This issue of the IFA Newsletter covers topics like Pre-approvals, improving your asset's value and tips for first home buyers.

MARKET UPDATE. According to this week's The Australian, Melbourne’s property market is showing no signs of slowing down in the lead-up to Christmas. 

Is buying a new home on your Christmas Shopping List this year?  Buying your dream home is one of the biggest and most exciting purchases you are ever likely to make.  What a great Christmas present to yourself and your family!  The credit card will not stretch that far though.

Mordialloc is a beachside suburb located 25 km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Known colloquially as Mordi, this suburb is home to singles, couples and families alike. Residents describe Mordialloc as one of Melbourne's best kept secrets, with great schools and childcare, proximity to beaches and an abundance of cafes and restaurants.

It’s often said that Australians are more likely to divorce their spouse than switch banks. But with plenty of competition in the home loan sector, refinancing can be a good move.

There are many reasons why you might want to refinance: You can consolidate debt from high-interest credit cards into a home loan with a lower rate of interest; you can release cash from your home loan equity for other major purchases; or you might want to simply save on your repayments by moving to a loan with a lower interest rate.

In one of the most dramatic changes to property depreciation legislation in more than 15 years, Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity) Bill 2017 as at Wednesday 15th November 2017, with the Bill now legislation.
 

Interest Only loans have changed and may not be the best option for you. Read more to find out how the move from Interest Only (IO) to Principal & Interest (P&I) works and the impact of switching. 

Spring has sprung and the property season is well underway. Demand for property in Melbourne is expected to outstrip supply which will no doubt place further pressure on prices. Organise your finance well ahead of time so you can house hunt with confidence.

If you are looking dip your toe into, or expand your portfolio in Melbourne’s prestige property market Toorak is a classic performer boasting designer boutiques, grand mansions and luxury apartments, and excellent private schools.

When you need a home loan or are looking to refinance many people head straight to the bank. Here’s three reasons why you should consider using a Mortgage Broker instead. 

Until only recently recommending interest only loans for investment purposes was a standard wealth creation strategy; that is no longer the case.

The prestige property market in both Sydney and Melbourne continue to perform quite well, with strong sales over the last year.

To rent or buy?  That is a question each generation has faced, but the metrics have changed, with increased affordability issues in Melbourne and Sydney making it harder to buy in prime locations than ever before.

When people buy property together, particularly if it’s with a partner or spouse, they often register the title in both people’s names – especially if they’re going to live in the property.

Only 12km outside of Melbourne’s CBD, Carnegie has grown in popularity for its location, convenience and vibrancy.