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Property investment looks different for everyone, with no single approach suiting every situation. As market conditions, lending rules and affordability, continue to change, planning and preparation are becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation for investors.

With a new year underway, many property investors are reviewing their goals and plans for the months ahead. Whether you already own an investment property or you are planning your first purchase in 2026, these are five key points many investors are keeping in mind.

1. Investment goals and overall strategy

Before diving into property listings, it can be helpful to be clear on what you want the investment to achieve. Some investors prioritise long-term capital growth, others focus on rental income, and many aim for a balance of both.

Your goals will often be shaped by your broader financial position, your risk comfort level and how long you plan to hold the property. These factors can influence the type of property you consider and the strategy that may suit you.

Commonly discussed strategies include buy-and-hold, negative or positive gearing, purchasing new or off-the-plan properties, or renovating to add value. Each option has potential benefits and risks, so it’s important to do your research and get professional advice about which may suit your circumstances.

2. Location and market selection

Where you buy can have an influence how your investment performs over time. Many investors look beyond their own suburb or city and explore opportunities across different markets.

This might include capital cities, regional centres or even interstate options as part of a diversification approach. Regional areas have attracted attention in recent years due to affordability advantages and local economic factors.

Understanding factors such as employment opportunities, infrastructure spending, population growth and rental demand can help you make more informed decisions about location.

3. Affordability and alternative ways to enter the market

Affordability remains a major consideration for investors heading into 2026, which has led many people to think more creatively about how they enter the market.

One approach often discussed is rentvesting. This involves renting in an area that suits your lifestyle, while purchasing an investment property in a more affordable or higher-growth location. For some people, this may offer a way to build a property portfolio without stretching themselves financially to buy where they live.

Exploring different entry approaches can help you consider whether your investment plans fit comfortably with your finances and lifestyle.

4. Focus on preparation rather than perfect timing

Trying to time the market perfectly can be challenging, even for experienced investors. Instead, many investors focus on being financially prepared, so they are able to respond when opportunities arise.

This usually means understanding your borrowing capacity, setting a realistic budget, and allowing for buffers such as interest rate changes, vacancies or unexpected expenses. For some buyers, securing finance pre-approval provides clarity and confidence before starting their property search.

Being organised and finance-ready can make the process smoother when decisions need to be made.

5. Professional support and reliable advice

Property investment involves more than just choosing a property. There are lending, tax, legal and ongoing management considerations to navigate along the way.

Many investors choose to work with professionals such as mortgage brokers, accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents, conveyancers and property managers. Each can play a role in helping you understand your options and navigate decisions along the way.

Having the right team around you can provide reassurance and help you move forward with more confidence.

Ready to explore your property plans for 2026?

Whether you are planning your first investment or reviewing an existing portfolio, understanding your finance options is a crucial step.

If you would like to discuss your borrowing capacity, equity position or pre-approval options, get in touch today. We are here to provide clear, straightforward guidance and help you move forward with confidence as you plan your property journey for 2026.

As interest rates shift and the property market evolves, your mortgage may not be something you set and forget. Just like your financial goals, your home loan needs can change over time, which is why it’s worth checking in regularly.

If you haven’t reviewed your loan in a while, now could be a good time to do a quick health check. Read on to see what your home loan health check could uncover.

Why reviewing your home loan matters

What worked when you first bought your home might not be the best fit anymore. A home loan review can help you assess where things stand today and whether there’s room to improve.

Here’s what you might uncover:

1. More competitive rates

Lenders are constantly updating their rates and offers. You might now have access to a more competitive offer than when you first signed your loan, potentially saving you interest over the life of the loan.

2. Lower monthly repayments

Securing a lower rate or adjusting your loan structure can reduce your repayments and free up extra cash. This can give you more room in your budget or allow you to redirect funds toward savings or investments.

3. More suitable loan features

Offset accounts, redraw facilities, and flexible repayment options can influence how effectively you manage your mortgage. These features can help you reduce interest and gain more control over your day-to-day finances.

4. A loan structure that fits

As your goals change, your loan should evolve with you, and changes in your equity position may allow you to restructure your loan more effectively. Whether that’s accessing equity for renovations or investments or rebalancing your loan to better match your long-term goals.

5. Simplified finances through debt consolidation

If you’re juggling credit card debt or personal loans, rolling them into your mortgage could reduce your overall interest rate and make repayments more manageable, giving you a clearer financial picture.

6. Improved equity position

As your property value grows and your loan balance reduces, your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) may improve. A lower LVR may provide more competitive rates, reduce or eliminate lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), and open up more refinancing options.

Small changes may help to reshape your financial future

Even if your loan seems to be running smoothly, reviewing it regularly may highlight areas to consider. Small changes such as discussing competitive rates or adjusting your repayment frequency (for example, switching to fortnightly payments) may affect your loan over time.

Too often, homeowners stick with the same loan for years without exploring other options. A home loan health check gives you the chance to stay informed and make sure your mortgage still aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Ready to review your loan?

Your mortgage is one of your larger financial commitments, and it may benefit from regular review. As the market shifts and your personal circumstances evolve, a review may help you consider your available options.

Reach out if you’d like a home loan health check to see whether your loan still aligns with your current circumstances.

Buy now, pay later. Sounds convenient and harmless, right?

It’s no surprise that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay have surged in popularity as it lets you split purchases into smaller, interest-free instalments (as long as you pay on time).

In fact, the value of BNPL transactions in Australia is expected to jump from about AU $17 billion in 2023 to an estimated AU $30.71 billion by 2029.

