When was the last time you reviewed your mortgage?

Most people set up their loan and never look at it again. But with rising interest rates, changing financial goals and life moving fast, what once made sense might now be costing you.

If your loan hasn’t changed, but your life has, it could be time for a closer look.

Here is what you should consider.

• The Current Interest Rate Environment: Rates have shifted and continue to change. If your rate is no longer competitive, you could be paying more than you need to. A quick review might unlock better options.
  
• Cash Flow: Is your loan putting pressure on your budget? The right structure can improve your monthly cash flow and give you more breathing room.
  
• Future Financial Goals: Whether you’re planning to invest, renovate or upgrade, your mortgage should support your next move, not slow you down.
  
• Life Changes: A new job, a growing family or preparing for retirement can all affect what kind of loan works best. Your mortgage should move with you, not stay stuck in the past.

A simple mortgage review could help you save money, reduce stress and align your loan with where life is heading next.

We offer free 15-minute chats to help you check if your current structure is still the right fit. To book in your free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

• Book a Quick Chat
• Request a Call-Back

Before you start house hunting, it is important to know how much you can borrow. This one number can shape your entire property journey.

Lenders look at more than just your income. They want to be sure you can repay the loan comfortably, even if interest rates go up. This is referred to as ‘loan servicability’.

Here is what they focus on:

• Your Income versus Expenses: They check how much you earn compared to what you spend. This includes everyday costs, existing loans and credit card limits.They also apply a three percent buffer on top of the current interest rate to see if you could still manage the repayments in tougher conditions.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: This measures your total debt against your yearly income. Most lenders want this number to be under six. That means if you earn eighty thousand a year, your total debt should stay under four hundred and eighty thousand.
• Why It Matters: Understanding these numbers puts you in a stronger position. A few small changes to your finances could increase your borrowing power and open more doors.

We can help you get clear on your numbers and show you your options. To book in your 15-minute free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

• Book a Quick Chat
• Request a Call-Back

Getting a home loan can be a stressful and time-consuming process. You go from bank to bank, comparing rates, filling out forms, and hoping you are not missing a better deal somewhere else.

But there is another way. More buyers and homeowners are now turning to mortgage brokers for one simple reason. They make the whole thing easier.

Unlike banks, mortgage brokers work with a wide range of lenders. This gives you more choice and a better chance of finding the right loan for your situation.

Here are why more people are choosing brokers over banks.

More Loan Options

Banks can only offer their own products. That means you are limited to whatever they have on their books.

Mortgage brokers have access to multiple lenders. This means you get:

• More loan products to choose from
• Competitive interest rates
• A better fit for your personal situation

Free of Charge & Best Interest for the Borrower

An independent Mortgage broker is paid by the bank or the financial institution providing the loan when the loan is written, and a typical mortgage broker in Australia does not  charge any additional service fee on top.

This however doesn’t mean they are at the lender’s interest – in the contrary, the best way for the mortgage broker to secure  the loan is to make sure they offer their client the best possible borrowing solution and loan product, making an indepedent mortgage broker more likely to act on their clients’ best interest than those working for, or are associated with a set bank or financial institute.

Saves You Time and Effort

Shopping around with different banks can take hours. A broker does the heavy lifting for you. You only need to explain your situation once, and they will take care of the rest.

You save:

• Time comparing offers
• Energy filling out the same details again and again
• The stress of back-and-forth with different banks

One Contact the Whole Way Through

Banks often change staff, which means you might speak to someone different every time you call. That makes it harder to get clear answers or updates.

When you work with a broker:

• You deal with one person from start to finish
• You get consistent support
• You know who to call if you have questions

Here to Help

Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing or investing, we are here to make the process simple. We listen, compare, and support you every step of the way.

Let’s Talk

We offer free 15-minute chats with no obligation. Whether you are ready to get started or just exploring your options, we are here for you. To book in your free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

• Book a Quick Chat
• Request a Call-Back

You’ve probably heard about co-living popping up as a popular rental option, but how does it really compare to the traditional way of leasing a property? And more importantly, could your home be a good fit for co-living?

Let’s break it down.

How Traditional Rentals Work

With traditional rentals, you lease the whole property to one tenant or household under a single agreement. It’s straightforward, reliable, and usually involves fewer day-to-day hassles.

What Makes Co-Living Different?

• Co-living means renting out individual rooms to separate tenants who share common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and outdoor areas. Each tenant has their own lease, making it more flexible.
• This setup is especially popular with students, young professionals, or newcomers who want affordable rent but also a sense of community.

