As part of the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government’s HomeBuilder program provides eligible owner-occupiers – including first home buyers – with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home before the end of 2020. It can pay to check if you’re eligible and what […]

With a predicted (and highly publicised) pandemic-second wave apparently engulfing Victoria, and panic setting in once more as face masks become mandatory for Melbournians, an increasing number of people are heading for the hills. Earlier this century, a sea and tree change swept the country, as the first wave of retiring baby boomers decided to […]

In late June, during an online panel discussion hosted by ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, RBA Governor Philip Lowe said what many had already assumed: “I think it’s likely we’re going to see interest rates at their current level for years”. So it was no surprise that rates have been held at 0.25% for […]

As the world holds its collective breath, waiting to see what else might befall us throughout the remainder of 2020, it’s understandable that many are feeling anxious and uncertain right now. Social, political and economic unrest and upheaval have marked the beginning of this new decade like harbingers of doom, and the media’s fear mongering […]