From mass Facebook group bans to Disney’s AI copyright battle and the TikTok ban that won’t stick, this week’s updates show one thing clearly: AI is reshaping the rules. For real estate pros, staying ahead means understanding the tools, and the risks.
Buyers with their eye on this low-rise, well-located opportunity in the North-West of Sydney can now see their future home under way.
Construction has commenced on Larool Crescent, a premium yet affordable apartment, townhome and skyhome development in popular Castle Hill, with around half of the properties already snapped up.
“We’ve had the breaking ground ceremony and we’re into it” says Alex Walker, Principal at Boston Buckler.
“We have an expectation of completion in 2027.”
Larool Crescent, a five-minute walk from Castle Hill Metro station, consists of five low-rise buildings, each with 20-30 residences, featuring detailed brick work and lush green landscaping.
“The low density has been a really big drawcard for buyers,” says Walker.
“We don’t have any neighbouring developments; we sit in this beautiful little pocket by ourselves—you are literally in your own tranquil part of Castle Hill.”
Low-rise luxury
The experienced team behind Larool Crescent includes developer CPDM, architects PWT, and Jasara, a long-established builder with a solid track record across Sydney.
“The interiors have been designed by Coco Republic and it’s all light and stylish as they are known for,” says Walker.
The opulent but practical design features natural stone countertops, brushed metal fittings, wooden floors, Fisher & Paykel appliances, designer lighting and plenty of storage.
The bathrooms feature steel tapware, ceramic feature tiles, and oversized showerheads.
“Outside there’s 3000 square metres of landscaped shared garden space with mature trees that have been kept in place, and two barbecue areas,” he says.
Variety of living options
Buyers with different lifestyle needs will appreciate the choice of floorplans and residential types on offer at Larool Cresent.
Walker says many first home buyers and young families have been attracted to the one-bedroom apartments starting from $699,000, the two-bedroom apartments from $935,000, and three-bedroom apartments from $1.35 million.
Downsizers have been keen on the four-bedroom apartments from $2.45 million, as well as the split-level townhomes starting from $3 million.
“The townhomes are 182 square metres internally with double-height windows and four bedrooms plus media room,” says Walker.
“They’ve got the same upmarket finishes with an internal lift and a double lockup garage for each.”
Downsizers have also been interested in the three-bedroom grand sky homes starting at $2.45 million, as they have large floorplans of 150 square metres and alfresco areas of the same size.
“They come with internal lifts, so any mobility concerns are negated,” says Walker.
Premium location, easy connection
Castle Hill has long been sought out by buyers due to its connectivity to surrounding areas, great local amenity, and scenic natural surroundings.
Larool Crescent is just a five-minute walk to the Castle Hill Metro which has direct services to the CBD, Parramatta, Hornsby and Chatswood.
It’s also a five-minute walk to Castle Towers Shopping Centre—which has a proposed half-billion-dollar upgrade—and Parklea Gardens.
“It’s flanked by Castle Hill Public School and Castle Hill High and close to the RSL, which has very good restaurants, a fantastic gym and aquatic centre,” says Walker.
Residents can exercise and relax with friends at one of the many local parks such as Castle Hill Heritage Park, and there are plenty of local golf clubs and areas for bush walks.
Under construction
With construction now underway and around half of the properties already sold, Walker expects things to move quickly.
He adds that buyers have been particularly motivated by the 10-year Latency Defect Insurance that comes with their purchase.
“This covers all major defects for 10 years, giving buyers that extra level of comfort and security,” says Walker.
Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit the Larool Crescent website and register their interest in all that this new luxury development has to offer.
The post Peace of mind for a decade: What sets this low-rise Castle Hill community apart appeared first on realestate.com.au.
A project is set to receive over $135 million to support the delivery of more than 20,000 new homes in one Queensland city.
The Queensland government has announced funding through its Residential Activation Fund to support construction of the Chambers Flat Wastewater Treatment Plant in Logan, located in the greater Brisbane area, approximately 27km south of the state capital’s CBD.
The fund will deliver $135.98 million towards the $334.53 million Chambers Flat project – a key development progressing areas such as Yarrabilba, Park Ridge and Logan Village.
This infrastructure is critical to being able to deliver 20,000 new homes for the area. Construction will start on these homes in 2028 as part of Stage 1.