What You Need to Know About Co-Living

• You can legally rent rooms to up to three single tenants. If there are four or more tenants, the property becomes a rooming house, which requires a different licence and follows stricter rules.
• Co-living can bring in more rental income because you are renting by the roomHowever, keep in mind, as a co-living property landlord, you will still be required to cover items usually not required by a traditional rental such as utilities since these homes aren’t separately metered. That can add to your costs.
• Managing co-living properties takes more time. With several tenants, there’s more communication, maintenance, and coordination involved, which usually means higher management fees.
• All shared areas must be fully furnished and comfortable. This not only attracts tenants but also helps meet co-living standards.

Most residential properties can become co-living spaces, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons. If you are looking to boost your rental income and don’t mind the extra work involved in managing multiple tenants, co-living could be a great option.

However, if you prefer a simpler setup with just one lease and fewer tenants, traditional renting might suit you better. It is also vital to remember that renting to four or more separate tenants without the proper licence is illegal, so knowing the rules and staying compliant is essential.

If you want to find out whether co-living could work for your property or need guidance on the legal and management side of things, we’re here to help.

Interested in Exploring Co-Living?

Reach out for a free 15-minute, no-obligation chat and let’s explore your options together.

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news. Two of our outstanding team members have been recognised at this year’s IMPACT Awards for their dedication, expertise and exceptional contribution.

• Jo Bekiaris has been named Practice Support of the Year for her tireless work behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence keep everything running smoothly for our clients and our team.

• David Romanovski has been awarded Investment Adviser of the Year in recognition of his deep financial knowledge and genuine care for his clients. His advice is thoughtful, tailored and consistently puts people first.

We couldn’t be prouder of Jo and David. Their awards are more than individual achievements — they reflect the high standards and people-first values we uphold as a firm.

If you’re looking for financial guidance from a team that’s trusted, proven and passionate about what they do, book a free 15-minute meeting with us today. Let’s talk about how we can help you reach your goals.

Owning several rental properties is a smart way to grow your wealth but managing them through different agencies can quickly become a full-time job — and not the kind you signed up for.

If you are juggling multiple contacts, chasing conflicting updates, or feeling the strain of scattered information, it might be time to think about bringing everything under one singular, trusted agency. The benefits are more than just convenience; they could change how you manage your entire portfolio.

Why Bringing All Your Properties Together Makes a Real Difference?

• Simplified communication and clear transparency Having all your properties managed under one roof means one point of contact who keeps you informed. No more juggling different agents or wondering what is going on. Everything is organised and transparent under a single roof, so you always know exactly where things stand across all your properties.
  
• Stronger negotiating power and personalised service A single agency managing your full portfolio means better rates and customised service options tailored to your goals. You become a valued client, not just another property, and your needs get priority attention.
  
• Easier financial management and consistent compliance Consolidating your properties with one agency means unified financial reports, making tax time and budgeting simpler. Plus, you can trust that all your properties meet legal and regulatory requirements consistently, removing that extra layer of stress.

Let’s Make Managing Your Portfolio Easy

Reach out today for a free 15-minute, no-obligation conversation about how we can help you streamline your property management. Whether you have two rentals or twenty, we will show you how one dedicated team can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get more from your investments.

Help us support our incredible colleagues by casting your vote here: 2025 Impact Awards Final Voting

We’re thrilled to announce that Jacob Eliopoulos, Joanne Bekiaris, and David Romanovski have been named finalists in the 2025 Activam Impact Awards! 🎉

• Rising Star of the Year – Jacob Eliopoulos
• Practice Support of the Year – Joanne Bekiaris
• Investment Adviser of the Year – David Romanovski

These well-deserved nominations highlight the outstanding impact, commitment, and excellence each of them has brought to our firm and the wider industry. We couldn’t be prouder!

Voting is now open and will close on Thursday, 28 August 2025.

You can vote across multiple categories, so don’t hesitate to support all three! Feel free to share the link with your clients, colleagues, and professional network – let’s help spread the word far and wide.

The winners will be revealed at the Impact Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.

Best of luck to Jacob, Joanne, and David — we’ll be cheering you on! 👏

Short-stay rentals can be extremely attractive. They offered flexibility, higher potential yield, and the excitement of a booming travel market.

But for many landlords, the increasingly restrictive legislative landscape and growing competition has made it more complex for investor to manage.

