Money

Cutting edge strategies give first home buyers a competitive advantage

Expert Dr. Enticott advises on buying your first home in 2025, highlighting costs, grants, and logical decision-making.

Published

12 months ago

March 4, 2025

Steven Enticott

Expert Dr. Enticott advises on buying your first home in 2025, highlighting costs, grants, and logical decision-making.

In Short

Dr. Steve Enticott offers guidance for first-time homebuyers in 2025, highlighting the importance of careful planning, understanding costs, and exploring options like rent vesting and government grants. He emphasises the need for thorough research and expert advice to successfully navigate the property market.

Buying a Home in 2025? Here’s What Young Professionals Must Know!

With the housing market evolving, young professionals looking to buy their first home in 2025 must navigate rising prices, deposit requirements, and hidden costs. Is this the right year to take the leap into homeownership? Here’s what buyers need to know.

Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy?

Long term market trends show steady home price growth over time, but interest rates and government incentives could make 2025 an attractive time to buy. Experts advise researching local markets to find the best deals while taking advantage of first-home buyer grants and subsidies where available.

How Much Deposit Do You Really Need?

While a 20% deposit is ideal to avoid lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI), many lenders now offer home loans with as little as 5% down. Some government-backed schemes may even allow first-time buyers to enter the market with reduced upfront costs.

The Hidden Costs of Buying Property

Beyond the deposit, buyers should budget for stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, and ongoing maintenance. These costs can add thousands to the final price, making it essential to plan ahead.

Should You Rentvest Instead?

For those priced out of their desired location, ‘rentvesting’—renting where you live while buying an investment property elsewhere—has become a popular strategy. This approach allows young professionals to get on the property ladder without sacrificing lifestyle or location preferences.

With strategic planning and research, 2025 could be the perfect time for young buyers to secure their first home or investment property.

Dr Steven Enticott is a finance professional, speaker, regular columnist, and author of The Man With A Plan.

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Money

US dollar strength hits NZ dollar amid FX market shifts

US dollar rises amid strong US growth; New Zealand faces pressure as traders navigate volatile FX and geopolitical impacts.

Published

17 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US dollar rises amid strong US growth; New Zealand faces pressure as traders navigate volatile FX and geopolitical impacts.

The US dollar is surging as strong economic growth in the United States contrasts with softer conditions in New Zealand. Policy divergence and complex global FX factors are putting pressure on the New Zealand dollar, leaving traders navigating choppy waters.

Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX breaks down how US interest rates are influencing key currency pairs like USD/JPY, and explains why hedging flows are crucial in today’s volatile environment.

We also explore the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions on oil and broader markets, while examining the Australian labour market’s role in shaping the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy.

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Money

Oil hits seven-month high, and gold surpasses $5,000 amid US-Iran tensions

Oil prices hit seven-month high amid U.S.-Iran tensions; experts analyze impacts on global economy and energy markets.

Published

18 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Oil prices hit seven-month high amid U.S.-Iran tensions; experts analyze impacts on global economy and energy markets.

Oil prices have surged to a seven-month high as escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran spark fears of global supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with analysts closely monitoring potential military actions that could further strain energy markets.

Investors are reacting to geopolitical uncertainty, with oil markets pricing in heightened risk.

Kyle Rodda from Capital.com joins us to discuss what is driving these record-breaking price movements and the potential implications for the global economy.

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Money

Australia jobs, market trends, and tariff ruling: What investors need to know

Australia’s jobs report shapes rate forecasts, with cyclical assets favored amid market volatility and upcoming Supreme Court rulings on tariffs.

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s jobs report shapes rate forecasts, with cyclical assets favored amid market volatility and upcoming Supreme Court rulings on tariffs.

Australia’s latest jobs report is shaping market expectations and interest rate forecasts. Strong employment growth could boost confidence in the economy, while weaker data might prompt a rethink of monetary policy.

Investors are favouring cyclical assets over growth stocks, targeting sectors like industrials, materials, and energy. David Scutt from StoneX notes this reflects both caution amid market volatility and a bet on areas tied to economic cycles.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs could significantly impact markets, yet many are overlooking its potential effects on trade, commodity prices, and sector valuations. Investors should prepare for possible volatility and adjust strategies accordingly.

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