Which is the better deal: refinancing, personal loans or upfront rent?

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Futurerent Explained

What makes a top-up painful for property investors?

Thinking about refinancing your investment property to access equity? 'Topping up' your mortgage, or doing a "cash-out refinance" sounds as simple as adding milk to your morning coffee. It's how the majority of property investors access the money they need. In this blog, we dive into what refinancing actually involves, the tripwires that might make 'topping up' your mortgage a non-starter, and the real costs involved.

December 5, 2024

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What is a cash out refinance: A comprehensive guide for Australian property investors

A cash out refinance lets you tap into your property's equity without selling. Learn how it works, key benefits, potential risks, and tax considerations in this comprehensive guide.

March 7, 2025

A concerned man in a bathrobe holding a bill or financial document, looking frustrated—illustrating the hidden costs and unexpected fees of refinancing a home loan.

The ‘hidden’ $2,082 cost of refinancing for a top-up and how property investors can avoid it

When it comes to working out the cost of refinancing a home loan for a top-up, many people focus on the interest rate but forget that refinancing involves a stack of other costs. Exactly how much top-up refinancing will set you back in ‘hidden costs’ depends on your situation and your lender. To give you a general idea, these costs average out to be $2,082. On top of this, there are potential break fees and lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI) which each run into tens of thousands of dollars.

February 28, 2025

Two people sitting on the floor reviewing bills and invoices, using a calculator and laptop to manage high-interest debt repayment.

How to pay off high-interest debt without touching your savings

High-interest debt can seriously kill your finances. If you have an investment property, you could use Futurerent to help consolidate debt, which means you only need to pay one cost.

February 23, 2025

Property Investing Guides

The Bank of Mum and Dad in Australia

The Bank of Mum and Dad is now Australia’s fifth-largest lender—supporting over 60% of first-home buyers. This guide helps property investors navigate the risks, protect their assets, and explore smarter alternatives like Futurerent.

April 25, 2025

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Guide: The guide to home appraisals for refinancing in Australia

Refinancing? Your home’s appraisal could make or break your loan terms. Learn how to maximise your valuation and explore faster equity access with Futurerent.

April 23, 2025

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Guide: Buying a second property and renting out the first in Australia

Buying your second property is very similar to buying your first home but there are more complexities involved. To help you get your head around it all, we’ve put together a guide to buying your second property and how second-time buyers might go about financing the purchase.

February 26, 2025

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Guide: What you should know about capital gains tax on investment properties

Capital gains taxes can cut into your profits, leaving you with less money to reinvest or use for other purposes. But there are legal ways to potentially avoid paying capital gains tax on investment property. Seek professional advice from a tax accountant or financial advisor to check if you’re eligible.

Market updates

Market update: Nearly half of Australia's suburbs now at record highs

Australian property wealth hits $11.5 trillion with 45% suburbs at peaks. Nearly half of Australia's 3,722 suburbs reach record values with Brisbane at 78.8% peaks. $11.5 trillion market sees 70%+ clearance rates as cuts loom.

July 17, 2025

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A balance scale with red percentage symbol cubes on one side and a small white house with a red roof on the other, illustrating the relationship between interest rates and housing costs.

Election housing policies set to drive significant price growth

Election housing policies from both major parties are poised to drive sharp property price growth in 2025. With rate cuts and demand-boosting measures, investors could see gains of up to 15%. Here's what you need to know.

April 23, 2025

Market update: Record $306K profits for home sellers

Home sellers are enjoying record profits while Melbourne's property market recovery accelerates. Brisbane leads with 99.6% profit-making sales as auction clearance rates remain strong nationwide.

March 20, 2025

Property "super cyle" emerging: Why Melbourne should be back on investors' radar

Ray White chief economist describes a property 'super cycle' as investor loan approvals surge 29.8% nationwide. Find out why Melbourne's affordable suburbs are now attracting savvy investors.

Investment Properties

How building defects could be a ticking time bomb for apartment owners

Building defects are a problem many property investors could face one day, especially for those who bought an apartment built in the past 10 years.

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February 20, 2025

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Mastering commercial property metrics: A practical guide to cap rate calculations

Understanding cap rates is essential for commercial property investors. Learn how to calculate cap rates accurately, avoid common mistakes, and benchmark them across different property types to make smarter investment decisions.

March 5, 2025

Understanding commercial property metrics: A deep dive into cap rates

Master cap rates in commercial property investment: Learn what they are, how to calculate them, and what factors influence them.

March 4, 2025

Who is responsible for appliances in a rental property?

Whether it’s a broken fridge or a faulty oven, knowing who covers the cost can save a lot of hassle. In this blog, we break down the rules, maintenance responsibilities, and tax deduction tips to keep things running smoothly.

February 25, 2025

Property Investor Tips

Where are first home buyers purchasing property in Australia – and how will Help to Buy Shape the market?

First home buyers are shifting to outer suburbs and regional hubs—but with Help to Buy expanding in 2025, expect fresh demand and rising prices in key markets. Here's what you need to know.

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March 27, 2025

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Unlocking your super: The complete guide to buying investment property with superannuation

Discover how to use your super to buy investment property in Australia through an SMSF. Learn whether it's the right strategy for your retirement planning

April 21, 2025

Australian property trusts: Strategic structures for real estate investors

Managing residential property in Australia becomes significantly more effective when you understand the power of trusts. Whether you're a property investor looking to optimise tax planning, a homeowner planning your estate, or a landlord managing rental income.

April 9, 2025

How to invest $100K in real estate: A guide for Australian residential property investors

Got $100K to invest in Australian property? Explore smart strategies, location picks, and financing tips to make the most of your deposit.