With rising interest rates dominating the headlines, it’s not an ideal time to be in the market for a car loan – unless you have the right help with a broker.

Although an interest rate rise of 1% looks relatively small on paper, it’s important to do the maths and have a full understanding of how these changes have the potential to impact your day to day life. As an example, for a homeowner with a home loan principal of $500, 000 can expect to pay an extra $269 per month if the interest rates increase by as little as 1%. 

However, it’s not just the real estate industry that’s affected by rising interest rates, as these fluctuations will influence almost any type of loan, including car finance. While the prospect of getting a new car is exciting, many people just want the process handled quickly and avoid doing their due diligence on the best car loan rates. 

In contrast, the alternative is enlisting the services of a car broker. Although there’s a common misconception that the services of a broker are exclusive to mortgages and home loans, an appropriately qualified broker will often cover car finance as well. 

Sourcing The Best Car Loan Rates Through A Broker

When you’re a customer in a complex market, the process of obtaining finance for a car loan is more supply driven than demand driven. That is as a buyer, all too often you are forced to deal with what is being offered, rather than taking charge and settling on the type of finance that you actually need. 

When shopping around for the right car loan, it’s important to note the key points of difference between financial products with the most common being secured and unsecured car loans. A secured loan is when your purchase acts as security against the loan, and means that if you default on your payments, the lender has a right to seize your car. In contrast, an unsecured loan will often only be issued under certain circumstances. Even then, they often come with a higher interest rate and uncompromising repayment period.

For those wondering what car loan rates look like at the moment, data from April 2022 shows that the average annual percentage rate (APR) was 4.7% for new financed vehicles, and 8.0% for used vehicles. While that’s largely unchanged when compared to the last few years, the tide will inevitably turn once the Reserve Bank starts to pass on further interest rate increases. 

The key benefit of using a car broker is usually sourcing favourable interest rates and loan packages that best fits your circumstances. Even a savings of 2-3% of a car loan over a five year loan period can reduce your payments significantly, let alone if you are able to package your new car loan with your existing mortgage or home loan product. 

In addition, using a broker for car finance is also usually a free service. Most forms of finance brokers don’t charge customers for help with finding the loan with the most competitive rates and repayments. Instead, the broker is paid directly by the lender of choice, meaning the benefits of using a broker don’t come as an extra charge in what is already an expensive exercise. 

Aside from servicing standard vehicle purchases, car loan brokers can also help with buying an electric car. While not everyone has the budget for a brand new Tesla, skyrocketing fuel prices and the need for a greener planet has seen an uptick in electric car purchases in Australia. While they may function completely differently when compared to their predecessors, a car broker can also help with these new age automobiles as well. 

For those getting ready to purchase their first home, refinance their existing one, or even those looking for help with a new car loan, it should come as no surprise that six in ten Australians are now working with a broker for help in navigating the world of finance – but where do you find one?

Partner With Personal Finance Experts 

Since their inception in 2012, the team at Madd Loans have worked tirelessly in providing over 2,000 Queenslanders with finance options to help turn their dreams into reality. With the entire brand being built on referrals, owner George Samios takes great pride in making the loan process both fun, educational and stress free – and he has a swag of awards to prove it.

Relentless in their pursuit of gold star customer service, the team at Madd have now expanded their services to include end to end financial planning. Through Madd Life, the aim is to collaborate with clients to identify long term goals, and transform them into a road map. 

If thinking about your financial future strikes a chord with you, then it might be time to speak to a professional. Whether you’re chasing mortgage solutions or a financial fairy godmother, the team at Madd proudly work together as a collective to turn your goals into reality.

As real estate has long been regarded as one of the safest ways to generate wealth, is there such a thing as the right time to buy an investment property? 

Once you’ve managed to successfully purchase your first home, there usually comes a point where most Aussies start looking at other avenues to increase their income. Suddenly, property becomes less about having somewhere to live, and transforms into a logical means to generate wealth – or to at least try to. 

When we refer to investment properties, the term is usually used to describe houses, apartments or townhouses that investors buy, and in turn rent out to another person to live in. While investing in property certainly isn’t for everyone, one of the hardest parts of the process is getting the timing right. 

Five Signs You’re Ready To Buy An Investment Property

Some people enjoy dabbling in the stock market, and others in cryptocurrencies. However, many Australians have traditionally viewed investing in property as a “safer” long term option for capital growth, and with less exposure to potential risks. 

