Buying a home is a huge milestone and usually a pretty exciting one. It is also one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make, which unfortunately makes it a prime target for scammers.

One scam in particular, known as a property payment redirection scam or settlement scam, is becoming more common and more costly. Industry warnings from realestate.com.au and property exchange platform PEXA show that these scams are on the rise across Australia, with losses increasing year on year.

What is a property payment redirection scam?

A payment redirection scam usually happens in the lead-up to settlement, when buyers are exchanging emails with their real estate agent, solicitor or conveyancer. Scammers impersonate one of these trusted professionals and send an email that looks legitimate, often advising that bank account details have changed or need to be updated.

Realestate.com.au reports that these emails are often timed carefully to coincide with settlement deadlines, when buyers may be feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If the buyer follows the instructions, their deposit or settlement funds are transferred directly into the scammer’s account instead of the correct one.

Why these scams are so convincing

What makes this scam particularly dangerous is how realistic it can be. Fraudsters may use email addresses that differ by only a single letter or character, or copy logos, signatures and wording from earlier legitimate emails.

According to PEXA, scammers rely heavily on the volume of communication involved in a property purchase and the assumption that last-minute changes are normal during settlement.

How common is this scam?

The scale of the problem is larger than many people realise. Research conducted by PEXA found that 97% of Australians who had recently bought property, or were planning to buy, failed to identify warning signs in scam settlement emails, even though most believed they would be able to spot a scam. This research highlights how difficult these scams can be to detect in real-world situations.

The financial impact is growing rapidly. Reporting shows that losses linked to property buying and selling scams rose from around $13 million in 2021 to more than $43 million in recent years. This sharp increase reflects both the growing sophistication of scammers and the high value of property transactions.

Real-world examples include buyers losing hundreds of thousands of dollars after following fake payment instructions, with some individual losses exceeding $700,000 and even up to $900,000.

Disturbingly, PEXA’s Scam Awareness White Paper further found that around 40 per cent of people surveyed said they would still transfer funds after receiving a fraudulent settlement-style email, demonstrating the gap between confidence and actual scam detection.

Why property buyers are targeted

Property transactions are especially attractive to scammers because they involve large sums of money, strict timelines and frequent email communication. Buyers often expect last-minute requests and document changes, which makes an unexpected email feel normal. Realestate.com.au notes that scammers take advantage of this pressure, knowing that urgency can cause people to act quickly without verifying details.

How to protect yourself

• Any request to change payment details should always be confirmed by calling your solicitor, conveyancer or agent on a phone number you already trust.
• Treat last minute, unexpected or urgent emails with caution, particularly if they push you to act immediately or discourage you from double-checking.
• Do not use contact details from the email itself.
• Use secure platforms like PEXA Key to share bank details instead of email.
• Check email addresses carefully for small differences or unusual domains.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your email account to avoid it being intercepted.
• Consider sending a small amount of money first and confirm it arrives.
• Watch for bank alerts, such as Confirmation of Payee warnings.

If you suspect a scam: contact your bank immediately, report it to Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and notify your agent, conveyancer, and the police.

It is unsettling to know that scammers target people during such an important life moment, but awareness really is your strongest defence. With property scam losses continuing to rise across Australia, staying alert, asking questions and verifying payment instructions is more important than ever.

Buying a home should be exciting, not stressful, and if something does not feel right, it is always okay to pause and double-check before transferring any money.

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

Escalating conflict in the middle east marked the end of February.

The month delivered mixed signals for the Australian economy.

The unemployment rate held steady, wage growth continued to edge higher, while household spending softened.

Inflation continues to be an issue. While the CPI remained steady, trimmed inflation increased slightly and the February 0.25% cash rate hike added pressure to mortgage holders.

Reporting season added its usual volatility to the share market and the ASX hit several record highs towards the end of the month, supported by solid corporate results, even as global markets remained cautious.

Click here to view our update.

Please get in touch on 03 9723 0522 if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

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This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, investors often focus on topping up super, maximising deductions, prepaying interest or reviewing portfolios. While these are all valuable activities, there are some less obvious tasks that can have a big impact on your tax position, wealth preservation and long-term planning outcomes.

Here are five areas that investors can often miss in EOFY planning.

 1. Capital gains in volatile markets

Investment markets have been volatile in recent years, with rapid movements in equities, property and fixed income. When investors buy and sell during choppy market periods, capital gains tax (CGT) considerations become even more important.

So, the EOFY is the ideal time to assess whether:

You should realise gains this year or defer them – The decision can hinge on:

• Expected income this year vs next year
• Whether you qualify for the 50% CGT discount
• Available capital losses
• Investment timeframes and risk appetite

You have unused capital losses – Losses can be used to offset realised gains, but they cannot be used against ordinary income. Some investors may find that realising strategic gains before 30 June allows them to “unlock” unused losses that have been sitting dormant.

