is currently living at home and due to move out (we are in Perth). I am looking at ways I can help her financially, while still allowing her to build and maintain her independence. The problem is that she earns only $44,000 ... More

There's no doubt Aussies love property. Why the obsession? Maybe it's because it's easy to understand, there's low volatility (at least in areas where demand exceeds supply), you have greater control over all your returns (unlike equities) or governments ... More

Q. I'm 25 and my partner is 21. I work full time and make about $50,000 a year and my partner is currently unemployed but hopefully will have work soon and be making at least $400 a week. We rent in Adelaide but get it cheap ($250 a week) due to my ... More

Do my employer's contributions count towards my deposit? By Andrew Yee, director, superannuation, HLB Mann Judd Sydney Your normal super guarantee employer contributions will not be counted, as they will remain preserved until your retirement. The FHSS ... More

How can you pay 1% less on your mortgage while your parents earn 1% more on their savings? Get your parents to put their spare cash in your offset account. It's something that Money's chief commentator, Paul Clitheroe, has been doing for some time. ... More

Q. Paul, I'm wondering if there's a better way to put away my short-term to mid-term savings, with online accounts giving such low interest rates these days. I'd like to save up for a house deposit but I want to know if there's a better way to put my ... More