News Archives | AXTON Finance

Melbourne first home buyers win with 5% deposit scheme update

Posted on 29/08/2025 by Hunter Scribe

From 1 October 2025, major changes to the federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) will make it easier for first home buyers in Melbourne to enter the property market with a smaller deposit.

What’s changing in the Home Guarantee Scheme?

Several key changes are set to benefit Melbourne buyers:

First, the cap on participant numbers has been lifted. That means any eligible first home buyer with at least a 5% deposit can now apply, potentially avoiding lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), which is typically required for low-deposit loans.

Second, income limits have been scrapped. Previously, single applicants earning over $125,000 and couples earning over $200,000 were excluded. Now, higher-income earners and dual-income households can apply, opening the scheme to more professionals who were previously ineligible.

Third, the property price caps have been increased to better reflect current dwelling values. The table below shows the new prices.

In Victoria, the cap for Melbourne and regional centres rises from $800,000 to $950,000.

As of July 2025, Melbourne’s median dwelling value was $824,000 according to PropTrack, so the new cap brings more homes and suburbs within reach.

Finally, the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee will merge into the standard First Home Guarantee, streamlining applications outside capital cities.

How the scheme works

The HGS allows eligible first home buyers to secure a property with a deposit as low as 5%. The government guarantees a portion of your loan (up to 15% depending on the product), meaning you can avoid paying LMI.

Buyers can access loans with the HGS from a selection of more than 30 participating lenders, including major banks, regional banks and customer-owned lenders.

Along with the changes outlined above, the federal government has asked Housing Australia to review the lender panel with the goal of adding more options. This would give buyers a broader choice of loan products and terms to suit their needs.

Applying for the 5% deposit scheme

The application process is straightforward when you work with a mortgage broker:

Your broker will explain how the Home Guarantee Scheme works and assess your eligibility based on the latest criteria
They’ll confirm the property price cap for your location and help you understand what kind of property you can target
They’ll recommend suitable lenders that participate in the scheme and guide you through gathering the right documentation
They’ll submit your application to the chosen lender for pre-approval and support you through to settlement
They can also structure your loan strategically to suit your broader financial goals

Why acting fast could pay off

While the changes open the door to more buyers, they could also drive up competition – and prices – in certain brackets.

Experts have warned that the higher caps and wider eligibility may boost demand, especially for homes priced near the $950,000 mark. In Melbourne, that could lead to increased competition for properties around that level, so acting quickly once you’re ready could give you an edge.

Knowing what you’re looking for, getting pre-approval and understanding your budget are critical.

What to plan for beyond the deposit

While the Scheme reduces the barrier of a large deposit, there are other important costs to factor in:

Loan repayments

A smaller deposit means a bigger loan. Ensure your budget can comfortably cover repayments alongside your day-to-day living expenses.

Interest rate fluctuations

Rates can rise over time, affecting your monthly repayments. It’s important to factor potential increases into your financial planning.

Stamp duty costs

Some buyers may qualify for concessions or exemptions, but it’s still a major upfront cost. Your broker can check what you’re eligible for.

Legal and conveyancing fees

You’ll need to budget for the cost of a solicitor or conveyancer to manage the legal side of your purchase.

Property maintenance costs

Owning a home comes with ongoing costs such as repairs, insurance and utilities. These should be included in your budget.

Long-term financial planning

Consider how your mortgage fits with broader goals, like saving for retirement, investing or family planning.

Modelling your finances with AXTON’s Next Purchase software

To help you plan with confidence, AXTON Finance offers the Next Purchase software. This tool lets you model cash flow, stamp duty, ongoing costs and borrowing capacity both before and after settlement.

By testing different scenarios, including changes in interest rates, deposit size or purchase price, you can see how each decision impacts your long-term position.

Combined with expert advice from a mortgage broker, this tool helps you buy with clarity and confidence.

