There’s no better feeling than living in a brand new home – it’s fresh, clean and it’s all yours. But financing a new-build works very differently from buying an established home. Here’s what you need to know.

In early March 2026, legislation known as Division 296 — or the “Div 296 tax” — was formally passed into law. It represents one of the most significant changes to Australia’s superannuation tax rules in decades, and for high-balance members, the implications are real and time-sensitive.

For many people, tax is something that only gets attention at end of the financial year. However effective tax planning isn’t about last-minute deductions - it’s about making smart, forward-looking decisions that can improve your overall financial position.

Is the grass really greener on the other side? Maybe. Australia has seen a surge of investor activity in recent years, with investment loans reaching record highs. But as home prices rise, plenty of investors are looking beyond their own backyard and making interstate purchases.

Australian markets fell sharply as inflation and rising interest rates weighed on equities and bonds, with the RBA signalling further tightening. Globally, escalating Middle East tensions drove oil prices higher, triggering a risk-off environment. Shares declined, bond yields rose, and the US dollar strengthened as investors reassessed inflation and policy expectations.

Buying a first home doesn’t have to mean years of eating beans on toast while you scrape together a 20% deposit. Here’s how you could break into the property market with just a 5% deposit.