However, purchasing a second abode is an entirely different experience when compared to that of a first home buyer. The type of property and options for finance will usually be quite different the second time around, but it’s important not to take on a second mortgage before you’re ready. As such, what type of signs could indicate that you are in the position to buy an investment property?

You Have Access To Equity – In simple terms, equity is the term used to describe the financial difference between your property’s market value, versus the balance of your mortgage. Depending on your personal circumstances, unlocking the equity in your property could allow you to buy an investment property without having to save up for the all important 20% deposit. 

There’s Low Vacancy Rates – Low vacancy rates are considered to be a positive for property investors, because it generally means people want to live in a particular area or building. Opting to buy an investment property while there’s a low vacancy rate in the rental pool means you should have no issues finding tenants. 

To Lower Your Taxable Income – Negative gearing is the term used when any expenses that a rental property incurs are higher than the actual income earned from it. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the Australian Tax Office treats any expenses incurred by property investors as tax deductible, just like they do for other business costs. 

Interest Rates Will Rise – Although it may sound counterproductive to buy an investment property now while interest rates are on the rise, in reality they’re only going to go higher – meaning that now is the ideal time to become a landlord, and secure fixed term interest rates on a second mortgage. 

Rentvesting Appeals To You – Even if you don’t yet own your own home, you can still buy an investment property and become a ‘rentvestor’. This phenomenon is wildly popular with Millenials, and is a homeownership strategy in which consumers rent a property to live in that’s in line with their lifestyle, but they own an investment property that’s in line with their budget. 

For those ready to kick start their journey as a budding property baron, it should come as no surprise that six in ten Australians are now working with a mortgage broker for help in navigating the world of home loans – but where do you find one?

Partner With The Property Finance Experts

Since their inception in 2012, the team at Madd Loans have worked tirelessly in providing over 2,000 Queenslanders with finance options to help turn their dreams into reality. With the entire brand being built on referrals, owner George Samios takes great pride in making the loan process both fun, educational and stress free – and he has a swag of awards to prove it.

Relentless in their pursuit of gold star customer service, the team at Madd have now expanded their services to include end to end financial planning. Through Madd Life, the aim is to collaborate with clients to identify long term goals, and transform them into a road map. 

If thinking about your financial future strikes a chord with you, then it might be time to speak to a professional. Whether you’re chasing mortgage solutions or a financial fairy godmother, the team at Madd proudly work together as a collective to turn your goals into reality.

In many pockets of the River City, weekends are often filled with soccer games and trips to the beach – but what are the best suburbs in Brisbane for families?

It’s no secret that Queensland is experiencing an interstate migration boom. The global pandemic has changed the way we work, live and play, and when compared to our southern neighbours, Queenslanders have had it relatively lax in terms of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions. 

Even as Australia slowly began to reopen, the influx of new residents to Brisbane showed no signs of slowing down. While the national property market is finally starting to slow down thanks to inflation and rising interest rates, Brisbane is still powering ahead and reporting real estate growth, with a growing number of families making the move north. 

Six Popular Family Friendly Suburbs In Brisbane

Dubbed “Australia’s Hippest City” by Lonely Planet, Brisbane well and truly shaken off the perception of being a little bit daggy when compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Instead, the spotlight is shining bright on the local arts scene, pumping nightlife, great coffee, and our good working relationship with the sun. 

As such, the River City has long been considered as a pretty great place to raise kids. Young families tend to prioritise access to retail, schools, parks, and have a strong preference for low-crime suburbs.

With our low density suburbs, large backyards and a sunny climate that favours a life outdoors, there aren’t not too many neighbourhoods that wouldn’t cater for family units of all different shapes and sizes – but what are considered to be the best suburbs in Brisbane for families?

Carina Heights – As the affordable alternative to Carindale or Camp Hill, Carina Heights has long been celebrated as one of the most liveable suburbs for young families. Scoring highly for open space, tree cover, access to schools and crime rate, its ideal position close to the M1 also means that road trips to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are also well within reach.

Alderley – Wide, undulating streets are lined with beautiful established trees, and many properties in Alderley enjoy elevated views across the suburb. While access to the airport and inner city is easy, there are parks and green space galore, such as the beloved Banks Street Reserve – making Alderley one of the best suburbs in Brisbane for families.

Chermside West – Although the suburb is undergoing a seismic demographic shift thanks to older homeowners moving out and making way for young families, Chermside West has long polled well for its primary and secondary education offerings. Although it’s just ten kilometres north of the CBD, residents want for nothing thanks to the expansion of the local Westfield. 