Why working with a broker can help

A mortgage broker can guide you through the updated Home Guarantee Scheme rules, help you access the right lender and structure your application for maximum benefit. With unlimited places, higher caps and increased eligibility, demand is expected to spike. Having an expert guide the process gives you a stronger chance of securing the right loan and the right property.

At AXTON Finance, we specialise in helping first home buyers navigate these opportunities, matching you with the right lender and ensuring your loan supports your long-term financial goals.

Thinking about buying with just a 5% deposit? With new price caps and unlimited places, now’s the time to act. AXTON Finance can guide you through the scheme and help you secure the right loan. Call 03 9939 7576, email  [email protected] or get in touch to get started.

Dwelling completions climbed 6% over the last year in Victoria

Posted on 04/08/202522/08/2025 by Hunter Scribe

More homes are finally making it to market in Victoria, offering welcome relief for buyers and investors. That’s after Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows a 5.9% increase in the number of dwellings completed in the 12 months to March 2025 when compared to the previous year.

This uptick suggests more homes are finally making it through the pipeline – welcome news for a market that’s struggled to keep pace with population growth and housing demand.

Victoria tops the charts for new housing completions

In total, 59,878 dwellings were completed across the state over the last year, according to the ABS. As the graph shows, this is well ahead of the next state, New South Wales, where 45,101 dwellings were completed.

Victoria has long led the pack on new builds, with more dwelling completions than any other state in every quarter since before the pandemic

Encouragingly, momentum is building earlier in the pipeline too. Victoria also topped the country for dwelling commencements, pointing to further supply increases on the horizon.

In the 12 months to the March 2025 quarter, construction began on just over 54,000 new dwellings, up 3.6% from the previous 12-month period. While most states and territories saw a lift over this period, Victoria’s increase was the largest.

Detached homes driving growth

Most of the recent growth in new supply has come from detached houses in the private sector, which tends to dominate in outer suburban growth corridors. Of all dwellings completed in the past year, 63.5% were private sector houses.

The HIA’s data shows that Victoria’s growth in detached new home sales was part of a broader national trend. Two rate cuts and stabilising inflation have improved borrowing conditions and reignited interest in new homes.

New home sales are also up

The uplift in construction is also being backed by renewed buyer interest. Nationally, new home sales jumped 18.8% in the June quarter – the strongest result in nearly three years. Once again, Victoria is leading the way.

According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Victoria saw a 27.7% increase in new detached home sales in the June 2025 quarter compared to the previous three months. This was the largest gain of any state.

However, the HIA cautioned that sales volumes in Victoria remain low by historical standards. High land costs, long lead times and ongoing builder capacity constraints continue to limit supply.

Numbers remain below government targets

The Victorian government has set a target of building 800,000 new homes by 2034. Having started in 2024, this would require the delivery of 80,000 new dwellings annually. So, while the current improvements on commencements and completions are positive, numbers are still well below what is required in order to meet these state targets.

And, given that the goals were set based largely on population growth rates, if targets are not met, the housing shortage will likely persist, putting further pressure on the overall housing market.

Why is this important news for buyers?

For Melbourne buyers, especially those looking to upgrade or invest, rising completions are significant. More dwelling options, including house and land packages or brand-new builds, offer greater flexibility in terms of design, location and features.

More stock can also reduce competition in some parts of the market, easing price pressure and creating a more favourable environment for buyers.

For investors, new properties can offer strong depreciation benefits, lower maintenance costs and better tenant appeal. With population growth continuing to fuel rental demand, well-located new builds can deliver stable returns while avoiding the hidden costs often found in older homes.

What to consider when buying a new build

If you’re thinking about buying in Melbourne’s growing new-build market, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Loan type

The type of loan you need will vary depending on the structure of your purchase. If you’re buying a house and land package or building from scratch, you’ll likely require a construction loan. These differ from standard home loans, with progress payments made at each stage of construction. Your broker can explain the process and help ensure your loan structure is right.

Due diligence

It’s just as important to do your homework on a new build as it is with an established home. Check exactly what’s included in the build price, assess the builder’s reputation, and confirm timelines and inclusions. A thorough contract review can help prevent costly surprises.

