It’s true that every generation has its financial struggles and set of circumstances can make home ownership seem out of reach. However, while with record low interest rates, paying off your home for established home owners has never been easier, first home buyers are having trouble getting their foot in the door.

Location, location, location has been the catch cry of real estate decades. If the property itself isn’t quite right, you can always renovate, but moving the house to a better location is (generally) not an option. When selecting an investment property, understanding the benefits, drawbacks and future prospects of your property’s location is essential. Here are some of the most important things to look for.

Bentleigh is in the City of Glen Eira, about 13km south east of Melbourne’s CBD.  

Bentleigh is family friendly, with a number of schools, parks, shopping and access to Melbourne’s bayside beaches. A shopping strip along Centre Road boasts over 250 businesses and the suburb also has two train stations, making it easy to access the rest of the city.  

Talk of housing affordability continues to dominate Australian media and politics. Last week we watched as a furore erupted over whether it’s better to save for a house or spend your hard earned money on breakfasting on smashed avocado. 

Using dual income purchasing power to borrow more money is standard practice, and is part of the reason for the dramatic increase in house prices over the past 30 years. Most young couples purchase a home together, with joint incomes taken into account to be able to afford ongoing home loan repayments.

Cheltenham is located in the city of Kingston, 19km south east of the Melbourne CBD. 

This family friendly area is home to parks, sports fields such as the Victoria Golf Club and Westfield Southland. It’s close to Melbourne beaches and has easy access to the Mornington Peninsula via the Nepean Highway.

Wondering how to pay off your home loan sooner? We look at some things you that speed up loan repayments and reduce your loan balance.

It was no surprise to see the Reserve Bank decrease interest rates 0.25% at its monthly meeting in August. 

The incentive was provided by the combination of inflation remaining below target, and an Australian dollar remaining stubbornly high. Concerns over a growing potential real estate ‘bubble’ have previously held back the Reserve Bank decreasing rates, however trends in mortgage lending and total lending growth at the time this decision was made were down, alleviating concerns.

For over 10 years the team at Integrity Finance Australia has helped homebuyers finance their dream homes in Melbourne. However, our skilled brokers can do more than just home loans – we’re experienced in securing commercial finance for equipment or property and business loans for capital. 

The Mornington Peninsula is a shire located on the outskirts of Melbourne's outer southern suburbs, between 40 and 80 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. With a relaxed lifestyle and beautiful natural attractions it's popular with tourists and locals alike. Keep reading to find out who lives there and get a snapshot of the property market.

Deciding where to go for your home loan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While many prospective property owners will choose to use a mainstream lender, non-bank lenders also have their advantages. Read on to find out more.

Want to know who lives in Kingston, properties owned vs rented and the average loan repayment? 

What is negative gearing? You know it’s a buzz word that people use when talking about buying property, but what does it actually mean and how can it apply to you?

Buying your first home is both exciting and nerve-wracking. 

When it comes to financing your first home, preparation and research are key to making the process as smooth as possible. This includes setting a budget, securing your deposit and choosing the loan that best suits your needs.