How much can I borrow? How much should I borrow?

Off-the-plan can be a fantastic way into the property market. It can also be one of the most complex transactions a buyer will ever take on. Here's why. When you buy an established home, you sign a contract, arrange your loan and settle within weeks. When you buy off-the-plan, you sign a contract before the building exists, and you may not settle for 12 to 36 months. In that time your income, your expenses, lender policy, interest rates and even the property market can change. The contract doesn't. I specialise in off-the-plan lending, and the pattern I see most often is this: buyers focus on the floor plan and the finishes, and the finance gets left until the settlement notice lands in their inbox. By then, there's very little room to move. This article walks through how off-the-plan works, where the real risks sit, and what you can do about them early, while you still have options. It's based on my Buying Off-the-Plan in Australia guide, and I'm happy to send you a copy.

Upgrading a home means changing your property to better match your current lifestyle, not necessarily buying something bigger or more expensive. Common triggers include having kids, relocating, changing jobs, outgrowing a renovation budget, or simply feeling your home no longer fits your life. A successful upgrade starts with defining clear objectives, talking to a mortgage broker early, and understanding your numbers before browsing listings.

A reverse mortgage is a loan available to Australians 55 and over that lets you access the equity in your home without making any loan repayments, and without needing to prove income. Instead of paying it down, the loan balance grows over time as interest is added, and it is repaid from the sale proceeds when you sell, move into aged care, or pass away. Strict safeguards mean you can never be evicted and can never owe more than the home is worth, making it a popular option for retirees who are asset rich but cash flow poor.