Stamp duty concessions

In Victoria, off-the-plan purchases and newly built homes can qualify for stamp duty concessions or even full exemptions. These savings can be significant, so speak to your mortgage broker about what you might qualify for.

Talk to a broker before you buy or build

With more new builds entering the market, buyers have more choice – but also more decisions to make. Choosing between build types, loan structures and available government incentives can be complex.

An experienced Melbourne mortgage broker like AXTON Finance can make the process simpler. We can compare suitable loan options, explain construction finance, help you access concessions and connect you with professionals such as conveyancers and building inspectors to support your due diligence.

By working with a broker, you’ll gain clarity, save time and feel more confident in your next property move.

If you’re exploring opportunities in Melbourne’s growing new build market, AXTON Finance can help you make a confident next step. Call 03 9939 7576, email [email protected]

What’s behind Melbourne’s rising property prices and what buyers need to know

Posted on 11/07/202527/08/2025 by Hunter Scribe

After a challenging few years, Melbourne’s property market is staging a comeback. New data confirms that the city’s long-awaited price recovery is taking hold, driven by a combination of relative affordability, population growth, easing economic pressures and renewed buyer confidence.

What’s happening with property prices?

Melbourne home values are rising again. PropTrack’s June 2025 home value index revealed that dwelling values climbed for the fourth consecutive month, taking annual growth into positive territory (1%) for the first time in over two years.

The city’s median house value now sits at $979,000, with units at $609,000.

Domain expects this growth to continue, forecasting Melbourne’s median house price to hit $1.11 million by the end of the 2025-26 financial year – a 6% increase year-on-year. That would mark a full recovery from the 2022–2024 downturn. Units are projected to climb 5% to $584,000.

What’s behind Melbourne’s rising property prices?

Affordability advantage fuels demand

One of Melbourne’s key selling points is its relative affordability compared to other major cities. In 2019, Sydney houses were 26% more expensive than those in Melbourne, according to Domain. As the graph below shows, by March 2025, that gap had grown to 63%.

Meanwhile, Brisbane and Perth have now caught up to Melbourne on price, eroding the cost advantage they offered in recent years.

In fact, as of June 2025, PropTrack’s data has Melbourne ranked sixth-most expensive city for median dwelling value, behind Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.

This shift is drawing interest from price-sensitive buyers and interstate investors, particularly as borrowing conditions ease.

Strong population growth

Another factor bolstering Melbourne’s outlook is population growth. After falling behind during the pandemic years, in 2024 Victoria’s population grew at the second-fastest rate of all states at 1.9%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The state accounted for 30% of the nation’s total population increase, its largest share in over a decade.

This growth drives long-term demand for housing. More people mean more competition for properties, particularly in high-demand suburbs close to employment, education and transport hubs.

Interest rate cuts boost buyer confidence

A timely driver behind Melbourne’s property market turnaround has been the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) recent interest rate cuts. After a prolonged period of rate hikes aimed at cooling inflation, the RBA has now cut the cash rate twice in 2025, signalling a clear shift in monetary policy.

Lower interest rates have a direct impact on buyer sentiment and affordability. As mortgage repayments ease, more buyers can enter the market, and existing buyers can stretch their budgets further. This creates increased competition for available properties, which in turn puts upward pressure on prices.

Although the RBA surprised markets by holding the cash rate in July, it is likely that there are more cuts to come. With inflation continuing to trend lower and economic conditions softening, many economists anticipate further reductions in the cash rate into 2026.

The RBA board itself forecasts the official cash rate will drop to 3.2% by mid-2026.

The prospect of lower rates is fuelling a sense of urgency among buyers hoping to purchase before the market accelerates further.

As borrowing capacity improves and confidence returns, interest rate cuts are helping to reignite the growth cycle, particularly in markets like Melbourne, where prices had previously stagnated.

What do buyers need to know?

Consider units if houses are out of reach

While both houses and units are experiencing growth, house prices are expected to recover fully from the 2022-24 downturn and reach new records by the end of the 2025-26 financial year, according to Domain.