But there’s a catch. Earlier this year, significant changes rolled out for how BNPL services are regulated. And if you’re gearing up to buy property, these updates aren’t just background noise – they could directly impact your borrowing power and your path to approval.

What were the changes?

Previously, BNPL services were able to sidestep Australia’s credit laws. Users could sign up easily, with no real checks on your financial situation and ability to pay the instalments.

As a result, there were growing concerns around the number of people overspending and getting into financial trouble. ASIC research found 1 in 5 BNPL users said they had cut back on or went without basic essentials like food to make repayments on time, while 1 in 6 took out an additional loan to cover their repayments.

These concerns have led to the government to step in to regulate BNPL services. From June 2025, BNPL providers in Australia became officially regulated under national credit laws.

BNPL providers must now:

• Hold an Australian Credit Licence
• Conduct affordability checks before approval
• Follow responsible lending guidelines

Notably, missed payments can be reported to credit bureaus and will show up on your credit report, the same way a credit card default might.

How does BNPL affect home loan eligibility?

Banks look at your credit score and credit report as part of your home loan application. With mandatory credit reporting in place, missed BNPL payments can appear on your credit file.

Missed payments can signal financial risk to lenders and impact your ability to get a home loan. Even if you don’t miss BNPL payments, frequent BNPL use could raise red flags, as it may translate to you not being able to manage your finances or being under financial stress.

The bottom line is that occasional use of BNPL services is not going to annihilate your chances of home loan approval, especially if it’s used responsibly and paid on time. However, if you tend to rely on BNPL and regularly miss payments, it may end up costing you your home loan.

What should I do next?

If you’re planning a property purchase, it’s a good idea to get on the front foot and take control of your BNPL spending habits as soon as possible.

Pay off any outstanding balances, reduce your reliance on BNPL, and close any unused accounts. Where possible, reduce your BNPL credit limits, as this can improve how lenders assess your overall financial position.

Additionally, you can check your credit report to see whether your BNPL activity is listed. You can do this through:

• Equifax Australia
• Experian
• illion

Furthermore, ensure that your BNPL activity is accurately recorded and current. If you find errors, raise them directly with a credit reporting body.

Like to chat with a professional?

Understanding how spending habits affect your credit profile is essential before applying for a

home loan. If you feel your BNPL use is becoming difficult to manage, it can be helpful to speak

with a qualified financial adviser or financial counsellor for personalised guidance. They can

support you in getting back on track and strengthening your financial wellbeing.

When you’re ready to look at your home loan options, we’re here to guide you through the

process and help you prepare a strong, confident application. Get in touch whenever you’re

ready to take the next step.

For many young Australians, home ownership can feel more like a distant dream than something within reach. Rising living costs, strong property price growth and slow wage increases have put real pressure on those hoping to buy their first home.

Research by Deloitte Access Economics earlier this year, highlighted just how challenging the landscape has become. Average home prices rose 67% from $548,000 to $915,000 in the decade to 2023, while average weekly incomes for Australians aged 21 to 34 only grew 20%.

The research found that major milestones like leaving home and starting a family are now being delayed. In 1981, around a third of 20 to 24-year-olds lived with their parents, but by 2021, that number had doubled to 63.8%. Nowadays, 40% of young Australians aged 25 to 34 rely on family assistance to get into the housing market.

With property prices soaring across the nation, there’s no doubt affordability is a key factor hindering entry into the market. But if you are an aspiring first-home buyer, it’s important to remember that with the right strategy and guidance, home ownership can be achievable.

Here are some of the ways you might be able to get into your own home sooner.

Help to Buy

Help to Buy is a new shared equity scheme designed to make home ownership more accessible. The Australian Government can contribute up to 30% (for existing homes) or 40% (for newly built homes) to your mortgage. With this scheme, you will only need a 2% deposit.

Applications opened on 5 December 2025, with 10,000 spots available each year. There are income limits of up to $100,000 for individual applicants or $160,000 for single parents and joint applicants.

5% Deposit Scheme

The 5% Deposit Scheme is open to all first-home buyers and allows you to purchase your first home with a 5% deposit, without having to pay Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

There are property price caps, but there are no limits on income or scheme places. The 5% Deposit Scheme (formerly known as the Home Guarantee Scheme) has already helped over 248,000 Australians get a leg up on the property ladder since 2020.

First Home Super Saver Scheme

This scheme allows you to save a deposit for your first home using your super. You make extra voluntary contributions to your super fund, so that you can grow your saving faster. The benefit is you can make the most of lower tax rates.

When you’re ready to purchase, you can apply to withdraw your savings plus associated earnings and use them towards your first home deposit.

Support from family

There are a few different ways your parents or a loved one may be able to help you enter the property market.

Your parents might provide a cash gift towards your deposit (lenders will likely require a statutory declaration), or loan you the money under your own agreement.

They could also act as a guarantor. This is where they use their equity as security for your loan, reducing or eliminating the need for a deposit and helping you to avoid LMI.

Another option is to unlock their equity by refinancing their mortgage, then gifting or lending you the money. There’s also the option of joint ownership, meaning you purchase the property together.

It’s important to assess the risks involved with each scenario and seek professional advice, and to make sure everything is in writing to avoid any misunderstandings.

Ready to get started?

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. If you would like to understand your borrowing options and start building a plan with confidence, we are here to help.

Get in touch and let’s chat through your finance questions so you feel supported and ready to take your next step toward home ownership.