Where housing is still affordable

Retirement units have become a more affordable option for older Australians amidst the affordability crisis gripping Australia, a new study has revealed. The 2022 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census found a widening affordability gap between retirement units and the traditional real estate market, with the average cost of a two-bedroom independent living unit (ILU) in a … Read more

MA Money reports extraordinary growth

A non-bank mortgage lender has delivered record lodgement numbers, nearly 18 months after its acquisition by MA Financial, an ASX-listed diversified financial services business. Over the six months to the end of June, MA Money’s lodgements have grown by more than 500%, which according to Chris Wyke (pictured above left), joint CEO of MA Financial, … Read more

Pepper Money’s Insights Live returns in 2023

Non-bank lender Pepper Money is set to host Insights Live 2023, an annual thought leadership event now in its eighth year. Themed “Cutting Through the Noise”, the event aims to equip asset finance and mortgage brokers with valuable insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. The event’s dedicated mortgage panel will set the foundations for … Read more

Are interest-only loans a solution for investors?

A non-major bank has signalled it may be time for investors to consider interest-only loans amid rising mortgage payments. However, two mortgage brokers cautioned others about advising clients to enter interest-only loans, emphasising the need to fully explain and consider both the risks and rewards. Offering a host of investor-friendly product options, Auswide Bank has … Read more

Top affordable lifestyle locations revealed

Queensland has won the lion’s share of exodus to an affordable regional lifestyle, with the Sunshine State taking four of the top 10 spots in Hotspotting’s latest property rankings. The Hotspotting Exodus to Lifestyle – National Top 10 report has revealed the top affordable lifestyle locations with the best upside potential, based on the following … Read more

Consumer confidence falls for third straight week

ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence has tumbled for the third consecutive week, down 0.7pts to 72.6 this week. “The confidence level was among the five worst results since the COVID outbreak and has stayed below 80 for 20 straight weeks,” said Adelaide Timbrell (pictured above), ANZ senior economist. Consumer confidence is currently down 9.2pts compared to … Read more

Mortgage-broking firefighter goes from flames to finance

An NSW-based mortgage broker has continued with his previous career as a firefighter, juggling both careers as he seeks to bring security and stability to the lives of those he serves. Allan Haddad (pictured above), who was recently promoted to senior Aussie mobile mortgage broker outskirts of Sydney, has revealed his double life extinguishing flames while igniting … Read more

Brokers react to RBA changes

Last week the Reserve Bank handed down some news that would affect mortgage brokers and borrowers nationwide. From changes to the RBA board’s meeting frequency, more press conferences, and five-year reviews, to the appointment of a new governor and several vacant positions left to fill, these decisions potentially have far-reaching effects on the economy. The … Read more

Aquamore appoints Queensland BDM

A commercial finance private lender has announced the appointment of a new business development manager in Queensland. Renae Long (pictured) joins Aquamore to take charge of expanding the company’s Queensland metro and regional reach, by spearheading educational initiatives in collaboration with non-bank and alternative finance lenders, actively engaging in industry events, and evolving her already … Read more

What are the qualities of a top BDM?

“Business finance made simple” is the motto of Earlypay, a company that assists small and medium-sized enterprises by providing them with invoice and debtor finance. The company provides access to a flexible credit line and a realistic payment plan to help SMEs meet their cash flow needs, particularly during difficult economic conditions. Now Earlypay Business … Read more