Be aware of “wash sale” rules. Some investors plan to sell an asset to realise a loss and then quickly buy it back. The ATO calls this a wash sale and may deny the loss.

2. Superannuation recontribution strategies

A super recontribution strategy is sometimes overlooked because it requires coordination between pension payments, contributions and tax components. But, when used appropriately, it may significantly reduce future tax for beneficiaries and increase flexibility in estate planning.

This strategy usually involves:

1. Withdrawing a portion of your super (usually from the tax free and taxable components proportionally), then
2. Recontributing those funds back into super as a non-concessional contribution (if you’re eligible).

The result is that more of your balance becomes tax free, which can reduce or eliminate the “death benefits tax” that applies when super passes to non-dependent beneficiaries, such as adult‑children.

EOFY is a good time to consider recontributions because:

• Contribution caps reset on 1 July
• Withdrawals need to be timed alongside pension minimums
• Your age, work status and total super balance (TSB) limit your contribution options
• Large transfers may benefit from splitting across financial years

It’s not a strategy for everyone, but for retirees or those preparing for retirement, it may produce long-term savings.

3. Bringing forward deductions and deferring income

While prepaying expenses and deferring income is a well-known EOFY strategy, it may not be successful for everyone, so check carefully that it’s useful for you.

Bringing forward deductions – You may be able to prepay, interest on investment loans, income protection premiums, ongoing advisory fees, and professional subscriptions. But if you’re approaching income thresholds (such as Medicare Levy Surcharge minimums, private health insurance rebates or HECS/HELP repayment bands) it’s important to calculate whether prepayments will actually deliver you a benefit.

Deferring income – Small businesses using cash accounting may be able to defer invoicing until July and investors might choose to delay receiving distributions or bonuses. But don’t forget that deferring income may affect borrowing capacity or government payments.

4. Managing Division 7A loans

Division 7A can catch business owners off guard at EOFY. These rules apply when a private company lends money, pays expenses or provides assets to shareholders or their associates. If not handled correctly, the ATO may treat the payment as an unfranked dividend, resulting in significant unexpected tax.

To stay on top of your Division 7A obligations:

Confirm all loans are documented – A written Division 7A loan agreement must be in place by the company’s tax return deadline. Without it, the full outstanding balance may be treated as a dividend.

Check minimum yearly repayments – Each year, borrowers must make minimum repayments of principal and interest and must be made in cash.

Consider whether to repay, refinance or restructure – Fully repaying a loan before EOFY may be the most tax efficient option. Or refinancing through a complying loan or restructuring the company’s finances may provide greater flexibility.

Don’t forget about company-paid personal expenses – Payments for personal use, such as private travel, home expenses or personal assets, may sometimes also fall under Division 7A.

A well-timed review can prevent unintended tax consequences and keep your structure compliant.

5. Reviewing your records

Another often missed EOFY task is checking that your records and substantiation are complete before preparing your tax return.

The ATO is increasing its use of data matching programs, so having accurate documentation is essential. This includes keeping receipts for deductible expenses and retaining statements for managed funds and other investments.

EOFY planning is about much more than topping up super or gathering receipts. Hidden traps like CGT and Division 7A timing can create unnecessary tax if ignored, while proactive strategies such as recontributions can deliver long-term estate planning benefits.

By taking a structured approach, you can ensure every part of your financial picture is working together, and no opportunity is missed. We’re here to help. Please give us a call.

Slowing overall growth in an increasingly segmented market

Property values across Australia showed an overall slowing of growth over the quarter, moderating from 3.1% to 2.1% in the most recent figures.

The past quarter has seen an emerging divergence across the capital city housing markets, with Melbourne and Sydney values softening while the mid-sized capitals continue to record gains.

Perth is showing the strongest trend, with home values increasing by 6.8% over the quarter, followed by Brisbane and Adelaide recording rises of 4.8 and 4.3% respectively. Melbourne and Sydney have been less resilient to the February rate hike and the drop in sentiment, with home values down -0.4 and -0.1% over the rolling quarter.

Tim Lawless, Cotality’s research director, provided comment on this trend, “The clear slowdown in housing conditions across Sydney and Melbourne could signal an easing in growth conditions elsewhere down the track, but for now, the mid-sized capitals continue to see support from extremely low inventory levels, which is boosting the growth in values.”

Stronger growth at the lower end

Most cities are continuing to see homes at the lower end of the market driving growth, especially for houses. Across the combined capitals, lower quartile house values were up 1.3% compared with a 0.3% rise across the upper quartile.

