Buying property is becoming cheaper than renting in many suburbs across Australia, according to research by property pricing specialist RP Data.


It was found that in 94 metropolitan and regional suburbs, the monthly cost of rental outstrips the monthly mortgage repayment on both houses and units. This news has left many renters doing their sums to determine whether paying off a mortgage is actually cheaper than paying a landlord.

For those of us having this debate, there are some strong pluses that fall squarely on the side of buying your own home. Perhaps the strongest is that it gives your family an asset to call their own that can be passed down through generations or downsized tax-free to fund retirement.

Another great advantage is that the family home is not subject to capital gains tax. Unlike other assets such as shares, you don't have to pay any additional tax when you sell your home.

It's true that when you rent you don't have to spend money on the home's maintenance, but you do have to go through the landlord for permission to do simple things like hang pictures, replace a hot water system or own a pet. When you own a home it's under your control - your own little piece of Australia!

Ultimately the decision to buy your own home will be determined by your financial goals. It's important to make sure you can meet the monthly mortgage repayments, and this is where we can help - by tailoring a home loan suited to your lifestyle and financial position.

If ever there was a popular time to go into debt, Christmas is the choice of many. According to a Reserve Bank report, Australians have more than $1.9 trillion in outstanding debt, 61 per cent of which is made up of consumer debt. The festive season may well blow-out this already inflated figure unless we fast reign-in our spending.


While the essence of Christmas is sharing, this doesn't mean running your bank account dry with gifts you can't afford. With a little planning and restraint you can stay debt-free and still keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Here's how.

Make a plan
Instead of wandering around the shops not knowing what to buy, make key decisions in advance. Write down a list of friends/family/colleagues you are giving presents to and next to each name put a maximum dollar value for the gift plus any ideas you have for presents. Do the same for decorations, food, entertainment and holiday expenses. Total these figures and make sure they stay within your budget.

Resist impulse buying
When you have a list, stick with it. You might see a bargain, but if it is over your budget, keep walking! Allow plenty of time to do your Christmas shopping to avoid last minute expensive purchases.

Use credit wisely
A separate bank account for Christmas savings is a great idea because you know where the money you spend is coming from. It's easy to accumulate debt without even being aware of it, so leave your credit and store cards at home if you are tempted to spend money you don't have.

Be thoughtful
Remember that a gift from your heart is far better than one from your wallet. A home-made present or a gift of your time can show your love and appreciation far more effectively than an expensive gift with little thought behind it.

Show commitment
Be sensible today to reap the rewards tomorrow. If you are serious about staying out of debt, be committed to make it happen.

Seek help
Ask for help sooner, rather than later. We would encourage you to contact us for any assistance you may need to cope with festive season spending.

You have been thinking about buying a property for some time, but you cannot bring yourself to take the first step. Although you know the benefits it will bring, you keep putting your decision off because you are afraid of the risks involved.


The truth is that risk is unavoidable, whether you express opinions, change jobs or undertake any activity where the outcome is not certain. Many of us have trouble facing risk for fear of exposing ourselves to discomfort or loss. By focusing on negatives we give ourselves a reason to avoid risk, allowing us to remain in our 'comfort zone', where nothing ever challenges so nothing can go wrong.

By trying to play it safe and keep the lows in check, we also rob ourselves of the opportunity to experience the highs. It is only by accepting life's challenges that we can grow and experience all the wonders that life has to offer - including owning a property!

The rules of risks:

1. Clarify your goals
Write down your goals and the steps that are required to achieve them. Mark these steps on your calendar as a 'must do' and reward yourself each time you tick one off.

2. Improve the odds
Obtain as much information as possible to gain more control over the outcome. Know if you are getting a good deal by inspecting many, many properties in the suburb/s you want to buy into and documenting all relevant features. When you find a property you are serious about, ensure you organise a building and pest inspection.

3. Evaluate the alternatives
Sort out your choices by evaluating the pro's and con's of the situation. Consider possible alternatives that might provide a better solution.

4. Know yourself
Everyone's an expert when it comes to property, so it's important to be able to separate the good advice from the bad. Ask the right questions, use your own judgement and ensure that the action you take is in keeping with your finances, goals and priorities.

5. Leave your emotions at home
'Gut feelings' do not always lead to the best decisions if they are contrary to what your research, finances and common sense tell you. Lead with your head not your heart.

6. Make a commitment
Put yourself in the right 'head space' to stay motivated to achieve your end goal. The commitments and time constraints of daily life will always get in the way unless you tell yourself that you will find a way to make it happen.