If you are planning to buy your first home in 2026, staying across the latest government support could make a bigger difference than you think, so we’ve provided a wrap up of all the latest schemes up for consideration in the coming year.

Schemes and incentives change regularly, and knowing what help is available right now could be the key to getting into the market sooner, with less upfront cost and less pressure on your budget.

From low deposit loan options and assistance for buyers still saving, to state schemes and new programs aimed at boosting housing supply, there is a range of support designed to help first home buyers, not just get a foot on the door, but also take that first step with confidence.

Here is what you need to know.

The First Home Guarantee (FHBG)

Under this scheme, eligible buyers can purchase a property with a 5% deposit and avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). This can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars and significantly reduce the time it takes to save for a home deposit.

More than 21,000 first home buyers have used the First Home Guarantee to enter the property market since the scheme saw a large-scale expansion last October and the government forecasts about 70,000 buyers will access the expanded scheme in its first year.

The expansion saw the removal of limits on the number of places available. Previously, only a set number of buyers could access the scheme each year. Now, any eligible first home buyer with a 5% deposit can apply.

Income caps were also removed, meaning buyers are no longer locked out based on how much they earn. This has made the scheme accessible to a broader range of first home buyers, particularly those earning solid incomes but still struggling to save a large deposit.

On top of that, property price caps were lifted across capital cities and regional areas to better reflect real market prices. This means buyers can now use the scheme for a wider range of homes, including properties in higher priced suburbs that were previously out of reach.

Regional buyers also benefited from simpler rules, with regional support folded into the main scheme so all buyers are assessed under the same framework.

Since May 2022, the scheme has helped more than 200,000 people into home ownership, showing just how important low deposit options have become.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

For buyers still saving, the First Home Super Saver Scheme can be a powerful tool.

This scheme allows first home buyers to make voluntary contributions into their super and later withdraw those funds to use as part of a home deposit. Because super is taxed at a lower rate, this can help buyers save faster compared to using a standard savings account.

There are limits on how much can be contributed and withdrawn, so it is important to plan ahead and understand the rules before relying on the scheme.

Help to Buy Scheme

Another option is this shared-equity program where the government contributes up to 30 per cent of the purchase price for existing homes or 40% for new homes, letting you buy with as little as a 2%t deposit and a smaller mortgage, while you own and live in the home and the government holds a proportional equity share that you can buy back over time or repay when you sell.

State and territory first home owner grants

Most states and territories continue to offer first home owner grants, particularly for buyers purchasing new or substantially renovated homes.

Grant amounts and eligibility rules vary depending on where you buy, but they can provide a valuable boost to a deposit or help cover upfront costs such as legal fees and inspections.

Stamp duty concessions and exemptions

Stamp duty is often one of the biggest upfront costs when buying a home. To ease this burden, many states and territories offer stamp duty concessions or full exemptions for eligible first home buyers.

In some cases, buyers pay reduced stamp duty, while others may pay none at all if the property falls under certain price thresholds. These concessions can save buyers a significant amount of money.

Shared equity and state-based programs

Some states also offer shared equity schemes, where the government contributes a portion of the purchase price in exchange for an ownership stake in the property. This can reduce the size of the loan needed and make repayments more manageable.

Availability and conditions vary by state, and there are usually limits on income and property value.

Boosting supply through the First Home Supply Program

Affordability is not just about saving a deposit. It is also about having enough homes available to buy.

That is where the First Home Supply Program comes in. Through this program, the Government is working with states, territories and industry to unlock more housing supply and make it easier for first home buyers to own a home of their own.

The focus is on increasing the number of new, well located and affordable homes that suit first home buyers. By building more homes and easing supply pressure, the program aims to improve choice and reduce competition at the entry level of the market. Construction on the first homes will start in 2026–27, with first home buyers to begin moving in from 2027−28.

With property prices still high in many parts of Australia, government support can make a real difference, however with so many schemes on offer, it can quickly become confusing to work out what you qualify for and which options will actually benefit you the most.