“This trend of stronger growth conditions at lower price points is supported by intense competition for more affordable houses,” said Mr Lawless. “This is where first home buyers, investors and, progressively, mainstream demand is most concentrated.”

The regions

Regional housing conditions continued to show a stronger growth trend relative to their capital city counterparts, with values across the combined regionals index rising 3.2% over the quarter – compared to capital city values which recorded 1.8% increase.

The result marks a clear shift in market momentum as affordability, renewed internal migration and competitive conditions direct more buyers towards regional areas.

Gerard Burg, Cotality’s Head of Research for Australia, said the results point to a deepening divergence between city and regional markets.

“Affordability remains a powerful driver of buyer behaviour. With capital city prices still near record highs and stock levels tight, many households are once again looking to regional Australia for greater value and liveability.” Mr Burg said.

Time Lawless also acknowledged the competition at the lower end of the market which is influencing values, “There is a lot of competition for lower-priced properties.” Mr Lawless said. “First home buyers, investors and subsequent buyers are all competing across this sector of the market, while credit is less available across the higher price points due to serviceability constraints.”

Auction clearance rates and housing demand

New listings remain low across most of Australia. According to Cotality, the number of homes advertised for sale is down 5% compared to the same time last year, and 9.2% below the five-year average.

Perth listings remain 48% below their five-year average, with Brisbane 31% below and Adelaide 23% lower.

Advertised stock levels are also low in Sydney and Melbourne, although both cities have seen a clear pickup in the amount of new listings through February.

“Vendors are looking more motivated in Sydney and Melbourne, possibly looking to beat a further softening in selling conditions as clearance rates ease and demand slows,” Mr Lawless said. “If the typical seasonal pattern holds, the flow of new listings is likely to strengthen leading into Easter.”

Looking ahead

Market sentiment is becoming more cautious due to the February cash rate increase which eroded borrowing power and repayment capacity as well as fears of further rate hikes, this, coupled with poor affordability is tempering the pace of growth.

Credit conditions are also tightening, with APRA’s introduction of limits on high debt-to-income (DTI) lending from February 1 which set the tone for a more cautious lending environment in 2026.

On the positive side, several factors continue to support housing values. Housing supply remains low. Employment figures point to a tight jobs market, helping to underpin household income security and mortgage serviceability, even as real wages have come under pressure, while government support for first home buyers is also providing some offset to broader affordability challenges.

These factors point to a more segmented and softer market through 2026, with growth more evident in the lower end of the market and the regions.

Dwelling values over the quarter

Melbourne

The Victorian capital decreased by -0.4% over the quarter, taking the city’s median dwelling price to $826,132. Investors should take note that the gross rental yield figure for Melbourne is 3.7%.

Sydney

Sydney also showed a decrease in property values over the period of -0.1%, resulting in a median of $1,296 million. The gross rental yield for the Harbour City remains the lowest of the capitals at 3.0%.

Brisbane

The Queensland capital continues to record the second most expensive spot for dwelling values at $1,080 million and a quarterly rise of 4.8%. Brisbane has recorded a gross rental yield of 3.3%.

Canberra

The national capital recorded a rise of 1.3% during the quarter with the median now sitting at $903,374. For Canberra, the gross rental yield is 4.1%.

Perth

Perth again recorded the strongest increase of all the capitals, growing by 6.8% over the quarter and taking its medium to $989,211. Perth recorded 3.8% gross rental yield.

For more information about how you might be able to purchase a property in the current market, get in touch with us today 0n 03 9723 0522.

Note: all figures in the city snapshots are sourced from: Cotality national Home Value Index (December 2025)

If you have any questions or need any information please give us a call on 039723 0522.

Why you should review your super

Your super could be one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime.

However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about their super until retirement. Some don’t think about it at all.

It’s never too early to think about your super and the earlier you get on top of it, the better. It’s a good idea to regularly review and manage your super at least once a year. It’s important to make sure you:

• are getting the super you’re entitled to from your employer
• know where your super is.

Small decisions you make today can have a big impact on your final super balance.

For instance, missing out on some employer contributions today, could have a huge impact on your final super balance due to the compounding effect of earnings. The same can happen if you have lost or unclaimed super.

Benefits of a super health check

A super health check consists of 5 simple yet important checks you can do to get on top of your super today. It will help you:

• manage your super
• understand your entitlements
• make better choices for your future.

You can complete a super health check at any time however, we suggest you get into the habit of doing it each year.

Check 1: Check your contact details

Check your contact details and tax file number (TFN) are up to date with th ATO and your super fund. This helps prevent lost super and assists the ATO in matching any unclaimed super to you. It’s also important to ensure your bank account details are up to date.

Log on to ATO online services through myGov. In the top menu, select My profile. From the drop-down options, select either:

• Personal details to update your name, contact number, email and home address
• Financial institution details to update your bank account and
  • under the Account heading, you will see Income Tax and Superannuation
  • select either Add or Update.

