First National Real Estate Surat Basin Chinchilla

Rate cuts lift confidence, costs still bite

Falling interest rates have gently revived Australia’s housing market, yet aspiring buyers still face stern affordability tests. Cotality’s June Home Value Index shows national dwelling values crept 0.6 per cent higher in the month and 1.4 per cent across the quarter.

Your guide to local, affordable family fun these holidays

The school holidays are here again, and for many Aussie families, it means a welcome break from rushing out the door in the mornings, taxiing kids to extracurricular activities and the endless homework and dinner routines. For kids, it’s often a much-needed mental break from school routines and an opportunity to let loose with some family fun. And while that all sounds positive, for parents, it can also mean scrambling to keep the kids entertained without emptying your wallet.

Your guide for a smarter start to the financial year

If, like most people, you are already in need of a fresh start and haven’t quite reached some of the goals you set out to achieve when the clock struck 12 on New Year’s, then you’re in luck, because you’ve got a chance for a redo – the new financial year is upon us, and it’s a great opportunity to reset! Whether it’s goals that’ve slipped by the wayside or fresh thinking, take this time to reevaluate the all-important balance of how your financial goals fit in with your life goals. Here are 11 tips to help

Investment tips to look out for in July

If you’re ready to do a bit of your own property investment research first and wondering where to buy property in Australia, here are our top 8 suburb selections – offering growth, opportunity, and value across Australian suburbs and regional locations this July.

A guide to home must-haves: from Australian favourites to global trends

Buyers are always on the hunt for good value properties, but how exactly we define value varies wildly. For some, it’s future growth potential, while others prioritise access to good schools, local amenities, and a sense of community. Beyond this practical checklist, emotional triggers also play a role, and in 2025, the list of property must-haves seems to be never-ending. There’s an increasing emphasis on how our homes support our lifestyles, wellbeing, and connection to the world around us, and both local

Better returns but tenant care remains crucial

Australia’s mid-year Cotality Housing Value Index offers welcome news for landlords: income streams are stabilising while capital values resume measured growth.

8 outdoor upgrades for the perfect summer!

Summer is the season for entertaining, and nothing elevates your hosting game quite like a well-designed outdoor space destined for soirees under the setting sun. Whether it’s an inviting alfresco area, a pristine pool, or proximity to breathtaking beaches, your outdoor setup can become the ultimate hub for summer fun while boosting your home’s value too. Here’s how to make the most of your outdoor spaces this summer:

The secret to finding your dream home in 2025

As the new year begins, many of us are already chipping away studiously at our freshly set goals. Living a healthier lifestyle often tops the list alongside bigger life transformations like new jobs and new homes. If a new home is on the horizon for you, it’s a time full of equal parts excitement and overwhelm, often with a dose of frustration, too, as the process drags out or you struggle to find something that ticks all your boxes. And while we can’t wave a wand and direct you straight to your dream home,

‘Your Patch’ – Find the perfect rental, investment property, or home of your dreams

Searching for an affordable rental property, the ideal suburb to call home, or the best place in Australia to invest in can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to start.

Beat the Heat, Beat the Bills – How To Summer-Proof Your Home

Between refreshing dips in the sea or a pool, a bounty of summer berries and stone fruits, festive celebrations and lazy long afternoons spent outdoors, there’s a lot to look forward to over the summer months. But it’s not all sunshine, suntans, and swimmers. Our homes can transform from welcoming havens to stifling hot boxes, and while pumping the aircon all day is an easy fix, it’s both expensive and has been widely reported as an environmental nightmare. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prepare yo

Home renovation trends: what’s in and what’s next?

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on what made this year significant in the world of home renovations and to formulate a plan of attack for the year ahead. Whether the future holds upgrades for your comfort and liveability or enhancements to boost curb appeal and get your home sale-ready, being armed with insight into what’s hot now and what’s next is your best place to start. This year, we saw some interesting new trends peek through, and 2025 is predicted to focus on wellness and practicality

Why is investing for your children important?

It’s no secret that entering the property market is challenging here in Australia, particularly for our younger generations. Property prices have outpaced wage growth, the cost of living pressures are mounting, and interest rates have risen, making lending conditions challenging. However, some young adults have a glimmer of hope, and that comes in the form of intelligent investment decisions made by their parents.