Property
The best and worst ways to live alongside your neighbours
16 July
A good home is about more than the building, the backyard or the location. The people living around you can have a major influence on how comfortable, secure and enjoyable your neighbourhood feels. When neighbours communicate, show consideration...[Read More]
Energy rollercoaster: Australian bills to fall and rise
16 July
Solar panels, wind farms and cheaper batteries will help to cut Australian electricity bills in the coming years, even as the artificial intelligence boom pushes up the price of gas technology. But energy prices will rise after 2030, a study has...[Read More]
Retrofit rewards to usher in new era of fire-safe homes
16 July
Fire-resistant home upgrades have rocketed to the top of the to-do list for Jem Gay. Summer bushfires that tore through more than 4000 hectares and destroyed 50 buildings in Harcourt in central Victoria were too-close-for-comfort for the residents...[Read More]
How to save money around the home amidst the rising interest rates
9 July
With interest rates rising almost everywhere, including Australia, people have begun tightening their purse strings as best they can. However, decreasing spending to ensure your expenses match your reduced budget could mean barely any savings or...[Read More]
What blackout? More Aussies are disaster-proofing homes
2 July
More Australians are upgrading the tech in their homes to not just to keep the lights on but make sure they stay connected during natural disasters. From solar panels and batteries to electric cars and better broadband, experts say at-risk...[Read More]
‘Missed opportunity’ to act on power plan loyalty tax
25 June
A proposal to clamp down on the loyalty tax paid by disengaged power customers does not go far enough in the view of consumer and small business groups. Australia’s electricity rule-maker initiated a review to tackle the problem of customers...[Read More]
Your home: 7 ways to increase its value and enjoy it more
18 June
Your home is more than bricks, mortar, paint and flooring. It is the place where life happens. It is where families gather, memories are made, visitors are welcomed, and everyday routines unfold. For many people, their home is also one of their...[Read More]
Nation-first stamp duty cut gains federal endorsement
18 June
State governments have been encouraged to follow the lead of the ACT and abolish stamp duty, but it’s unlikely to happen without Commonwealth support. ACT Treasurer Chris Steel announced all first home buyers would be exempt from paying stamp duty...[Read More]
Residents to get no-interest loans for energy upgrades
17 June
Residents in NSW can now access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund lower energy upgrades to their homes, aimed at slashing bills and taking pressure off the grid. Ahead of next week’s state budget, the NSW government announced on...[Read More]
How to feel more self-sufficient at home
11 June
There is something deeply rewarding about knowing your home can do more than simply provide shelter. A self-sufficient home gives you a greater sense of control, comfort and confidence. It does not mean living completely off-grid, growing every meal...[Read More]
7 signs you are ready to downsize the home and take life a little easier
4 June
There comes a time when the family home that once felt full of noise, movement and memories can start to feel a little too big, too quiet, too expensive or simply too much work. Downsizing is not just about moving into a smaller home. For many...[Read More]
AI to hit Aussies as data centres push up energy costs
3 June
The race to build data centres in Australia could force household electricity prices up by as much as 26 per cent within a decade, a study has found. The artificial intelligence hubs could also use as much electricity as all homes in the state of...[Read More]
Jobless jump, Iran war shoot down fears of rate rise
28 May
The likelihood of a rate hike in June has shrunk after a surprise jump in the unemployment rate showed the Iran war is having a material impact on Australia’s economy. While bad news for workers, the rise in the jobless rate from 4.3 per cent to...[Read More]
Australia’s remaining solarless roofs harder to crack
27 May
On a mission to investigate solar, battery and electrification retrofits for the block of flats she lives in, Coco Venaglia has faced hurdle after hurdle. The building’s strata committee is open to upgrades but pressed for time, and was pleased...[Read More]
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
27 May
Softer auction rates are a sign tax changes in the federal budget are making things easier for first home buyers, the housing minister says, as Labor weathered another day of criticism from investors and entrepreneurs. Auction clearance rates held...[Read More]