Furthermore, rising management pressure, increasing costs, and new tax changes in Victoria are prompting many investors to reconsider. A growing number are converting their short-stay properties back into fully furnished, long-term rentals. Here’s why.

Why It’s Worth Rethinking Your Strategy
Many landlords are making the switch for these key reasons:

• Reliable, Consistent Income
  Long-term tenants typically sign a 12-month leases. This means:
  – Regular rent payments
  – Fewer gaps between tenancies
  – Greater financial stability
  
• Reduced Vacancy Risk
  A well-presented, furnished long-term rental tends to stay occupied year-round. In contrast, short-stay properties often experience seasonal slowdowns and unpredictable booking gaps.
  
• Lower Management Demands
  Running a short-stay property takes time and energy. You’re managing:
  – Guest enquiries and bookings
  – Check-ins and check-outs
  – Frequent cleaning and linen changes
  – Restocking everyday essentials
  A long-term lease dramatically reduces these tasks, while still allowing you to offer a furnished, move-in-ready home.
  
• Lower Operating Costs
  A long-term lease excuse the landlord from most operation cost such as cleaning, utilities, internet and landscaping. Furthermore, the operation demand from a property manager is significantly reduced. Both helps lower the cost required to maintain the property for then landlord.

The New Victorian Short Stay Levy
From 1 January 2025, the Victorian Government will introduce a new Short Stay Levy. This tax will apply to short-term rentals, further reducing profitability and adding another layer of complexity to short-stay investing.

What We Do

If your investment property feels more like a burden than a benefit, we can help.

We take the time to understand your current rental setup and talk through what’s working — and what’s not. Together, we’ll look at the financial pros and cons of short-stay versus traditional leasing, taking into account your property type, location, and long-term goals. We’ll also help you navigate how upcoming policy changes, like the Short Stay Levy, could affect your returns.

From there, we’ll help you build a plan that aligns with your goals for the property and your personal and financial circumstances.

Let’s Talk

We offer free 15-minute, no-obligation chats to help you explore your options. Whether you’re ready to make a change or just want to understand the market better, we’re here to support you.

> Book a Quick Chat
> Request a Call-Back

With interest rates still sitting high and lenders regularly updating their offers, now is a smart time to take a fresh look at your home loan.

If your mortgage hasn’t been reviewed in a while, there’s a real chance you could be paying more than you need to. In today’s climate, every bit counts.

Why It’s Worth Reviewing

A quick review of your loan could help you:

• Find a sharper interest rate
• Access features like an offset account or redraw
• Adjust your repayment structure to suit your current lifestyle
• Use your equity for renovations or investing
• Consolidate personal loans or credit card debt into a single, manageable repayment

What We Do

Our lending specialists review your current loan and financial goals, compare options from over 50 lenders including major banks, well known Australian lenders and other well-known financial institutes, recommend only what’s right for your situation, and handle all the paperwork from start to settlement. You’ll receive clear advice without any sales pressure, and if staying with your current lender is still the best option, we’ll tell you that too.

Let’s Talk

We offer free, no-obligation chats to help you understand your options. Whether you’re looking to refinance, restructure, or start something new, we’re here to help.

Book your free 15-minute appointment today:

🔗 Book a Quick Chat
🔗 Request a Call-Back

Your mortgage should support your goals — not hold you back. Let’s check in and make sure it still fits.

There’s something powerful about a fresh start. A new financial year isn’t just a new page — it’s a chance to make smarter money decisions, reduce your tax stress, and set yourself up for something better.

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or somewhere in between, now is the ideal time to pause, plan, and be intentional with your finances. Because the earlier you start, the more you can do.

Think Ahead, Stay Ahead

Most people only think about tax when it’s absolutely necessary to change anything. But by acting early, you give yourself more time, more options — and more control.

A smart move? Planning to prepay certain tax-deductible expenses later in the year. Things like income protection insurance, professional memberships, or business-related costs could help reduce your taxable income — if you get the timing right. It’s not about spending more. It’s about making what you already pay work harder for you.

Get Organised from Day One

Forget scrambling for receipts months from now. Set up a simple system today — even just a folder on your phone or computer — and start keeping track as you go.

A little effort now saves you a big headache later.

Need Help Making a Plan?

You don’t need to do it all alone. Our team is here to guide you with straightforward, practical advice — no jargon, no stress. Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s help you make the most of this new financial year. The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat

This year, don’t just react. Plan ahead. Stay in control. And make your money work smarter — from the very beginning.