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Ali’s Journey to a First Home on a Modest Salary Buying a home in Australia feels out of reach for many, especially those earning a modest income. But 33-year-old Ali, a retail manager from Adelaide, made it happen — without a six-figure salary or a massive inheritance. 🏡 The Challenge: $65K Salary, Rising Prices With an annual income of $65,000 and rising real estate prices, Ali knew he had to be smart, patient, and creative. His dream? A two-bedroom townhouse near public transport. The price? Around $450,000. 📈 Step 1: Saving with Precision Ali committed to saving at least $1,200/month using the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) . Over 2 years, he accumulated $32,000 in usable savings thanks to tax-advantaged contributions. 🛠️ Step 2: Leveraging Government Help Ali qualified for the First Home Guarantee through Housing Australia, which allowed him to buy with just a 5% deposit and no LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) . 💳 Step 3: Keeping His Credit Clean ...

The Ultimate Guide to Saving for Your First Home Buying your first home in Australia can feel overwhelming, but with a solid savings plan and knowledge of available support, it's more achievable than you think. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get there faster. 1. Know Your Target Deposit In most cases, you’ll need at least 20% of the property value. For a $600,000 home, that’s $120,000. You can buy with less, but you may need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). 2. Use Government Schemes First Home Guarantee: Buy with as little as 5% deposit (no LMI required) First Home Super Saver (FHSS): Use super to boost your deposit savings with tax benefits Stamp Duty Concessions: Many states offer discounts for first-time buyers 3. Open a High-Interest Savings Account Look for savings accounts with bonus interest for regular deposits and no withdrawals. Examples: ING Savings Maximiser ubank Save Account 86 400 Save Accou...

Renting vs Buying: What Makes Sense for Millennials? For many millennials in Australia, the decision between renting and buying a home is one of the biggest financial choices they will make. With rising property prices, stagnant wages, and flexible lifestyles, is buying still the dream? Or is renting a smarter move in 2025? Current Property Market Overview In 2025, Australian capital cities continue to see high median house prices. Sydney and Melbourne are especially expensive, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth offer slightly more affordable options. Interest rates remain steady but are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Advantages of Renting Flexibility: Easier to move for work or lifestyle changes No Major Maintenance Costs: Repairs are typically landlord's responsibility Lower Upfront Costs: Bond and rent are more manageable than a 20% home deposit Advantages of Buying Equity Growth: You’re building ownership with every repayment Stability:...