Overall, 60,000 homes are slated to be built in the area once the new water treatment facility is fully operational after 2032.
Logan city council mayor Jon Raven said the funding commitment was a huge win for Logan.
“Our city is the fastest-growing in the state – but with our wastewater infrastructure at capacity, we would have had to soon stop approving new housing,” Mr Raven said.
“Thanks to this funding from Crisafulli government we can build the critical wastewater infrastructure needed to keep approving houses and meet the demands of the housing crisis.”
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is part of the state government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, which aims to build one million new homes in the state by 2044.
According to the plan, regional and remote areas of the state will receive 50% of the overall funding.
Applications for round one opened in April 2025 with funding focusing on the construction of critical infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads.
According to the government, the fund has received 178 submissions with 64 from south-east Queensland and 114 from rural, regional and remote areas of the state.
Deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Residential Activation Fund is key in fast-tracking housing projects in the state.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on our election commitment to give more Queenslanders a place to call home by funding shovel-ready projects like the Chambers Flat Wastewater Treatment Plant which will be game-changer for Logan,” Mr Bleijie said.
Queensland’s 2025-2026 budget, announced on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, noted it would deliver $1 billion for round one of the fund, an increase from the initial $500 million promised for the round, due to the availability of shovel-ready projects.
Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said infrastructure is a key piece of the puzzle in enabling new housing.
“Our research has shown the cost of providing infrastructure is one of the main impediments towards new housing development and the $2 billion RAF will help unlock new housing supply,” Ms Caire said.
“There is clearly huge demand for this funding with applications for the first round of the RAF oversubscribed and the Property Council looks forward to continuing to work with government to ensure this funding is allocated towards where it is most needed.”
Are you interested in the latest buying and building news? Check out our New Homes section.
The post Critical infrastructure funding will bring 20,000 homes to 3 Brisbane suburbs appeared first on realestate.com.au.
In an era where technology often threatens to overshadow human roles, Better Mortgage is charting a different course. By developing in-house AI tools designed to complement rather than replace human expertise, the company is enhancing the mortgage experience for both borrowers and loan officers.
Already, its AI Loan Agent, Betsy, handles over 125,000 customer interactions each month, cutting through administrative drag and unlocking up to $2,000 in sales productivity per funded loan. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of loan files are now reviewed through Tinman’s AI-driven underwriting system, which can generate up to $1,400 in fulfillment cost savings per loan and increase loan officer productivity in terms of loans per month to over 3x the mortgage industry average. These numbers are more than operational wins — they’re proof that human potential is amplified when intelligent systems do the heavy lifting. This enables loan officers to do what they do best: building relationships and guiding borrowers through complex financial decisions.
According to Ziggy Jonsson, SVP of Engineering at Better, “Many seasoned loan officers see Betsy as a digital partner and not a competitor because she helps them provide faster service, stay organized, and close more loans.
Two AI tools with one purpose
Better Mortgage’s technological advancements are anchored by two proprietary tools: TinMan, the company’s end-to-end loan origination system, and Betsy, a voice-based AI loan assistant.
Tinman is not just a backend processor — it’s the control center for Better’s mortgage pipeline. It ingests borrower, property, and loan data, automating underwriting decisions for nearly 40% of loan files. This is an efficiency that has shown the potential to reduce fulfillment costs by up to $1,400 per funded loan. Using Tinman, Better has been able to automate time and labor-intensive components of the mortgage process and reduce its cost to originate by over 40% of the industry average.
Meanwhile, Betsy serves as the intelligent co-pilot on the borrower-facing side. Far beyond a chatbot, she provides human-like guidance through complex application steps. This scale and speed not only create a better borrower experience — they free loan officers from time-consuming prep work.
What makes Betsy and Tinman truly unique is their native integration. Unlike most off-the-shelf tools bolted onto legacy systems, these platforms were designed to work together from day one. Every data point entered by a borrower flows instantly through Tinman, where it can be surfaced by Betsy or a loan officer in real time without toggling between CRMs, pricing engines, or appraisal portals.
This synchronicity eliminates fragmented communication and duplicated data entry, letting originators spend more time advising clients and less time chasing down paperwork. As Ziggy Jonsson put it, “We created an end-to-end loan origination system for the customer, so we don’t need to integrate AI with multiple vendors and potentially receive stale information.”
