The Orchard

From 1 July 2027, the Government will introduce a fundamental tightening of negative gearing for residential property. The reform pivots decisively toward boosting housing supply: only "new builds" will retain the ability to offset rental losses against salary and wage income. Importantly, the policy does not abolish deductions for established properties. Instead, it ring‑fences them. For an inves...

The Albanese government has announced major tax reforms in the 2026 federal budget, breaking its election promise not to touch negative gearing or capital gains tax. From budget night, negative gearing will only apply to newly built investment properties, ending the long‑standing ability for investors to deduct losses on established homes. The government argues this shift will rebalance the housin...

The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.35%, its highest level in more than a year. This is the third straight increase in 2026, reflecting the RBA's push to rein in persistent inflation and temper wage pressures. The move follows continued signs of rising prices at home and abroad, along with stronger-than-expected household spending. More in...

Australia's housing market is still ticking higher, just not quite as fast as it was a few months ago. According to Cotality's latest Home Value Index, national home values rose  1.0% in November 2025 , the third month in a row of 1%-plus growth.  If you'd like to understand what these shifts mean for  your borrowing power – whether you're looking to buy, refinance or invest – a quick chat can go...

A recent spike in Australian building approvals, suggesting a potential housing boom and easing of the housing crisis. The anticipated interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and high interest rates have previously hampered new housing supply, but the moderation in these costs coupled with lower rates is expected to encourage more cons...

Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and high interest rates have previously hampered new housing supply, but the moderation in these costs coupled with lower rates is expected to encourage more construction. While approvals are increasing, they still lag behind the government's ambitious National Housing Accord target, emphasising the need for continued growth in housing stock to improve a...

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10% in February 2025, marking the first rate cut in over four years. This move, prompted by easing inflation and subdued wage growth, provides modest relief to Australian mortgage holders. The decision has political implications as Australia approaches an election, and the RBA remains cautious about future rate...

Aiming to assist first-time buyers and investors. we examine factors like market trends, rental yields, lifestyle, and growth potential in these budget-friendly locales, recognising the competitive landscape and rising demand in this price segment. The guide draws on real estate reports, government data, and expert insights to analyse median house prices, infrastructure, employment, and amenities....

Mortgage & Finance Brokers cjatting about various loan products, including business loans, with same-day assessments and 24-hour funding. Orchard Lending brokers highlight features like competitive interest rates and no early payout fees, emphasising a quick and transparent application process. We also offer free credit consultations and boast a high success rate. In addition to loan services, the...

Let's chat about how to write a business template. Some ideas around how to write your roadmap, and setout a plan whilst allowing for change being adaptable and fluid; and still maintaing a strong business plan template.  As we look through the guide, you can see how this may apply to your current or future business plans, and some of the base principles that can assist in any business stage, and...

No interest cuts yet according to Core Logic Australia it seems. Discussing the latest announcements from the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to hold interest rates steady, its implications for the housing market, and the wider economic landscape. With insights drawn from Core Logic's article titled "The Last Leg of the Race," we discuss the intricacies of economic data and how i...

Little chat about some of the ways that wedding and event finance can help you have the day you want, without a nasty debt regret hangover. Covering some of the things to consider such as budgeting, weighting wants vs needs, and checking out a little known guide from MoneySmart and their wedding planner budgeting tool. For more info check us out for your wedding and event finance needs.

Check out our discussions around personal loans . We look in to your secured and unsecured options, explain the use of brokers in the process, and what that mysterious comparison rate is all about. 

Let's chat about some of the current housing policy changes aimed at NSW and Australia wide. Looking into some of the policies in discussion between Federal and State Governments to assist with the current housing issues facing  Australia's property markets .

The Australian dream is evolving, however there is significant push back from people not just wanting to 'own anything anywhere' and a view that owning property is not a simple measure of success. Listen as we talk about the evolving strategies people are using in their property purchasing and home ownership dream, and the ways of leveraging mortgages and rentvesting for financial freedom and flex...