To update your contact details and TFN with your super fund, see their website or contact them directly, or speak to us.

Check 2: Check your super balance and employer contributions

It’s important to check your super balance each year to see how much you have and keep track of your employer contributions. You can do this anytime on ATO online services or through your super fund.

Your employer should currently pay your super at least every 3 months, this will change on 1 July whereby your super must be paid the same time as your wages. They may choose to do it more frequently, such as your regular pay cycle. If you’re under 18, you need to work more than 30 hours a week to be eligible for super. For the latest super rates information visit Super guarantee.

Funds report account balances to the ATO at certain times of the year. Balances shown in ATO online services may be different to your actual current balances.

Log on to ATO online services through myGov. From the top menu, select Super and then either:

• Fund details to see all your super accounts and balances (including those held in funds or with the ATO) and the most recent data reported by your fund.
• Information then Employer contributions to see the total year-to-date employer contributions in a selected year – select Transactions to see each contribution separately.

For help calculating the amount of super your employer should be paying, use the Estimate my super tool. If you do not receive super contributions or the amounts are incorrect:

• contact your employer and request an update
• report it to the ATO.

Check 3: Check for lost and unclaimed super

You may have lost track of some of your super when you changed your name, address or job, for example. This is why it’s important to ensure your fund has your current details.

Lost super is when your fund has lost touch with you, or your account is inactive. This money is held by your fund. Unclaimed super is when your fund transfers lost super to the ATO.

All your super accounts including lost and ATO held super are displayed on ATO online services.

Log on to ATO online services through myGov. From the top menu, select Super. Then select either:

• Fund details to check for lost super – if you want to keep your super with the same fund, contact them directly to update your details.
• Manage and then Transfer super to transfer this lost super to an eligible super account – or ask your fund to complete the transfer for you.
• Manage and then Transfer super to transfer ATO held super to an eligible super account.
• Manage and then Withdraw ATO-held super to have your super paid directly to you if the amount is less than $200 or you are over 65.

Check 4: Check if you have multiple super accounts and consider consolidating

If you’ve had more than one job, you may have more than one super account. It’s important to know how many super accounts you have. Combining your super may reduce fees and make it easier to manage.

If you decide to consolidate your super, it’s important to choose the fund that’s right for you. You should check that it provides better value, and the insurance cover suits your needs, which may change throughout your life. To see which fund is the best option for you, visit MoneySmart. If you are unsure of what to do, contact your super fund or we can assist you.

Log on to ATO online services through myGov. From the top menu, select Super then either:

• Fund details to see all your super accounts and balances.
• Manage and then Transfer super to consolidate your accounts, then
  • select the fund you want to close (transfer)
  • select the fund you want your money transferred to from the accounts listed
  • confirm your selection and submit request.

Check 5: Check your nominated beneficiary

Take the time to ensure you have a valid death beneficiary nomination in place with your super fund as this isn’t covered by your will. This means your loved ones will not be put through unnecessary difficulties to finalise your estate.

Most binding nominations expire every 3 years. Some super funds have an option where nominations do not expire and remain in place until they are revoked.

If you don’t nominate a beneficiary, your fund may not know who your benefit should be paid to. In these cases, they will follow the law. This usually means they pay it to one or more of your dependents or your legal personal representative.

To check or nominate your death beneficiary:

• Refer to your super fund’s website or contact them to check if you already have a valid nomination in place.
• To update it, complete the form from your super fund, sign and date in the presence of 2 witnesses.
• If you are unsure what to do, contact your super fund or seek independent financial or legal advice from a qualified estate planner.

We’re here if you need any help.

Source: ato.gov.au
Reproduced with the permission of the Australian Tax Office. This article was originally published on https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/growing-and-keeping-track-of-your-super/keeping-track-of-your-super/super-health-check#ato-Whyyoushouldreviewyoursuper
Important:

Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

2026 kicked off with some encouraging signs but comes with a sting in the tail as global uncertainty continues to shake things up.

There was a surprise drop in unemployment to 4.1%, the number of jobs available increased, and household spending grew.

These elements have also contributed to persistently increasing inflation and predictions of two or three interest rate rises this year.

The S&P/ASX 200 climbed 1.8% in January, but there’s still ground to be made up to reach last October’s peak.

Global markets showed volatility due to geopolitical threats including the Trump administration’s rhetoric and actions on Iran, Venezuela and Greenland.

Click here to view our update.

Please get in touch on 03 9723 0522 if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136

Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au

Telephone : 03 9723 0522

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This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 35 994 727 125) as a Corporate Authorised Representative (1316489) of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd (AFSL 225051). Integrity One Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.