Betsy isn’t just a chatbot
While many mortgage companies have introduced digital assistants, most are little more than static chatbots that mimic interaction through scripted responses. Betsy, however, was built to operate more like a colleague than a widget. Her advanced conversational AI—developed and trained in-house — allows her to decode the nuanced language of mortgage lending and deliver responses tailored to real borrower scenarios in real time.
She’s capable of guiding a borrower from the first click through to full pre-approval, explaining disclosures, gathering required documentation, and fielding live eligibility and underwriting questions using her access to a complex knowledge graph. And when she doesn’t have high confidence in a response, Betsy doesn’t guess — she escalates the question to a licensed loan officer or schedules a follow-up with full conversation context.
For borrowers, this means faster answers, fewer roadblocks, and 24/7 responsiveness. But Betsy’s most powerful impact may be for the loan officers themselves. With just a click, they can ask Betsy to scan a loan file for open conditions, identify missing documents, or surface key eligibility issues—tasks that would normally take 15–20 minutes now completed in seconds. This gives originators more time for strategic conversations, not administrative reviews.
This dual-facing utility is why Better has positioned Betsy not as a chatbot, but as a digital loan partner: one who doesn’t replace the loan officer, but gives them the freedom to be more consultative, more focused, and more human with every borrower interaction.
Proven results with measurable impact
The effects of integrating Betsy and Tinman into Better’s mortgage workflow aren’t theoretical — they’re already being seen in the numbers. Loan officers using the platform are originating three times the monthly volume of the industry average, thanks to intelligent automation that reduces friction at nearly every touchpoint. Better has also reported a 30% reduction in fulfillment costs—driven in large part by Tinman’s AI-powered underwriting and Betsy’s real-time file analysis.
Maintaining the human touch
At the core of Better Mortgage’s AI strategy is a clear conviction: automation should elevate, not eliminate, human expertise. Betsy was built to work in tandem with loan officers—not in place of them. Every interaction she has with a borrower is fully visible within the Tinman dashboard, giving loan officers complete transparency and the ability to jump in with full context at any point. Her warm hand-off capabilities, including real-time summaries and status notes, ensure a seamless transition from machine to human.
This thoughtful handoff experience isn’t just technically smooth — it’s emotionally resonant for borrowers. The shift from AI to human feels intuitive, not abrupt, reinforcing the trust borrowers place in their loan officer while still benefiting from around-the-clock digital support.
Importantly, loan officers aren’t being sidelined by this technology — they’re being elevated. Betsy surfaces key borrower insights, tracks outstanding questions or documents, and anticipates next steps, allowing originators to step into each conversation already informed. Betsy allows loan officers to focus their energy on building relationships and driving decisions forward.
The scalability of this hybrid model is already visible through Better’s NEO Powered by Better initiative. Partner companies like NEO Home Loans are now able to serve significantly more families without increasing headcount—proof that tech-human collaboration isn’t just efficient, it’s expansive.
Ultimately, Betsy and Tinman aren’t replacements. They’re reinforcements. Together, they enable a concierge-level mortgage experience where accuracy, speed, and human empathy converge. And because Betsy isn’t licensed, she stays firmly in the assistant role, empowering loan officers to deliver smarter, faster, and more meaningful service with every file.
In a market where every deal counts, manual income verification is the silent killer of commissions.
You know the scenario: the borrower is solid, the property appraises and everything looks good—until income verification turns into a bottleneck. Suddenly, you’re chasing paystubs, waiting on HR reps who don’t call back and explaining delays to a frustrated borrower. Best case, the deal closes late. Worst case? It doesn’t close at all.
Manual verification may seem like a back-office problem, but for loan officers, it’s deeply personal. It means lost time, lost trust and lost revenue. And in an industry already squeezed by margin compression and high rates, it’s a risk you can’t afford to keep taking.
Manual verification eats time, and time Is money
Every hour spent collecting documents is an hour not spent prospecting, closing or nurturing new referral relationships. A 2024 HubSpot study found that sales professionals spend just two hours per day actively selling, while the rest of their time is taken up by administrative tasks like documentation and follow-ups—so cutting down manual verification can materially increase sales-facing hours.
