A cup or two of herbal tea can work wonders: warming your body from the inside, helping you unwind after a busy day, and filling your home with a soothing aroma. Many herbs actually thrive indoors during the colder months, so I’ve chosen a few of my favorites for you to try. The great advantage of growing herbs on a warm windowsill is that you can easily pick fresh leaves for a calming...

  The dream of homeownership, with its hefty mortgages and long-term commitment, isn’t always the only path to a fulfilling life in Australia’s vibrant cities – here are the suburbs where it’s cheaper to rent than buy.   In the wake of the pandemic, the Australian real estate landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. A year ago, a majority of dwellings across...

  Though the 2032 Olympics are still eight years away, property experts are already predicting a significant impact on the market, with potential property value increases of up to 50% leading up to the event. REA Group CEO Owen Wilson forecasts this rise, citing the continued strong demand in Southeast Queensland. "It's simply a matter of supply and demand. With more people wanting...

Buying a home is one of life's biggest events, and an increasing number of buyers are choosing to build their own.   In a significant shift, nearly one in three Australian homebuyers, or around 31%, now prefer building their own new homes over purchasing existing properties. According to the March to December 2023 ABS Building Activity reports and PropTrack data, more than a quarter of total...

  The increasing wealth of thousands of Australians is set to elevate many to millionaire status within the next five years, according to a new global report. This rise in wealth is primarily attributed to the booming housing market and growing returns on superannuation assets, as noted by one economist. However, the report also indicates a growing wealth inequality.   The Global...

    Looking ahead to the 2024-25 financial year, national prices are projected to rise between 2% and 5%, with capital cities expected to see a slightly higher increase of 3% to 6%. Mr. Kusher noted that the anticipated prolonged period of higher interest rates could reduce buyer activity. However, upcoming tax cuts in the new financial year are expected to increase disposable...

As the end of the financial year approaches, a slew of new laws are set to take effect for Australians. Starting July 1, these changes will impact nearly everyone, from individual taxpayers to families and retirees. Here’s a summary of the major updates coming in the next few weeks, along with their potential impact on your finances, including taxes, superannuation, and government...

  How to Choose the Right Native Plants for Your Backyard   Selecting the right native plants for your backyard can transform your garden into a thriving, sustainable, and beautiful space. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choices: Understand Your Local Climate and Soil Native plants are adapted to the specific conditions of their regions, so understanding your local...

  Scattered throughout our capital cities are a few small suburbs—some with a land area of less than one square kilometre—that you might not know unless you're a local. These suburbs often consist of just a few streets, yet they feature highly desirable homes that have surged in value over the past year. Some of these tiny suburbs boast multi-million dollar median prices,...

  The Australian Federal Government's 2024-25 Budget aims to balance cost of living relief with avoiding inflation. It marks a significant achievement, delivering consecutive surpluses for the first time in nearly two decades. To meet these goals, the budget enacts the previously announced Stage 3 tax cuts, providing tax reductions to all taxpayers starting July 1, 2024. It also includes...