We can help you cut through the noise, understand your options and put together a clear plan to buy with confidence. If you are thinking about buying your first home in 2026, talk to us.

Getting on top of your finances is one of the most common new year’s resolutions. But sticking to them can be hard. 

If you want to get your finances unstuck, here are five money tasks you can tick off during your summer down time, that will help set you up for success this year.

Check your credit card’s working for you

Australians owe around $33 billion on credit cards with $18 billion of that money accruing interest. At an average credit card interest rate of 18%, it’s an expensive habit.

If you pay your credit card off every month then the interest rate doesn’t matter (because you’re not being charged interest). But if you carry a debt from month to month, it’s worth comparing credit cards and choosing one that works best for you.

Also check these tips on credit card balance transfers. And try the credit card calculator to see how quickly you could pay off your debt.

Use this credit card calculator

Give your health insurance a health check

It’s a great idea to review your private health insurance periodically as your life changes, to make sure it covers the things you’re most likely to need.

With more than 30 insurers offering multiples of products though, it’s a daunting task.

Fortunately you can compare all private health insurers and policies on the Australian Government’s PrivateHealth.gov.au website. That way, you can make a shortlist of options that could be right for you.

Here are some tips on what to look for.

Review your mortgage

Home loans can be a set and forget product – but there can be an interest rate difference of more than 2% in variable home loan rates on the market. That could make a big difference to the cost.

Here are some tips on switching home loans. And use this mortgage calculator to compare different rates and see how much you might be able to save.

Use the mortgage calculator

Find your super

There’s almost $19 billion in lost and ATO-held super, waiting for rightful owners to find it. If some of that belongs to you then it’s better off in your super account, building for your retirement!

Find out more about lost super and do a lost super search on the ATO website.

Do a written budget

Writing down goals apparently makes them more likely to happen. So having a written budget can be a good way to help you save this year.

Here are plenty of tips for saving money (from checking your utilities bills to choosing a new phone plan).  And the Budget planner makes it easy work out where your money is going – and what you can afford.

Use this budget planner

Don’t hesitate to ask for help

If 2026 hasn’t started with your best foot forward, there’s help available, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Source: Reproduced with the permission of ASIC’s MoneySmart Team. This article was originally published at https://moneysmart.gov.au/media-centre/five-money-tasks-to-start-the-new-year

Many investors breathed a sigh of relief at having survived (and even thrived) the turbulent economic and political events of 2025.

Super funds posted strong double-digit returns for the 2024-2025 financial year. Australia recorded modest economic growth, while inflation cooled a little throughout the year – albeit with a slight uptick at year’s end – and house prices surged before hitting the brakes

The big picture

Markets and economies around the world have danced to the tune of the Trump Administration’s second term in office and reacted to wars and unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The US President’s often surprising policy twists and turns, particularly a punishing new tariff regime, saw markets falter and exporters of goods and services to the US plunged into uncertainty. As one commentator put it: “Over the past 12 months, the US has seen every norm of economic policy – trade policy, fiscal policy, monetary policy – blithely tossed aside.”

The Australian dollar reflected the choppy conditions, hitting lows just under 0.60 USD in April before recovering slightly by year-end at just under 0.67 USD, this was buoyed by our strong iron ore exports and the growing demand for lithium, copper and rare earths.

The artificial intelligence revolution was another feature of the year, driving US share markets ever higher with some fearing the bubble is overdue to burst.

Economy

Inflation’s stubborn resistance to the Reserve Bank’s measures to bring it down could lead to further interest rate rises in 2026.

The Consumer Price Index eased slightly in November 2025, while figures released in early January 2026 showed an annual rate of 3.4%, down 0.4% on the previous month. The RBA’s flexible inflation target aims to keep the cost of living increases between 2 and 3 %

The cash rate began 2025 at 4.35% but after three cuts during the year, it was down to 3.6% in December. The RBA is due to meet in February to consider its next move.

In the US, the Federal Reserve also cut rates three times, putting the interest rate to a range of 3.5 – 3.75%.

The Australian economy grew 2.1% in the year to September in a massive improvement on the previous year’s growth of 0.8%.