Bulimba – For families that want all the benefits of inner city living served with a slice of nature, it’s hard to go past Bulimba. As a self-contained community with a movie theatre, a number of wonderful book stores, fine restaurants, and a true small town ambiance, it’s also a convenient stop on the ferry transport system to the centre of Brisbane. 

Corinda – Take a stroll through the leafy streets of Corinda, and its village-like feel will make you forget just how close to the CBD you really are. Residents often refer to the suburb’s true sense of community as one of the primary reasons why they love the area so much, so it’s easy to see why it’s long been a fan favourite amongst young families. 

Victoria Point – While the Redland Bay region has long been popular amongst retirees and families for its proximity to the beach and nearby Stradbroke Island, Victoria Point is soaring in popularity thanks to its educational offerings. With a total of five local schools – three public and two private – parents have a variety of learning options to choose from for their children.

For families on the hunt for their forever home, it should come as no surprise that six in ten Australians are now working with a mortgage broker for help in navigating the world of property – but where do you find one?

Partner With The Property Finance Experts

Since their inception in 2012, the team at Madd Loans have worked tirelessly in providing over 2,000 Queenslanders with finance options to help turn their dreams into reality. With the entire brand being built on referrals, owner George Samios takes great pride in making the loan process both fun, educational and stress free – and he has a swag of awards to prove it.

Relentless in their pursuit of gold star customer service, the team at Madd have now expanded their services to include end to end financial planning. Through Madd Life, the aim is to collaborate with clients to identify long term goals, and transform them into a road map. 

If thinking about your financial future strikes a chord with you, then it might be time to speak to a professional. Whether you’re chasing mortgage solutions or a financial fairy godmother, the team at Madd proudly work together as a collective to turn your goals into reality.

While using super to buy property is strictly regulated in Australia, one of the legal ways to do so is through an SMSF – but what does the process involve?

First introduced as a means to take the pressure off aged pension benefits, the concept of superannuation was designed to provide a financial buffer for employees when they transition into retirement, and was made compulsory in 1992 by the Labor Government and spearheaded by then Prime Minister, Paul Keating.

As a general rule, if you are a legal adult, earn more than $450 before tax per month, and are regarded as an employee for tax purposes, your employer must pay money into a super account in your name, which is then managed by a super fund of your choice. 

However, superannuation has undergone some pretty significant reforms since it was first rolled out, and approximately one third of all superannuation funds are now self managed. With an ageing population, many Aussies can see the light at the end of the working tunnel. By taking charge of their own financial future, members of SMSFs are also using super to buy property in droves. 

How To Buy Property Through A SMSF

When you make the conscious choice to manage your own super via an SMSF, you take on the responsibility that would normally be taken care of by a retail or industry superannuation fund. One of the major points of difference between the two is that if you’re in the process of setting up a self managed super fund, the fate of your finances is ultimately in your own hands. 

All SMSFs have their own Tax File Number (TFN), Australian Business Number (ABN) and transactional bank account, which allows them to receive contributions and rollovers, make investments and pay out lump sums and pensions. 

As such, many SMSF members have long been using super to buy property as a long term investment strategy. When compared to shares or other stock choices, the right types of real estate purchases offer some pretty promising capital growth. 

As of 2019, the ATO reported that the total estimated value of the assets held by SMSFs was $748 million, with listed shares making up 31% of this number, followed by cash and term deposits (21%). While property only makes up around 13%, it can be a viable asset to include in any SMSF portfolio as a means to diversify the investments. 

If you have a SMSF, you can use money from your fund as a deposit to purchase a residential or commercial investment-only property as part of your investment strategy for retirement. However, there are very strict rules relating to borrowing from an SMSF, and failure to follow them exposes the SMSF to potential breaches, fines and penalties. 

As a SMSF borrower, you may also be subject to higher interest rates, and lenders might not be prepared to finance the full price of the property. Questions of liquidity and tax losses are also worth looking into, you must make any repayments from your super fund, and losses from the property can’t be offset against your taxable income outside the fund. In addition, you can’t do anything to the property that changes its character until the SMSF loan is fully paid off. 

As a general rule, commercial infrastructure is usually the popular choice for those using super to buy property. The benefits associated with commercial property investment include higher rents, the fact that leases are often much longer periods of time, the application of GST, and that maintenance, rates and insurance costs are often paid for by the lessee. 

Using super to buy property is heavily regulated in Australia, and should not be approached lightly. Before embarking on your SMSF property journey, it’s worth consulting a reputable mortgage broker to ensure your loan terms are as favourable as they can be, and that your short term actions match your long term financial goals. 

