In this Deep Dive episode of You Have My Interest, we unpack the big changes coming to the First Home Buyer Government Guarantee Scheme from 1 January 2026. These updates include the removal of income caps and significant increases to property price caps across Australia, meaning more buyers will be eligible to purchase with just a 5% deposit, avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and access competitive home loan rates. We break down what these updates mean in practice and explore how they could impact first home buyers, increase market activity, and potentially shift property prices. With 2026 right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning ahead and getting ready to make your move. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or want to understand how the scheme could affect the housing market, this episode is packed with insights to help you prepare.

In this week's episode of You Have My Interest, we delve into a recent finance file where we assisted a family unit – parents and their daughter – in purchasing a new home off the plan. In this unique scenario, the daughter (a lawyer with her own investment property) teamed up with her parents (both working, with existing properties and business liabilities) to buy together. We unpack how a lender’s mortgage insurance waiver allowed them to purchase at a 90% loan-to-value ratio without paying LMI, saving them thousands upfront. You’ll hear about the challenges they faced navigating existing debts and business guarantees, and how working with a broker helped them find a solution their bank couldn’t provide – securing fast approval, keeping repayments manageable, and achieving an outcome that worked for everyone involved.

In this episode Evelyn and Maddie sit down with Ravi Sharma, an influential name in Australian real estate and a finalist for the REB's Buyer's Agency of The Year (2023) and Rising Star Finalist Award (2023). Ravi, with his down-to-earth wisdom, shares key things to know about buying your first home, investing in properties, and understanding the ins and outs of the Australian property market. Whether you're just starting your home buying journey or you're an old hand at property investing, this episode has something for you! Ravi is founder of SearchProperty, for more check out www.searchpropertyau.com.au. Hear from from Ravi on his YouTube channel 'Personal Finance with Ravi Sharma' and contact him directly at Ravi@searchpropertyau.com.au.

In this Q&A episode, our hosts Maddie and Evelyn sit down with Phil Thompson, a seasoned financial planner from Melbourne. The Q&A is centered around a topic that's crucial but often overlooked - personal insurance. Throughout the discussion, they navigate the four cornerstones of personal insurance: life insurance, income protection insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and trauma insurance. With Phil's in-depth knowledge, listeners are offered a deep understanding of the purpose and benefits of each type of insurance. Phil highlights the critical role of sufficient coverage in protecting not just oneself but also loved ones, in terms of financial stability. He also sheds light on key factors one should consider when selecting personal insurance, such as age, health, occupation, dependents, and long-term financial goals. This episode serves as a rich resource for anyone seeking to make well-informed decisions about their personal insurance requirements. Inspired to reevaluate your personal insurance needs? Connect with Phil Thompson and his dedicated team at Skye Financial Services. Website: https://www.skye.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skye.wealth/ Email: phil@skye.com.au

In this episode, hosts Maddie and Evelyn interview Phil Thompson, a financial planner based in Melbourne, to discuss the importance of personal insurance. They explore the four main types of personal insurance: life insurance, income protection insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and trauma insurance. Phil provides insights into the purpose and benefits of each type, emphasising the significance of adequate coverage to safeguard oneself and loved ones financially. The conversation also covers factors to consider when choosing personal insurance, such as age, health, occupation, dependents, and financial goals. Listeners gain valuable information to make informed decisions about their personal insurance needs. Ready to give your personal insurance the attention it deserves? Connect with Phil Thompson and his dedicated team at Skye Financial Services to review and enhance your coverage. They understand the importance of safeguarding what matters most to you. Website: https://www.skye.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skye.wealth/ Email: phil@skye.com.au

In this episode, Evelyn and Maddie discussed various policies available for medical professionals to obtain finance, including lenders mortgage insurance waivers, income policies, and self-employed policies. The eligibility criteria for these policies have expanded recently to include a wider range of medical professionals, including those in the healthcare and education industries. Medical professionals may also be eligible for higher lending amounts, up to $5-7 million with some lenders, compared to the usual $3 million lending cap on any one property. Evelyn and Maddie also discuss the benefits of buying a property with a lower deposit and considering the bigger picture for long-term gains.

Do you work in a medical field and are wanting to purchase property? In this Finance Files episode, Maddie takes you through a client’s journey on purchasing their second investment property by using equity from their first, and how working in the medico sector has helped her get there faster. We go through her financial scenario in full, so you can see if this relates to you!
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