Property

After two uneven years, home values surged again in 2025 by 8.6%, adding about $71,500 to the national median.ⁱⁱⁱ

It’s the strongest calendar year performance since the remarkable 24.5% increase in 2021.

However, values softened in December, recording the smallest monthly increase in five months, and some suggest the risk of further rate rises this year may keep prices in check.

Darwin delivered the best performance with an 18.9% gain in values during the year while Melbourne took the wooden spoon with a 4.8% increase.

Share markets

Global equity markets proved that they could thrive, even in a higher-interest rate environment, and the AI revolution moved from the hype phase of the previous year to serious players in 2025.

While ‘The Magnificent Seven’ tech stocks have long ruled the S&P 500, in 2025 just two outperformed the index with a gain of 64.8% for Alphabet and 38.9% for Nvidia.

It was a slower pace for Australian markets with the S&P/ASX 200 delivering a solid total return of 6.8%. While the big banks faced some pressure on margins as interest rates peaked, the materials sector was supported by the global energy transition. Dividend yields remained attractive, continuing Australia’s tradition of providing reliable income for retirees and SMSFs.

Commodities

Precious metals drove commodity values in the past year with investors looking for security amid interest rate movements and geopolitical tensions.

Silver was up by an astonishing 182% during the year, but a sell-off in December saw the price finish the year with a 147% gain.

The remarkable run drew comparisons with the last bubble and ultimate crash in 1980, after a rise of 713%.

Meanwhile, gold’s safe haven status during times of uncertainty saw it jump by 65% during the year.

Continued demand from China kept the price of iron ore steadily increasing in the last half of 2025.

Looking ahead

It seems likely the issues that dominated the financial markets in 2025 may continue to shape performance and returns this year.

Global politics and war are likely to move commodity prices and equity markets while the contrariness of US foreign policy will both spook and buoy investors.

AI capability and implementation will grow apace, which is likely to see action on equity markets, but don’t forget warnings that the bubble may burst.

In Australia, all eyes will be on the RBA, with high levels of speculation as to where interest rates will be heading in 2026.

If buying a home is on your to-do list for 2026, now is the perfect time to start preparing. A successful property purchase begins well before you start attending open homes or talking to real estate or buyers’ agents. By organising your finances early, you can move quickly and confidently when the right property comes along.

Start with your budget

A clear, realistic budget is the foundation of any successful home purchase. Understanding your income and expenses helps you see what you can comfortably afford and how much you can save for your deposit.

Track your spending for a couple of months to identify where your money goes. Look for ways you can save, such as getting rid of unused subscriptions or dining out less often. These small savings opportunities can add up over time. Consistent saving not only builds your deposit but also shows lenders that you manage money responsibly.

Review and reduce debt

Once your budget is in place, take a close look at any existing debts such as credit cards, personal loans, or car finance. Lenders consider your current financial commitments when deciding how much you can borrow, so managing debt effectively can make a real difference to your borrowing capacity.

Paying down high-interest debts, consolidating where appropriate, and avoiding new credit in the months before applying for a home loan can strengthen your financial position. Even small reductions in your monthly repayments can boost your overall borrowing power.

Check and protect your credit score

Your credit score plays an important role in determining both your loan eligibility and the interest rates available to you. Request a free copy of your credit report from a reputable provider and review it carefully for any errors or outdated information.

Make sure all bills and existing loans are paid on time and try to limit new credit applications. A strong, consistent repayment history tells lenders you are a reliable borrower and puts you in a better position when applying for a mortgage.

Research the market

Once your finances are under control, start researching the property market. Understanding your preferred suburbs and property types will help you set realistic expectations and make confident decisions later.

Look at recent sales, price trends, and the types of properties available in your budget range. Visit open homes, talk to local agents, and learn about transport links, schools, and amenities. The more familiar you are, the better prepared you will be when it is time to make an offer.

Understand the true costs of buying

Buying a home involves more than just saving a deposit. Additional costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, loan establishment fees, and moving expenses all need to be factored in. Knowing these costs upfront will help you plan more accurately and avoid any unexpected financial surprises.