According to a 2023 analysis, top-performing loan officers in strong markets can close 5–10 loans per month and earn around 2% of the loan amount in commission. If a single income verification delays a deal by even a few days, that could mean one fewer funded loan in a given month, equivalent to more than $8,000 in lost commission based on typical pay structures and today’s median home sales price.
The problem starts with outdated routines. For decades, production teams have been conditioned to ask borrowers for 30 days of paystubs, two years of W-2s and (if compensation is variable) year-end stubs as well. Underwriters often request even more. That back-and-forth takes time, frustrates borrowers and slows deals to a crawl.
Every delay increases fallout risk
Fannie Mae’s 2023 Consumer Mortgage Understanding Survey found that paperwork and process length were among borrowers’ top frustrations. That’s backed up across industries; HubSpot’s 2024 Sales Trends Report found that 28% of sales professionals say the sales process taking too long is the number one reason prospects back out of deals. Add in today’s high-rate environment, and borrowers are more likely than ever to shop around or abandon the process altogether if they hit friction.
According to ICE Mortgage Technology’s Mortgage Monitor report, the average purchase loan takes 40 days to close. Even modest delays can push borrowers past their rate lock expiration, increase their costs or cause them to second-guess their choice of lender.
Lenders who deploy digital VOIE solutions at the point of sale have found that removing manual document collection early in the loan cycle can shave 5–7 days off the overall process. Those faster cycle times translate directly into fewer abandoned applications and higher pull-through.
Manual means more errors, more conditions and more headaches
Beyond delays, manual income verification increases the risk of human error, outdated documentation and even fraud. That leads to suspensions in underwriting, last-minute conditions and post-close buyback risk—none of which do a loan officer’s reputation any favors.
The truth is simple: source data beats manual every time. Verified income pulled directly from payroll systems with borrower permission is more accurate, more current and more secure. It supports faster lending decisions and can even reduce exposure to repurchase risk thanks to GSE programs like Fannie Mae’s Day 1 Certainty and Freddie Mac’s asset and income modeler (AIM).
Better borrower experience = More referrals = Commission potential
Today’s borrowers expect a digital-first experience, and when they don’t get it, they walk. According to ICE Mortgage Technology’s 2025 Borrower Insights Survey, 55% of borrowers say a quick process is one of the top factors they look for in a lender, and 33% cite uploading documents as one of the most stressful parts of the mortgage process
Manual verification is a major reason why. It leads to duplicate document requests, inconsistent communication and longer wait times. When a borrower has to dig up the same paystub twice, you don’t just risk the deal, you risk the referral.
On the other hand, a borrower who experiences a fast, secure and seamless loan process is far more likely to become a repeat client and tell their friends. Lenders that adopt a digital-first strategy aren’t just gaining efficiency. They’re building a book of loyal, referral-ready customers for life.
Automated VOIE is a commission – Protection strategy
Manual income verification might seem like a back-office problem, but it’s costing you where it counts: your commissions. Delays, fallout, frustrated borrowers and fewer referrals all add up to real money lost.
That makes income verification a front-line concern. When VOIE runs smoothly, loans close faster, borrowers stay happier and you stay in control of your pipeline. Automating it removes the friction that derails deals and keeps you focused on doing what you do best: closing loans and growing your business.
If you’re serious about protecting your earnings, it’s time to switch to automated, embedded VOIE.. Your commission depends on it.
John Hardesty is the VP of Mortgage at Argyle.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.
To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.
Zara Sarson had to demolish their newly purchased family home after finding it was infested with termites, despite passing pre-purchase inspections. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Zara and Shaun Sarson thought they were buying a forever home for their family, but were left with nothing but a mortgage to pay off.
The Gold Coast couple is up to $400,000 out of pocket and still rebuilding six years after purchasing a property so riddled with termites it had to be demolished.
Ms Sarson said she hoped others could benefit from new seller disclosure laws aimed at avoiding disputes by giving buyers essential information before exchanging contracts.
“Maybe our case helped to push it through,” the mother-of-three said of the reforms, coming into effect in Queensland in August.
Ms Sarson hoped the new laws would protect other buyers. Picture: Glenn Hampson
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But despite a raft of tough new requirements, sellers still don’t have to reveal pest infestation or asbestos, among other items.