Unit prices, while rising, are likely to lag behind and remain below their 2021 peak by June 2026. So while houses are leading Melbourne’s recovery, units offer a more affordable entry point.

Look beyond the inner suburbs

Outer and regional suburbs are playing a major role in Melbourne’s recovery. According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, Melbourne’s outer suburbs, such as Frankston, Frankston South and Rockbank have shown significant growth up 9%, 12.8% and 8.8% respectively in the June 2025 quarter.

Be ready to compete

Buyer demand is picking up quickly, but the number of properties for sale hasn’t kept pace. Total listings were down 0.8% year-on-year in June, according to SQM Research, tightening supply and intensifying competition across many price points.

Get your finance sorted early

With prices on the rise, borrowing power improving and listings still tight, this is a critical moment for Melbourne buyers. Acting early, and with the right support, can make all the difference.

Having pre-approval in place and a clear understanding of your budget can give you an edge in a fast-moving market, especially when the right property doesn’t stay available for long.

Additionally, working with a Melbourne mortgage broker like Axton Finance, with a deep understanding of the Melbourne real estate market, can help you understand your options, secure competitive rates and act quickly when the right property comes along.

Ready to capitalise on Melbourne’s rebound? Axton Finance can help you make the most of today’s conditions. As a trusted Melbourne mortgage broker, we’ll guide you through your options, maximise your borrowing power and structure your loan for long-term success. Call us on 03 9939 7576, email [email protected] or click here to get in touch.

What buyers need to know about Victoria’s housing shortage

Posted on 13/06/202504/07/2025 by Hunter Scribe

Victoria’s housing market has been under intense pressure in recent years, with supply struggling to keep pace with demand.

In 2023, the state government pledged to facilitate the building of 800,000 new homes by 2034, a target that requires at least 80,000 new homes to be completed each year.

However, the state fell short in 2024. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows only 60,220 dwellings were completed in 2024. While that’s an improvement on 2023’s 56,435, it’s still 20,000 homes short of the annual goal.

At the same time, Victoria’s population grew by more than 146,000 people in the 12 months to September 2024. This increase of 2.1% annually was the second-fastest growth rate in the country, according to the ABS.

More people means more pressure on housing – making the supply gap even more urgent.

<br />

How the shortage happened

Several key factors explain this shortfall:

1. Labour and skills shortage

One of the biggest constraints is a chronic shortage of skilled tradespeople and construction workers. In October 2024, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) estimated the country would need an additional 83,000 tradies to reach national housing targets.

Both the HIA and Master Builders Association report losing residential construction workers to other sectors, particularly government infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the pipeline of apprentices and skilled labour isn’t being replenished fast enough.

Without enough workers, construction slows, pushing back completion timelines and limiting the number of homes delivered to market.

2. Supply chain disruptions and rising costs

Global instability and supply chain challenges over recent years have increased the cost of building materials and delayed their delivery.

According to Ray White, construction costs have started to moderate. In March 2025, Victoria was the only state to record a decline in construction costs, when prices dropped 1.9% annually. This marks a clear shift from the cycle’s peak in mid-2022, when prices were growing 25% or more annually.

However, moderating costs don’t mean affordability has returned. New homes remain expensive to build – and to buy.

3. Tax and regulatory burdens

Victoria’s relatively high property taxes, including recent land tax hikes on investment properties, have discouraged investors, reducing their willingness to invest in new developments.

Developers and industry groups have called for tax relief or reform, arguing that without it, many projects risk delay or cancellation.

4. Slowdown in project commencements

There’s now a widening gap between the number of dwellings approved and those actually under construction. As the graph below shows, ABS recorded 55,888 dwelling approvals in Victoria in 2024, but only 33,848 construction starts.

This gap may be due to financing difficulties, labour shortages, and cautious market sentiment amid affordability concerns – or all of the above. Whatever the cause, the result is a growing backlog of unmet housing demand.