Your mortgage broker can help you estimate the full cost of buying, including upfront and ongoing expenses, so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Explore government support

If you are a first home buyer or meet certain eligibility criteria, you may be able to access government grants, stamp duty concessions, or guarantee schemes that reduce the amount you need to save for a deposit.

Each state and territory offers different programs, so it is worth checking what is available in your area. Your broker can help you identify which grants you may be eligible for and assist you with the application process. These incentives can make a big difference in helping you enter the market sooner.

Understand how much you can borrow

Once you have a handle on your finances and a clear idea of your target areas, it is time to find out how much you can borrow. Your mortgage broker can calculate your borrowing capacity based on your income, expenses, and savings, and help you compare lenders and loan options.

It is also wise to consider getting pre-approval before you start house hunting. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers that you are serious. It also allows you to move quickly and confidently when you find the right property.

Preparing to buy a home takes time and organisation, but it is one of the best investments you can make in your financial future. We can help you put everything in place for home-buying success in 2026.

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

By Author Julia Cook.

Achieving the so-called “Australian dream” of home ownership is increasingly difficult for members of younger generations. Census data shows that rates of home ownership have fallen from 64% in 1971 to 50% in 2021 among 30–34-year-olds, and from 50% to 36% for 25–29-year-olds.

The reasons for this have been well canvassed. This article focuses on some of the more unorthodox arrangements I have come across in my years spent researching young adults’ pathways into home ownership.

Buying a property as a ‘tenant in common’

Due to the high cost of housing relative to incomes, those in dual-income households are comparatively more likely to enter home ownership.

Most of my research participants over the years have purchased with a spouse or significant other as joint tenants. This means they hold an equal share of the equity in the property, and the property will immediately pass to the other if one person dies.

However, a minority of participants have purchased with someone other than a spouse, and have done so as “tenants in common”. This means they can own distinct and potentially unequal shares of the property, and there is no right of survivorship.

Data on the prevalence of these arrangements is limited. However, a recent industry survey found that 5.7% of their respondents had purchased property with a sibling, 4% had purchased with a friend, and another 2.1% had purchased with an extended family member.

When I first spoke to Sophia, aged 32, she explained she had purchased an investment property with her twin sister at the age of 25. At that time, both sisters were single, and Sophia said: “We trust each other, so we would only buy with each other, you know.”

When I spoke to Sophia initially in 2022 she was happy with this arrangement. However, by 2024, her circumstances had changed. Both Sophia and her sister were in relationships, and Sophia had just begun maternity leave.

Sophia’s sister and her partner wanted to move into their shared property and pay rent to Sophia for the portion she owned. Sophia was concerned about this arrangement because she did not feel comfortable enforcing periodic rent increases on her sister. She planned to rely on the rental income to extend her maternity leave.

While buying with a sibling or friend may provide a means of getting your foot on the property ladder, it can be nevertheless accompanied by some well-documented challenges.

Another way in: rentvesting

The strategy of buying an investment property while living in a rental property (termed “rentvesting”) has come up frequently in my research.

Indeed, analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data in 2024 found that rentvestors accounted for 6.85% of the first home buyer market.

When I spoke to Madeline, aged 33 and living in Sydney, she could not afford to buy an apartment in her local area. After consulting with her mortgage broker, she decided to instead buy a property in Western Australia as an investment.

While Madeline was very positive about this arrangement, it is important to note she was living in a property owned by her partner, to whom she paid rent. In this way, she was buffered from some of the challenges faced by those living in the private rental sector, such as frequent rent rises or one-year leases.

Alternative ways to save a deposit

Living rent-free in the family home is a well-established means of accelerating the rate of saving for a deposit. However, this option is not available to everyone.

Petsitting or housesitting can help people live rent-free while they save for a deposit.

Genevieve, aged 29, had migrated from France and did not have the option of living with family while saving for a deposit. So she decided to start house sitting. She organised her house-sitting engagements through an app and, over time, developed a network of home owners who trusted her to care for their pets and houses while they travelled.

