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Why 7 in 10 Borrowers Choose Mortgage Brokers & Why You Should Too

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Why Are More Australians Choosing Mortgage Brokers?

Did you know that mortgage brokers facilitated 73.7% of all new home loans in Australia during the June 2024 quarter? Refinancing is one of the key reasons borrowers choose brokers, as it ensures a streamlined process and expert advice. Here’s why working with a mortgage broker might be the smartest move for your finances.

1. Professional Guidance You Can Trust

During challenging economic times, having a trusted advisor can make all the difference. Mortgage brokers are finance specialists bound by a best interests duty—meaning we’re legally required to prioritize your needs. We simplify the complexities of home loans, matching your financial situation and goals with the right loan product.

2. A Simplified Refinancing Process

Refinancing doesn’t have to be daunting.
Mortgage brokers handle lender negotiations, manage paperwork, and provide ongoing support throughout the entire process. Instead of wading through tedious details alone, you’ll have a dedicated professional guiding you every step of the way.

3. Tailored Finance Solutions

Every borrower is different, so a one-size-fits-all loan simply doesn’t work. Whether you need an offset account, redraw facility, or a no-frills loan, we’ll recommend options that suit your unique needs—without upselling unnecessary extras.

4. Access to a Broad Panel of Lenders

Banks offer their own limited range of products. Mortgage brokers compare hundreds of loans from various lenders, including major banks, second-tier lenders, and non-bank options. With a broad panel of choices, we ensure you get a competitive deal aligned with your financial goals.

5. A Holistic Financial Approach

Unlike banks, which focus solely on the present, brokers consider your full financial picture—both now and in the future. Whether you’re consolidating debt, unlocking equity, or planning for future investments, our recommendations are designed to support your broader aspirations.

Top Reasons to Refinance Your Home Loan

Haven’t reviewed your mortgage recently? Refinancing could help you:

  • Secure a lower interest rate.
  • Gain access to features like offset accounts or redraw facilities.
  • Unlock equity for renovations or investments.
  • Consolidate multiple debts into one manageable payment.

Why Wait? Explore Your Options Now!

With interest rates expected to shift in early 2025, now is the perfect time to evaluate your loan. Whether you’re after better rates, more features, or long-term financial flexibility, we’ll help you find the right solution.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to review your mortgage and discover how refinancing can work for you!

2025 Property Market Insights & Equity Opportunities for Homeowners

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Will Property Prices Keep Rising in 2025?

As cost-of-living pressures mount, there’s good news for homeowners: Australian property prices have been on a 21-month streak of growth, with total residential property value hitting a record $11 trillion, according to CoreLogic. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide are at their highest property value levels ever.

However, recent data indicates a cooling market. National property values grew by just 1% in the September quarter—down from a 9.7% annual growth rate earlier this year. This suggests the pace of growth is slowing, attributed to increased listings and cautious buyer behaviour.

Key Drivers of 2025 Property Trends

  1. Supply and Demand:
    Property prices often depend on the balance between available listings and buyer interest. Low stock levels in cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane—currently more than 20% below the five-year average—have created a seller’s market, driving competition among buyers. Conversely, increased listings in other areas may ease upward price pressure.
  2. Interest Rates:
    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has held the cash rate steady since late 2023. However, many economists predict rate cuts in early 2025. Lower rates mean increased borrowing power, which could spark renewed buyer competition and further increase property prices.

What Rising Property Prices Mean for You

Rising property values can unlock untapped equity, presenting opportunities to achieve financial goals:

  • Invest in Property: Leverage your equity to expand your portfolio with an investment property.
  • Renovate Your Home: Enhance your property’s value further with upgrades.
  • Reduce Debt: Consolidate or refinance existing debts at lower rates.

Homeowners have seen significant gains over time; many have multiplied their property values within the life of a 30-year mortgage.

Associated Costs of Property Ownership

For first-time buyers or investors, understanding the costs is essential. These include:

  • Stamp Duty: Calculate based on property value. Exemptions may apply for first-home buyers.
  • Legal Fees: Cover conveyancing and other property-related legalities.
  • Inspection Costs: Ensure the property’s condition with pest and building inspections.

Looking Ahead

Economists anticipate a more gradual 5.6% national property price increase in 2025 (KPMG report). Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, early planning is crucial to make the most of this trend.