Partnering With Home Loan Professionals 

Navigating the complex world of home loans has long been regarded as stressful, frustrating and time consuming – but if you can find the right advice on sourcing how mortgages work, then the good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

Since their inception in 2012, the team at Madd Loans have worked tirelessly in providing over 2,000 Queenslanders with finance options to help turn their dreams into reality. With the entire brand being built on referrals, owner George Samios takes great pride in making the loan process both fun, educational and stress free – and he has a swag of awards to prove it.If thinking about your financial future strikes a chord with you, then it might be time to speak to a professional. Whether you’re chasing mortgage solutions or a financial fairy godmother, the team at Madd work together as a collective to turn your goals into reality.

While there’s a myth that financial planning is a service exclusive to the mega wealthy, did you know that it can form the blueprint to build your dream home?

Most people find themselves contacting a financial planner or adviser for one of three reasons – they need help with making a blueprint for their financial future, they don’t want to deal with their financial future, or while they might like managing their own money, the impartial and objective third party opinion could be of value to them. 

Before you actively seek financial advice from a qualified professional, it’s important to have a firm vision on what you hope to get out of the process. While this often depends on your stage of life, how much money you have or owe, and what you’re trying to achieve, a growing number of Australians are using financial planning to build wealth through property. 

How Financial Planning Can Help With Real Estate

Whether we like it or not, the state of our finances form an integral role in how we transition between the many phases of our life. Even the most successful people often acknowledge that they couldn’t have hit their goals without the help of a professional, and financial planning is the perfect tool to help everyday Australians take a big picture approach to their finances. 

There are many reasons as to why the average Australian would want to start investing in property. For some, it’s about building a financial safety net and enjoying a comfortable retirement, while for others it’s an attractive way to lower their tax obligations. No matter where you are on your real estate journey, the help of a financial planning expert can be invaluable. 

Guiding First Home Buyers – Purchasing your first home can be an extremely daunting experience, but the good news is that with solid financial planning, it doesn’t have to be. Experts in this field help first home buyers to understand where their money goes, but can also provide guidance on saving up for a deposit. Once settled in, financial planning can also allow first home buyers to expand into purchasing a second investment property. 

Building Your Dream Home – Regardless of whether you’re looking to capitalise on one of the many federal and state building initiatives, or are simply a growing family and ready to bring your version of your “forever” home to life, financial planning is important if you want to avoid potentially costly headaches along the way. If you already own property, a financial planner may help you to explore all of your options to potentially keep it as a rental while building. 

Expanding Your Investments – Long considered to be one of the safest long term investment strategies, building a property portfolio is the ultimate goal for many Australian homeowners, especially once they’re financially secure and have a firm grasp on their first mortgage. A financial planner can help you crunch the numbers to identify good investment opportunities for both high yields and tax breaks, and advise caution when required. 

Transitioning To Retirement – As a homeowner, you might be considering downsizing your abode for a variety of reasons: it could be to boost your finances, reduce your expenses, to move into a more suitable home, a better location or you might even just want to take advantage of the current property boom. A financial planner will help you form a game plan for a safe and secure future, while helping you navigate the rules linked to tax and superannuation. 

If you’re already sold on the idea of investing in financial planning to conquer the world of real estate, the next step for many Aussies is to partner with a good mortgage broker. As an alternative to dealing directly with the big banks, mortgage brokers serve as the ‘middleman’ between a lender and a borrower, and handle the time-consuming process of securing the loan and gathering the considerable paperwork involved. 

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that six in ten Australians are now working with a mortgage broker for help in navigating the world of home loans – but what if we told you that there was a one stop shop to combine the services of a mortgage broker and a financial planner?

Partner With The Real Estate Finance Experts

Getting on top of your finances and finding the right home loan has long been regarded as stressful, frustrating and time consuming – but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

Since their inception in 2012, the team at Madd Loans have worked tirelessly in providing over 2,000 Queenslanders with finance options to help turn their dreams into reality. With the entire brand being built on referrals, owner George Samios takes great pride in making the loan process both fun, educational and stress free – and he has a swag of awards to prove it.

Relentless in their pursuit of gold star customer service, the team at Madd have now expanded their services to include end to end financial planning. Through Madd Life, the aim is to collaborate with clients to identify long term goals, and transform them into a road map. 

If thinking about your financial future strikes a chord with you, then it might be time to speak to a professional. Whether you’re chasing mortgage solutions or a financial fairy godmother, the team at Madd proudly work together as a collective to turn your goals into reality.