After just over two years of house sitting, Genevieve was able to purchase an apartment. However, she described negotiating her house-sitting arrangements as “basically a part-time job”, and reflected on the fact she had no fixed address during this time and was “basically homeless”, highlighting the underlying precarity of her living situation.

Throughout my time researching young adults’ pathways into home ownership I have come across a range of unusual or unorthodox arrangements. Some other examples include living in tiny homes or alternative dwellings such as shipping containers, or asking parents to “invest” in their homes (although these arrangements are rarely formalised, leaving open the question of when any gains might be realised).

These home ownership strategies all share two things in common: their viability is highly contingent on individual circumstances, and those who engage in them successfully have a relatively high degree of privilege and social support.

While these strategies are successful for some, they are not necessarily possible or appropriate for most aspiring first home owners. This highlights the need to resist promoting individual solutions to a challenge that is structural in nature, and to continue to advocate for a fairer and more accessible housing system.

Editor’s note: All names used in this article are pseudonyms to protect research participant privacy.

Source: https://theconversation.com/buying-with-a-sibling-or-rentvesting-some-unorthodox-approaches-to-buying-a-first-home-265571

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

Investing may be all about the numbers – growth, returns and risk – to build a secure future but increasingly investors are interested in an even more meaningful approach.

Four out of five respondents to a 2024 survey wanted their investments to have a positive impact in the world.

The survey, by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), found 79 per cent of investors would be more likely to invest in funds or products that have been independently verified as responsible or ethical. Animal cruelty was a top concern for 66 per cent, followed by human rights abuses – 60%, gambling – 56%, companies that don’t paid their fair share of tax – 55%, as well as tobacco, weapons and firearms all at 55%.

This growing interest in responsible investment saw assets under management in Australian funds rise 24% to more than $1.6 trillion in 2024.

Meanwhile, a 2025 survey of 3,500 high net worth Australian investors found that sustainable investing is gaining traction as long as appropriate returns, clear risk and return profiles, and transparent performance reporting are in place.

Adding value

Aligning your investments with your values isn’t about changing the way you invest, it’s about adding an extra layer of meaning to the process and shaping your portfolio to reflect what’s important to you.

For some, that might mean supporting companies that innovate responsibly or treat employees well. For others, it could mean avoiding industries that don’t align with their principles. There’s no single ‘right’ approach because your values are unique to you.

And here’s the reassuring part: investing with your values doesn’t mean sacrificing returns. Many businesses that operate with strong governance and long-term strategies have shown to perform competitively over time. So, you can pursue financial growth while feeling confident that your money is working in ways that matter to you.

In fact, the RIAA noted in 2024 a ten-year return on RIAA-certified products of 13.9%, compared with 9.19% for the rest of the market (Australian share funds).

Of course, fundamental investment rules apply. Diversification is one of the keys to successful values-based investing. But it’s not about limiting your choices, it’s about finding the right mix of investments that meet both your financial and personal criteria.

A well-constructed portfolio can include companies across different sectors that align with your principles while still delivering strong performance. This approach ensures you’re not only investing with purpose but also managing risk effectively.

Taking the first step

Turning this idea into reality can be complex. Investor’s priorities are different and the investment universe is vast. That’s where a financial adviser adds value.

A good adviser doesn’t just manage numbers. They listen and take the time to understand what matters most to you, whether that’s supporting certain industries, avoiding others or balancing ethical considerations with performance goals.

From there, they help design a strategy that reflects your values without losing sight of your financial objectives.

Advisers also provide clarity. With so many investment options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We can help you navigate choices, evaluate trade-offs, and ensure your portfolio remains diversified and resilient. We can also monitor your investments regularly, making adjustments as markets change and your priorities evolve.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your investments reflect your values, you can begin exploring the possibilities.

Start by asking yourself about the principles that are most important to you; the industry sectors you would like to support or steer clear of and how you would define success.

Then, give us a call. We can help you to align your portfolio with your values while keeping your long-term goals on track.