What the shortage means for the property market

1. Continued upward pressure on prices

Despite a slowdown over the last few years, Melbourne’s property prices have turned around, increasing 1.2% since the beginning of the year, according to Cotality.

With housing supply already falling short, long-term demand is only expected to grow. Victoria’s population is projected to reach 10.3 million by 2051, according to the latest Victoria in Future projections. Annual growth is expected to average 9.7% by 2026 and 8% by 2036.

This sustained population growth, without a corresponding increase in housing, is likely to keep prices rising in the years ahead.

2. Rising rents and rental scarcity

Victoria’s rental market is tight, partly due to investors retreating amid tax hikes and in response to increased costs.

The number of rental bonds lodged in Victoria dropped by more than 20,000 in 2024, according to PIPA, following the increased land tax bills. This has reduced the overall rental stock and increased pressure on tenants.

Melbourne’s rental vacancy rate dropped to 1.8% in April, according to SQM Research and has hovered below 2% since early 2022. Asking rents have risen accordingly – up 2.0% in the 12 months to June – as competition for limited rental properties remains fierce.

Government’s response

The Victorian government has taken steps to try and boost housing supply and ease affordability pressures. The 2025-26 state budget included several initiatives:

Extension of off-the-plan stamp duty concessions: Buyers of apartments, units and townhouses on strata titles will keep benefiting from reduced stamp duty on the land component until October 2026.
Investment in infrastructure and housing: The budget committed $24 million to develop up to 300,000 new homes near tram and train hubs, and $12 million for planning 13,200 new homes with backyards in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

Despite these measures, experts said the budget does not do enough to support homebuyers.

The HIA argued that more significant action, like planning reform that streamlines approvals, would do more to add to the state’s housing shortage.

Looking ahead

Victoria’s housing shortage is unlikely to ease without addressing the root causes: labour shortages, high construction costs, supply chain issues and taxation pressures.

That said, ongoing stamp duty concessions and targeted infrastructure investment may present new opportunities for buyers and investors – particularly in emerging development corridors.

With the state’s population set to continue growing, private investment will be crucial to easing the pressure on both the housing and rental markets.

For buyers and investors, working with an experienced mortgage broker can give you a strategic edge. A broker can help you find the right loan, maximise your borrowing power and navigate the finance process, so you can act with confidence in a competitive environment.

Thinking about buying your next home or investment property? Reach out to Axton Finance, a skilled mortgage broker in Melbourne, for expert advice and personalised loan options that put you ahead in Melbourne’s competitive market. Email us at [email protected] or click here to get in touch.

Victoria Property Investing: Affordable, Underrated and Still Full of Potential

Posted on 09/05/202522/05/2025 by Clinton Waters

If you’ve been following the national property conversation lately, you’ll know Victoria has taken a few punches in the media. From new taxes to doubts around investment returns, some buyers are wondering whether it’s still a smart place to invest.

But when you strip away the headlines and look at the numbers, Victoria’s value proposition becomes clearer and in some cases, stronger than other states.

Land Tax: Not Always What It Seems

Let’s take land tax, one of the most debated issues for property investors in Victoria.

For example, on a land value of $1,000,000:

Victoria: land tax approx. $4,770 per annum

Queensland: land tax approx. $4,700 per annum

It’s the same, right?

But here’s the kicker – once the land value increases beyond here, Queensland’s land tax grows faster.

Let’s say the land value is $1.8 million:

Queensland: $17,700 per annum

Victoria: only $11,850 per annum

So while Queensland is often seen as the “investor-friendly” state, Victoria may actually be more cost-effective once you go over the $1M threshold and at a cheaper entry point also! Would you believe that Melbourne’s median dwelling value ($776k November 2024) is ranked sixth lowest among the eight capital cities in CoreLogic’s Home Value Index (HVI) report published November 2024.

How Other States Compare

NSW: Higher tax-free threshold ($1,075,000), but house prices are significantly higher, pushing you easily into higher brackets.