The couple had carried out due diligence before buying their $660,000 Elanora home in 2019, obtaining pest and building reports which did not identify any evidence of termite activity or damage.
But three months after moving in, they found live termites crawling out of a power socket and engaged another pest inspector who confirmed structural damage.
“Shaun and I bought a house that we thought would be our forever family home but we were left with nothing but a mortgage to pay off,” the 42-year-old said.
Zara and Shaun Sarson pictured with their two older children after they bought the house. Picture: Jerad Williams
“We got told it was a good solid house by our building and pest inspector so we bought it.
“Every single beam was eaten out by termites.”
The couple tried unsuccessfully to sell the land, but had to take out a second mortgage to build a new house on the same block.
The ordeal has left them battling to make ends meet, despite a confidential settlement with the pest inspector behind their pre-purchase report.
“We spent the past six years working like crazy just to try to somehow get on top of it again.
“And we’re still finishing off the build.”
The post Family still rebuilding six years on from buying termite-riddled home appeared first on realestate.com.au.
The view from 3303/3422 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.
A luxury apartment that’s hosted a string of celebrities from well-known sporting heroes and race car drivers to rock stars and movie actors has hit the market.
The property, on the Gold Coast in Queensland, overlooks the famous Gold Coast 500 racetrack, and offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the annual Supercars event.
The apartment offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the annual Supercars event, the Gold Coast 500.
The Gold Coast 500, held at the Surfers Paradise. Picture: Brendan Radke
The rooftop pool.
Lucy Cole of Lucy Cole Prestige Properties is marketing the three-bedroom home in the Golden Gate tower and described it as an “iconic” residence.
She remained tight-lipped on who had stayed there but said it was a well-known celebrity hotspot.
“The position is A1 and was considered the tower to occupy starting from the famous world renowned Indy car races and more recently the Gold Coast 500 cars through Surfers Paradise streets,” Ms Cole said.
“It was considered the best vantage point to see the cars coming down the straight.”
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The apartment was well-known to be a hotspot for celebrities.
The 2024 Supercars Championship Series, on October 25, 2024 in Surfers Paradise, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
The penthouse includes two open plan levels of living and dining with north-facing views of the beach, river and city.
It also has its own private rooftop with a pool, sauna and barbecue gazebo.
“Rarely do you find a penthouse of this calibre,” Ms Cole said.
The living and dining areas.
One of the bedrooms.
Property records reveal the vendor paid $1.45m for the apartment in 2007.
Resident amenities at Golden Gate include a lagoon-style pool, barbecue entertaining areas, gardens, a library, and an on-site hairdresser.
The auction is set for July 25.
The post Original ‘celebrity penthouse’ going to auction appeared first on realestate.com.au.
Steps away from The Pillars and close to South Beach in one of Mount Martha’s most prized pockets, sits the architecturally designed residence Haven by Manr.
Designed and delivered by the locally based developer, known for high-end residential projects, the vendor and director of Manr, David Whelan, says their homes “strengthen the community fabric and put family living at the centre”.
“With Haven by Manr, our vision was to create a sanctuary where Hamptons elegance meets relaxed Peninsula living, a home that feels both luxurious and deeply welcoming from the very first moment,” Whelan says.
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A stunning Mount Martha family home has hit the market.
The coastal sanctuary is where Hamptons elegance meets relaxed Peninsula living.
The gourmet kitchen.
Every decision from the pitched roofline to the resort-style outdoor zone was guided by the desire to deliver a timeless family home that will age gracefully and support modern lifestyles with comfort and style.
“Flow and flexibility define the plan,” Whelan says.
“A dramatic entry axis pulls you toward the pool terrace, while multiple living zones allow everyone to gather or retreat as needed.”
Subtly woven into the layout is an attention to daily practicality, featuring a guest suite for visitors, a secluded study for work-from-home days and a seamless connection between the gourmet kitchen, dining area and outdoor space for effortless entertaining.
The home also blends luxury and liveability through its design, style and execution.
“That philosophy translates into dramatic gestures like the double height foyer and poolside glazing, paired with thoughtful comforts: generous storage, layered lighting, functional zoning and natural textures that invite daily use,” Whelan says.
One of the living rooms.
The bathroom.
The outdoor terrace.
