The property development market in Australia is a dynamic sector driven by various factors, with financing playing a crucial role in shaping opportunities and outcomes for developers.

At the end of the 2024 financial year, the national property market had increased about 8%, however it was a vastly different story across the major Australia geographies. The solid growth figure was in the face of challenging economic conditions, with the ongoing supply issue being the material driver.

With interest rates now on hold since November 2023, things are starting to heat up. Economists had pencilled the start of the rate decrease cycle for late 2024, however recent commentary suggests things could go either way, with talk of a drop, a hike or a hold fairly easy to come across.

Home equity is the difference between your home's market value and the remaining mortgage balance. It grows as property values increase or as you pay down your mortgage.

One of the most powerful tools I recommend to clients looking to optimise their mortgage repayments and savings is the offset account. This financial instrument not only helps reduce interest costs but also offers tax advantages when compared to alternative strategies like reducing loan balances or using high-interest cash accounts.

February saw national house prices rise 2.1% after huge activity in the Sydney and Melbourne markets after what was a subdued 2020 for the major capitals. The national market rise is the highest monthly growth in 17 years.