Curious about your property’s equity or planning your next purchase? Let us help you navigate 2025’s market with confidence. Contact us today for expert advice and tailored loan solutions!

How prepared are you for your property purchase?

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Eighteen per cent of Australian bidders have failed to get pre-approved finance prior to attending an auction, a new study has revealed.

According to a recent YouGov Galaxy poll, nearly one in five adults in Australia failed to secure finance before buying at auction.

Given it takes time to seek and be granted pre-approval it is important to seek professional advice as early as possible.

Buyers need to determine how much they can borrow and gain certainty that they are being realistic with their expectations.

Pre-approval is an indication from a lender that they feel comfortable lending a set amount of money to a potential buyer. It puts the buyer ahead of the game and strengthens their position when negotiating a purchase.

Carl Thompson – Commercial Lending Specialist, Strategic Investor Group

Is your loan structured correctly?

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The Reserve Bank has left the official cash interest rate on hold at 1.5 per cent for the 20th month in a row.

It is “universally anticipated” that the RBA won’t move on rates in the immediate future.

Most economists only expect one rate rise this year and 10 out of 24 analysts expect rates to remain on hold into 2019, and potentially beyond.

It is important to remain fully informed, and understand your options, by reviewing your individual circumstances today.

Carl Thompson – Commercial Lending Specialist, Strategic Investor Group

Location, Location, Location

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Sydney has the nation’s most evenly distributed new apartment market – putting it at less risk of inner-city oversupply – according to the 2018 UDIA State of the Land Report.

Just over a fifth of new Sydney unit completions (apartments, townhouses and terraces) were within five kilometres of the city centre in 2017 compared with almost half of all Melbourne unit completions – the country’s fastest-growing apartment market – the report found.

A third of new Sydney units were within 5 to 10 kilometres of the CBD, 28 per cent of completions were 10 to 20 kilometres out and 18 per cent of completions were as far as 50 kilometres from the centre of town.

Obtaining industry best advice is essential prior to making any potential property investment decision.

Carl Thompson – Commercial Lending Specialist, Strategic Investor Group

Property Investment – Timing is everything

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The market waits for no one. It will go up or down with or without you as an investor.

An experienced independent advisor will ensure you won’t buy the wrong asset, wait too long or pay too much.

Whilst it may seem like you’re paying more upfront, having professional advice in the early stages, will ensure that you come out financially on top in the long run.

Remember, the price is what you pay but the value is what you get.

Property is a forgiving asset and you can mitigate the perceived risk largely by ensuring you buy the right property and take a long-term view.

Carl Thompson – Commercial Lending Specialist, Strategic Investor Group

Congratulations to Strategic Property Group!

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Strategic Investor Group is starting 2018 with a bang!

We are thrilled to announce that Strategic Property Finance has been recognised as one of the country’s top performing mortgage brokerages in Australia for this year securing a place in the highly competitive list of  The Adviser’s – Top 25 Brokerages for 2018.

The ranking was revealed in the February 2018 edition of The Adviser, Australia’s top publication for Australian mortgage and finance brokers. This was also determined by scores in five (5) key areas:

  1. Total book size
  2. Total loans settled
  3. Total volume of loans settled
  4. Book size versus years in business
  5. Average broker volumes

Annie Kane, editor of The Adviser, said, “Each year, The Adviser’s Top 25 Brokerages benchmark ranking celebrates the success of Australia’s top brokerages. This year we saw a significant increase in non-franchise brokerages making the list, but with the top end of the table still dominated by major franchise players, it goes to show that there is no one-size-fits-all model and that success comes in many shapes and sizes. “

Our mission is to create an environment where advice, finance and property buying teams work together to create true value for our clients and the ability for them to realise the property market’s true potential. Being recognised and to be ranked among the very best in the country is a fantastic recognition on this delivery.

We would like to extend our gratitude towards The Adviser and Mortgage Professional Australia recognising our efforts and congratulate all of the brokerages who made the list.

Hate Auctions?

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ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT:

–    Letting your emotions get the better of you?
–    Not having a strategy on how to bid?
–    Overpaying?
–    Negotiating if the property is passed in?

We are experienced buyers agents and have saved our clients thousands of dollars and many sleepless nights.

$550* is a small price to pay for peace of mind & an unfair advantage at any auction.

CLICK HERE or on image below to download our Auction Bidding Flyer