How to build equity in your home and use it to invest Whether you’re looking to renovate, invest or pay off something big, home equity can be a valuable resource when it’s used correctly. The equity in your property can be a valuable resource, as it may allow you to secure finance to achieve your goals, whether they be investment or lifestyle oriented. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, here are some pointers—the most …
New legislation aims to benefit first home buyers Changes aimed at improving housing affordability have passed through parliament. See what the new rules could mean for you. Government proposals around improving housing affordability in Australia were passed through parliament on 7 December 20171. As part of the changes, first-home buyers will be given a tax concession through the ability to save for a home deposit inside of super, while Australians aged 65 and over will be able to contribute …
New legislation aims to benefit first home buyers and downsizers Changes aimed at improving housing affordability have passed through parliament. See what the new rules could mean for you. Government proposals around improving housing affordability in Australia were passed through parliament on 7 December 2017.i As part of the changes, first home buyers will be given a tax concession through the ability to save for a home deposit inside super, while Australians aged 65 and …
Being prepared for aged care Aged care isn’t something most people want to think about when they’re planning for a life of freedom and comfort in retirement. But by taking the time to explore a few important issues and questions, you can get the best possible outcome if you should need support in later years. In a recent survey of more than 5000 older people in WA, only 12% of respondents have a plan in place …
Will you be renting in retirement? Is owning your home the best option for your senior years? Discover why renting in retirement could be on the rise and explore some advantages of being a tenant in later life. Being secure in a home you own is usually part of the picture – and costs – of life in retirement. In fact, Retirement Standard figures published by the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) are based on the assumption …
What are the benefits of a split home loan? If you can’t decide between a fixed or variable rate, a split rate home loan could provide the best of both worlds. If you’re about to take out a home loan and are looking for some protection against interest rate rises, a fixed rate home loan may sound like the loan for you. On the other hand, if you don’t want to miss out on the benefits of …
What high household debt means for investors “High house-hold debt is Australia’s Achilles heel,” says AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist, Shane Oliver. “I’ve been thinking this for many years now and yet it seems to keep going higher.” Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics puts total household liabilities at $2.466 trillion, or 199.7 percent of disposable income, putting it among the highest in the world. Australians have …
If you’ve always thought property prices only go up… It may be time to reconsider some myths about property investment. With so much emphasis on property in the media, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. But before investing in any type of asset—including property—it pays to consider the pros and cons, and any commonly held misconceptions. Here we bust 3 property myths. Myth 1: Prices always go up Believing that property always …
Helping your kids buy a home Increasing house prices are good news for property owners but can be a bit of a hurdle for people trying to get into the market. If, like many of our clients, your goal is to help your children buy a home, there are a few ways you can help. Perhaps some of the tips below might give you an idea or two to discuss with your adviser. 1. Start …
How can I safeguard my ability to pay off my home loan? It’s not unusual that life can be smooth sailing one minute and throw you a curveball the next. You might be hit with an injury or illness, a reduction in income or redundancy, a separation from your partner, or even a death in the family—all of which can be difficult, emotionally as well as financially. If you happen to owe money on your …