Tasmania: Flat 1.5% over $25,000 – resulting in ~$15,000 land tax each year on a $1.0m property!

WA & SA: Mid-range land tax, but with less capital growth opportunity given the strong bull run of the last few years.

NT: No land tax at all but limited investment-grade property and demand.

ACT: Land tax based comparable but based on a more complicated formula

What You Get for Your Money in Victoria

Melbourne and major regional Victorian cities offer more value per square metre than most other capital cities in Australia.

For example:

A $900k budget in Melbourne could buy a modest renovated home within 20-25kms of the CBD, in a well-established suburb with great amenity and infrastructure. In Sydney, that might only get you a pokey unit or if you are lucky a townhouse much further from the city.

Plus, Victoria offers:

World-class schools, universities and infrastructure
Rich cultural and lifestyle diversity
A long-term track record of capital growth

Source Corelogic https://www.corelogic.com.au

A Word on Sentiment

Yes, the mainstream media has been pretty harsh on Victoria in recent years. But sentiment is just that – sentiment.

Melbourne remains one of the world’s most liveable cities, with comparative affordability to the rest of the country, strong population inflows, and continues to see low rental vacancy rates and high competition for quality homes.

Victoria – Still the Place to Be

As the old number plates once said, “Victoria – The Place to Be.” Based on the number of interstate inquiries we have been fielding in recent months, we still believe this is the case.

So while taxes matter, when you run the numbers and compare them to other states, Victoria stacks up surprisingly well – especially for investors with landholdings close to or over $1M in other states.

Ready to Invest Smarter in Victoria?

At AXTON Finance, we help smart investors structure their investment property loans for long-term success. Our experienced team of eight licensed mortgage brokers have extensive experience in investment lending mortgage solutions – we’ve got your back.

Chat with us today obligation free on 03 9939 7576 or message us here.

Should I Buy an Investment Property in Melbourne in 2025

Posted on 09/05/202502/07/2025 by Clinton Waters

Despite some recent fluctuations, Melbourne’s property market presents compelling opportunities for investors in 2025. While some forecasts suggest moderate growth (3% to 5% per annum), others are more optimistic, especially when comparing against interstate options that now appear much less appealing. Looking past short-term movements that have taken place over the last couple of years in Melbourne, the fundamentals remain strong. Melbourne’s median dwelling value is ranked sixth lowest among the eight Australian capital cities in CoreLogic’s Home Value Index (HVI) report published November 2024.

Why Consider Buying an Investment Property in Melbourne?

1. Affordability

Compared to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, Melbourne offers more accessible entry points for investors, particularly in middle-ring and emerging growth suburbs.

2. Population Growth

Strong interstate and international migration continues to drive demand across Melbourne’s rental and property market.

3. Rental Demand

Vacancy rates are at historic lows, creating strong competition among renters and consistent rental yields for landlords.

4. Infrastructure Pipeline

Ongoing projects like the Westgate Tunnel Project, Metro Tunnel Project, Suburban Rail Loop and Melbourne Airport Rail Link will improve connectivity and boost property demand in new zones.

5. Diverse Housing Options

From period homes to modern apartments, Melbourne offers a wide range of opportunities for different strategies – whether you’re buying for capital growth, rental yield, or redevelopment.

Source Corelogic https://www.corelogic.com.au

Key Takeaway: Melbourne Delivers Value

Melbourne continues to offer value on a national scale, especially when factoring in land tax differences, as explored in our Victorian Land Tax Comparison Blog.

Compared to the high purchase prices and sharper land tax curves in Sydney and Brisbane, Melbourne remains one of the most attractive options for property investors in 2025.

Want Tailored Mortgage Advice for Your Next Investment?

Speak with the experienced mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance to structure your investment loan, maximise tax deductions, and grow your portfolio with confidence.

Call us now on 03 9939 7576 or leave a message to discuss a tailored investment lending solution for you.