Whelan says that what sets this home apart from other Manr homes is its finer architectural details, such as a curved 4.5m-high skylight in the master ensuite shower, which allows soft natural light to flow into the space.
“Inside and out, natural stone elements add richness and depth, while a built-in brick fireplace anchors the alfresco zone with warmth and timeless character.”
The home also maximises the natural landscape and environment, providing privacy, walkability and a Peninsula lifestyle. “Marguerita Ave is quietly prestigious yet moments from Mount Martha village, respected schools, scenic walking tracks, and iconic coastal landmarks,” Whelan says.
Perfect for young families, discerning downsizers, or weekenders, the property has much to offer.
“Future owners will savour long summer days around the pool, effortless gatherings beneath the alfresco ceiling, and quiet winter evenings by the outdoor fire.”
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The post Luxe Mount Martha family home hits market appeared first on realestate.com.au.
A Glenunga home that has been fastidiously crafted is offering a luxe lifestyle in the heart of one of the state’s most prized school zones.
Amanda and Noel Symons have put the house at 26 Taminga Ave that they have called home 15 years on the market.
They bought it in 2009, taking handover of their Heritage Building Group-built home in October 2010, with the couple sparing no expense in creating a grand entertainer that has allowed them to live an enviable lifestyle.
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26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
“It’s been a lovely house to live in,” Mrs Symons says.
“We weren’t intending to live here for that long but we’ve really loved it.
“We wanted something of quality.
“We’ve both got an eye for quality and detail and the builder ended up being really easy to work with and did a great job.
“We wanted something that had lots of natural light and a pretty open floorplan and would be easy to entertain in.
“We had visitors come and stay with us quite a lot so we wanted them to be able to be separate upstairs.
“So we had the master bedroom put downstairs for us so that, with just the two of us in the house, we could live on the bottom floor.
“And it all worked out how we were planned it, really.
“The reason we stayed was because we liked it so much and it was so comfortable.”
While it has been just the two of them living there, Mrs Symons says the property could cater for many more – something they did frequently through parties and hosting visiting guests.
“You can entertain here all year round,” she says.
“We’ve had lots of functions with friends and have hosted Christmas here with our extended families over the years.
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26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
26 Taminga Ave, Glenunga. Supplied
“It’s a very easy house to entertain in.
“Last year we had 16 over for Christmas and there was plenty of room for everyone – and you could have many more than that too.
“The last Christmas in particular was really special – the kids absolutely loved the pool.”
The home offers some 412sqm of indoor and outdoor living space over its two levels and has four bedrooms, a light-filled front lounge and a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that opens to a terrace with outdoor kitchen overlooking a sparkling in-ground pool.
But one of its strongest features, Ms Symons says, is its location.
“Seymour College is just up the road and Glenunga International High School is also close, so it would be perfect for families, and I’d love to see one in here really enjoying the home to its full extent,” she says.
“It deserves to be really loved.
“We’ll be really sad to say goodbye to it but we’re looking to downsize and travel more.”
Best offers for the home close at 2pm on July 15.
The post Grand Glenunga home designed for entertaining in style hits the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.
With a new financial year quickly approaching, Australians are bracing for a wave of changes that could offer a glimmer of hope from July 1 amid the relentless cost of living pressures. For homeowners, buyers, and renters alike, these updates may provide some much-needed financial relief.
With mandatory employer superannuation contributions increasing, individuals can look forward to a more robust retirement fund, potentially easing future financial burdens.
The rise in the national minimum wage is set to bolster the income of many, offering a reprieve for those struggling to keep up with mortgage repayments or rent.
For Centrelink recipients, a slight increase in payments could mean the difference between financial strain and stability, particularly for those balancing housing costs.
While some residents may face higher electricity bills, the federal Government’s solar battery rebate present opportunities for savings that could alleviate the financial strain on households.
All up, some homeowners and renters could pocket thousands of dollars more a year,
Here’s a handy list of what to expect from July 1.
SOCIAL
Minimum wage boosted to nearly $25 per hour
The Fair Work Commission revealed earlier this month how much the national minimum wage would increase by.
It’s currently $24.10 per hour, which works out to $915.90 per 38-hour week or $47,626.80 per year.
But this will be hiked by 3.5 per cent on July 1 to $24.90 per hour, or $948 per week.
