Down to Finance Australia

Hosted by Director Amie Tennant, with brokers Sarah and Brendon, this episode breaks down why first home buyers have more opportunity right now than they have in years. Current stamp duty exemptions and who qualifies The 95% no LMI scheme and how it works Why agents are prioritising first home buyers right now A real client story on the impact of timing If you've been putting off buying your f...

A fast-moving Q&A covering the questions most first-time property investors are thinking, but not always asking out loud. This panel discussion tackles common decision points around budgeting, strategy, yield vs growth, market trends, depreciation basics, and the practical steps to take before applying for your first investment loan. Key takeaways: Why planning and budgeting come before proper...

If you’re a first-time property investor, your next best move might be getting clarity on the bigger plan first. Ricky Jewell explains how property fits into long-term wealth strategy, why structure and tax matter over time, and how risk planning protects the progress you’re trying to make. Key takeaways: Setting goals that guide every investment decision Why structure and tax shape long-term outc...

First-time investors often ask “where should I buy?” - but the better question is “what’s my strategy?” Patricia Zurrer explains how to define goals, use Australia-wide research, and understand property cycles so you’re not buying at the wrong time based on headlines. Key takeaways: Why strategy should lead the buying process How to think about cycles, timing, and growth drivers Why infrastructure...

Depreciation is one of the most misunderstood parts of property investing - and one of the most useful for cash flow. Daniel Ward explains what depreciation is, how schedules work, and the key differences between new and older properties when it comes to deductions. Key takeaways: Depreciation basics and why it matters What quantity surveyors do and why compliance matters Capital works vs plant an...

Finding the right property is only half the job - the buying process and rental reality matter too. Ash Marton shares how first-time investors can get closer to real opportunities and negotiate with more confidence. Kevin Ljungberg follows with a practical leasing view: what renters want, what to budget for, and how compliance affects costs. Key takeaways: How to stay “across the deal” before it b...

Structure is one of the biggest early decisions a first-time property investor makes. Adam Pasquill unpacks the basics of negative gearing, CGT, and the high-level differences between common ownership structures, plus the considerations that should guide the decision. Key takeaways: What negative gearing means and how deductions work How CGT treatment differs from regular income How goals (growth...

Borrowing power is the real starting line for first-time property investors. Amie Tennant shares the lending foundations that help investors move from “someday” to a real plan - including what lenders look at, how to prepare early, and why pre-approval can change your buying position. Key takeaways: How brokers compare lenders and guide you through approval to settlement Deposit, costs, and buildi...

If you’ve wondered whether to fix, stay variable, or run a split - this one’s for you. We break down the real drivers of your interest rate, from LVR tiers and credit score to product choice and lender appetite. You’ll hear when a basic loan beats a package, how offsets shave years off your term, and why keeping repayments steady after a rate cut can save a fortune. Clear, practical, and built for...

If you are self-employed and thinking about buying, refinancing or investing, this one is for you. Amy Tennant sits down with Mandy and Sarah to break down exactly what lenders want to see from business owners. They cover full doc and low doc options, when one year of financials can work, how BAS and business bank statements are used, and why net profit - not just turnover - is what banks care abo...

The First Home Buyer Scheme just changed — and it could make buying your first home in Australia easier than ever. In this episode, Sarah, Mandy, and Molly from Future Finance Group explain what’s new: income caps removed, higher price limits, eligibility expanded to permanent residents and NZ citizens, and how rent ledgers can now help prove genuine savings. We also share the key documents you’ll...

In this episode of Down to Finance with FFG Australia , we bust the biggest home loan myths Aussie buyers still believe —from needing years of savings to HECS debt destroying your chances. We cover probation periods, one payslip approvals, genuine savings, credit scores, maternity leave, and the 2% single parent deposit scheme. Clear, simple truths for buyers who want to know what lenders actually...

In this episode of Down to Finance with FFG Australia , we’re joined by Patricia Zurrer from Property Consulting Australia to unpack what really matters when investing in property. From rentvesting and balancing growth vs cashflow, to maximising depreciation benefits and avoiding “accidental” investments, Patricia shares expert tips to help you build smarter strategies in the Australian market.

Buying your first home? We unpack real pathways to buy sooner in Australia: 5% deposits with no LMI, stamp duty savings, how gifts and rent ledgers can count toward “genuine savings,” and when a family guarantor can help you buy with no savings. We also explain combining schemes—and why “buy when you can” still holds up.

A Straightforward Chat About Selling Property (and Doing It Well)What does a good real estate agent actually do? In this honest, practical conversation, Amie and Sarah from Future Finance Group sit down with experienced agent Daniel to unpack what goes on behind the scenes when selling a home. From getting your property market-ready to understanding buyer psychology and the importance of strong ag...

In this powerful episode, Amie and Sarah are joined by Ricky from Index Wealth as Sarah shares the deeply personal story of losing her partner at just 28—with two kids under four and a newly purchased property. What followed was grief, overwhelming financial pressure, and a hard lesson in how unprepared most of us really are. They unpack what could’ve changed if a financial planner had been involv...

In this episode, Amie and Sarah are joined once again by buyer’s advocate Andrew Date to walk through a real client success story—from selling a long-held family home in Seaford to buying a rare off-market apartment in Melbourne’s CBD. Andrew shares the strategy behind selling and buying simultaneously, navigating lifestyle change in your 50s, and the due diligence that separates good properties f...

Olivia from First Class Legal joins Amie and Sarah to break down the biggest legal risks buyers and sellers face—and how a good conveyancer can save you major headaches. They talk through when to engage a conveyancer, what’s involved in a section 32, and how hidden contract terms, illegal building works, or poor communication can turn a property deal into a nightmare. Whether you’re buying your fi...

In this episode, Amie and Sarah sits down with Ricky from Index Wealth to unpack what financial planners actually do—and why almost everyone can benefit from seeing one. They talk through how advice is tailored to life stage, whether you're buying a first home, raising a family, managing multiple super accounts, or planning retirement. Ricky shares why planning ahead—especially for health or incom...

Do you really need a buyer’s agent when purchasing a home or investment property in Australia? In this episode of Down to Finance , buyer’s advocate Andrew Date from Industry Insider Property in Toorak joins us to explain the value of having someone in your corner during the property search. From avoiding costly emotional decisions to accessing off-market deals, Andrew shares stories from the tren...

Buying your first home in Australia? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and practical episode of Down to Finance , the team at Future Finance Group—including Bianca, Mandy and Amba—share their personal experiences buying their first homes, plus expert tips on how to prepare, who to lean on, and how to make it all feel achievable. We cover:• What “ready to buy” really means• W...

Struggling with your credit score in Australia? Here’s how to fix it. In this episode of Down to Finance , Mandy and Sarah from Future Finance Group unpack everything you need to know about your credit report—how it’s calculated, what impacts it, and what steps you can take to improve your score. We break down: • Late payments and buy-now-pay-later traps • How defaults work (and how to fix them) •...

How do you know if you’re actually ready to apply for a home loan? In this episode of Down to Finance , Brendon and Sarah—two seasoned mortgage brokers at FFG—join Amie to break down what it really means to be “application ready.” They share personal stories, explain what banks look for behind the scenes, and unpack the common issues that can delay or derail your finance journey—like low credit sc...

In Episode 1 of Down to Finance , Amie is joined by Brendon and Bianca from the Future Finance Group team to explore why every home loan—regardless of when you took it out—deserves a proper review. From rate checks and lender negotiations to life-stage financial advice, this episode shows how a post-settlement specialist can make all the difference. To book your home loan review, visit futurefinan...