Merging Expertise: Welcoming Aviser Finance to the AXTON Family

Posted on 28/10/202408/11/2024 by Rix Almonicar

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for AXTON Finance: the official merging of Aviser Finance into the AXTON family! This partnership brings together the expertise and dedication of both companies to create an even stronger, more personalized mortgage broking service.

After many years of working alongside one another and maintaining a close industry relationship, it was the perfect time to take this next step. We are excited about this merger, which reflects our shared values and commitment to putting client goals at the forefront of everything we do.

Aviser Finance, led by Martin Ryan, has long been recognised for its high standards of professional mortgage advice, personalised service, and deep care for their clients. We are delighted that Martin, along with Tonina, Joyce, and Anne, have all joined the AXTON Finance team. Together, we are ready to grow stronger and continue offering the same exceptional service that Aviser clients have come to expect over the years.

For Aviser clients, while the company name may be different, the exceptional team you know and trust remains the same. Martin and his dedicated team will continue providing the mortgage solutions and guidance you rely on, now under the AXTON Finance banner. Our combined experience and enhanced capabilities will serve to bring even greater value to your mortgage journey.

This merger is not just about joining forces; it’s about growth, shared purpose, and building a future that benefits our clients. By integrating Aviser Finance into AXTON Finance, we can draw upon a broader network of expertise, enhance our service offerings, and ensure our clients benefit from a supportive and knowledgeable team that puts their needs first.

We are excited to welcome the Aviser Finance clients and team members into our AXTON Finance family. With our shared vision of excellence and customer-first service, we look forward to building a prosperous relationship and continued success together.

If you’re an Aviser client or want to learn more about the benefits of working with AXTON Finance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to provide the same level of care, dedication, and tailored solutions that have always been our hallmark.

AXTON Finance Expands with Strategic Client Book Acquisition

Posted on 11/08/202411/08/2024 by Clinton Waters

At AXTON Finance, we are thrilled to share some significant and exciting news with our valued clients and partners. In a move that further strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional mortgage broking services, we have recently acquired the client book of industry veteran Chris Angus from Badu Capital. This acquisition marks a major milestone in our journey and underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality of service to our growing client base.

Chris Angus, a well-respected figure in the mortgage industry, has transitioned to an executive role within one of Australia’s largest mortgage broking groups. As part of this transition, Chris made the carefully considered decision to transfer his client book to AXTON Finance. The key criterion for this transition was to ensure that the values and quality of service that clients have come to expect from Chris and Badu Capital would not only be maintained but elevated.

We are honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and are fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all clients involved. At AXTON Finance, our team is led by Clinton Waters, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. Clinton’s leadership is complemented by a team of seven highly experienced mortgage brokers, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Together, we have earned over 300 five-star Google reviews, a testament to our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

Our team is renowned for its streamlined systems and client-focused approach. We pride ourselves on our ability to help clients optimize their mortgage lending structures and navigate the complexities of credit advice with confidence. With this acquisition, we are excited to extend these benefits to our new clients, ensuring that they continue to receive the exceptional service they deserve.

It’s important to note that while Chris Angus has taken on a new role, Badu Capital remains actively trading in Brisbane under the leadership of Mick Angus and we are proud to carry forward the legacy of excellence that Chris established with his predominately Melbourne based clients.

We understand that change can bring questions, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are a new client joining us through this acquisition or a long-standing member of the AXTON Finance family, we are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you would like to discuss your current mortgage scenario or explore new opportunities with a member of the AXTON Finance team, we invite you to book an obligation-free consultation with us. We are here to help you achieve your financial goals and look forward to continuing to serve you with the excellence that defines AXTON Finance.

We are excited about this new chapter and are committed to making this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible for all our clients.

Listen To Clinton’s Interview With The Real Estate Podcast

Posted on 06/03/202407/03/2024 by Clinton Waters

Household Income Homebuyers Surged to $220,000 – Clinton’s interview on Home Affordability!

Listen to episode #928 of @therealestatepodcast where Clint is interviewed by the shows host Craig. In this short 15 minute podcast Clint provides his expert insights on home affordability, interest rate forecasts, the surge in household homebuyer incomes, and the dynamics of sharing property ownership.