All up, those on a minimum wage could pocket $1605 more over the coming 12 months through the promised wage boost alone.
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Centrelink customers can expect a raft of pay increases from July 1. NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake
Centrelink payments and thresholds are getting hiked
Millions of Centrelink recipients will see a small increase in their payments from July 1 as part of regular indexation to ensure the cash boosts keep up with the rising cost of living.
That includes payment increases for families receiving the Family Tax Benefit A and B, the Multiple Birth Allowance, and the Newborn Supplement.
Around 2.4 million Australians will benefit from the latest round of indexation, which will see a range of rates, thresholds and limits increase by 2.4 per cent.
That equates to payment increases of between $4.48 to $48.
Income and asset thresholds will also be increased for recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment.
Medicare Levy Surcharge thresholds go up
This is an extra tax you have to pay if you earn over a certain amount and don’t have private health insurance.
Singles who earn over $101,000 and families who earn over $202,000 and don’t have appropriate hospital insurance will now have to pay the surcharge.
This is up from $97,000 and $194,000, respectively.
Paid parental leave goes up
Paid Parental Leave (PPL) will increase to 120 days or 24 weeks after being set at 110 days or 22 weeks.
If your child was born after July 1 last year, you’ll be able to get the current rate of the Centrelink payment.
However, if your child is born after July 1 this year, parents will benefit from the extension.
Not only that, but superannuation will start being paid on PPL.
This means parents getting the support will get an extra 12 per cent of their payment as a contribution to their super fund.
ELECTRICITY
Cost of Living Support
From 1 July 2025, every household and around one million small businesses will see another $150 in rebates automatically applied to their electricity bills in quarterly instalments, on top of the previous rebates already being rolled out to Australian households and small businesses.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
It’s no secret that the cost of electricity is about to go up but those who can afford it could find some relive through the Australian government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The initiative, which launches on July 1, offers a 30 per cent upfront discount on eligible battery systems. This program, delivered through an expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), aims to incentivise the uptake of solar battery storage for households, small businesses, and community facilities.
The discount is expected to be provided by solar and battery retailers and installers.
Home batteries can significantly reduce electricity costs, with potential savings of up to 50-80 per cent off your power bill, according to Solar Battery Group.
For example, a household with moderate energy usage and a 10kW solar battery might save over $1400 per year and see a return on investment within 10 years.
Jonathan Prendergast displaying his battery that is used to power his home in Como during peak times. Photographer: Ted Lamb
HOME OWNERSHIP
Universal 5 per cent deposit
From January 1, 2026, income limits under the First Home Buyers Guarantee will be abolished, allowing any first homebuyer to purchase a home with just a 5 per cent deposit without having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Prices on eligible properties will also be lifted and there will be no income caps or participant limit. It means homeowners on a limit budget will be able to get their foot through the door faster with just $30,000 in savings needed for a $600,000 home.
Smaller mortgages through Help to Buy
Labor’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme, where the government covers up to 40 per cent of a home’s cost that first home buyers can buy out at a later date, is said to be expanded later this year.
Smaller mortgages mean lower repayments and homebuyers will also be able to gradually buy out the government’s stake over time.
Rent relief
Labor’s Commonwealth Rent Assistance scheme will continue in the new financial year. The initiative is a non-taxable Australian government payment designed to help eligible individuals and families with the cost of renting in the private or community housing market. It’s paid as an add-on to existing social security payments like pensions, allowances, or Family Tax Benefit Part A. The amount of CRA received is determined by income, rent paid, and household circumstances.
CRA is paid at a rate of 75 cents for every dollar of rent paid above the threshold, up to a maximum amount that varies based on household type.
Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme
This scheme will provide funding for individuals to access assistive technologies and home modifications to support independent living at home.
There will be 3 funding tiers for assistive technology and 3 funding tiers for home modifications ranging between $5000 and $15,000.
Renters can also expect to walk away with more money in their pockets.
CONSTRUCTION
Getting more Aussies into their own homes
To meet ambitious housing targets, Labor is looking to incentivise more people into trades.
This mean investing $78m to fast track the qualification of 6000 tradies to help build more homes across Australia.
From July 1, 2025, eligible apprentices will also receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, over the life of their apprenticeship to work in housing construction.
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