Should You Be Loyal To Your Bank?

Posted on 21/12/202321/12/2023 by Clinton Waters

When it comes to your money, especially a significant commitment like a mortgage, loyalty to your bank might seem like a good idea. Many homeowners tend to stick with their original lender out of familiarity, a sense of loyalty or sometimes because they think it’s too hard to change. However, the mortgage landscape is constantly evolving, regardless if interest rates are increasing, decreasing or going sideways and sticking with your bank probably isn’t always in your best interest – not that they will tell you this…

Is maintaining allegiance to your bank when you have a mortgage crucial? Or does prudently exploring better deals that align with your interests make more financial sense?

The myth of loyalty

The notion of loyalty to your bank is deeply ingrained in many individuals. Often, people associate familiarity and a long-standing relationship with their bank as a form of security. However, while loyalty may have its merits in certain aspects of life, it might not always pay dividends in the realm of your home loan and your hard-earned dollars.

New to bank = a better deal

You would think that being loyal means you should get a better rate or a discount like you do with your insurance company, but this is often not the case. While you might get a slight improvement by haggling with your old bank the overall system is hugely hungry for ‘book growth’, meaning banks and lenders will usually trip over themselves to get new customers in the door and rely on their ‘loyal’ customers to stay put at higher rates – it’s just the way the system often works. Even when you get your current bank to tweak your rate, there will come the point when the ‘computer says no’ because the return on their loan isn’t worth it anymore for a host of technical reasons – you might think you got a better deal, but did you?

You don’t know what you don’t know

Mortgage rates fluctuate regularly. What might have been a competitive rate when you initially secured your mortgage a few years back could now pale in comparison to newer, more favourable deals available in the market. By limiting yourself to one lender, you could potentially miss out on a better interest rate or more favourable terms offered by other banks and lenders.

Why reviewing your mortgage regularly is crucial

One of the keys to ensuring you’re not missing out on a better deal is to review your mortgage at least every one to two years. This proactive approach allows you to assess if your current loan still aligns with your financial goals and if there are better options available. You are probably unsurprised that banks don’t prioritise this process, and they are not obliged to always act in your best interest – licensed mortgage brokers are, however! This means you may be unaware of a better rate available from your current lender or someone else in the market.

This is where the expert mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance can help save you a lot of time and money. AXTON Finance is committed to empowering homeowners by regularly reviewing their loans with automated repricing tools that needle your bank or lender to ensure you get the best rate for your scenario. After all, if we are not doing this on your behalf, we are certain you will and that you may leave us! One of our primary goals is to create a long-term relationship with you as your trusted mortgage broker. We do not treat you as a once-off transaction!

Our efficient digital systems ensure that your mortgage is reviewed at least annually, ensuring that you are getting the best possible rate and terms that suit your needs.

Why AXTON Finance are Melbourne’s leading Mortgage Brokers

Unlike dealing directly with banks and online lenders, AXTON Finance is dedicated to working in your best interest. Our team of experienced mortgage brokers navigates the complex mortgage market on your behalf, identifying tailored structures and negotiating to secure lower interest rates and favourable terms.

We provide you with personalised attention, ensuring that your financial goals are understood and catered to effectively.

We build relationships – not transactions

While bank loyalty may have been a thing when 20th-century bank managers had authority, it’s now essential to recognise that in modern home and investment loans, blind loyalty to your bank might only sometimes serve your best interests. Regularly reviewing your mortgage and exploring better deals is indeed a smart financial move but getting experienced advice from the leading mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance will help ensure your best interests and not the banks are being served!

We know that your mortgage is not just a set-and-forget transaction but an evolving instrument that adapts to your changing financial needs. Don’t wait for your bank to offer you the best deal; take control of your financial future today. Contact AXTON Finance, Melbourne’s trusted mortgage brokers, and experience our personalised service, efficient systems, and dedicated team, who can help you secure a better mortgage approval.