đź’° 3 Smart Mortgage Moves This June: HGS vs Non-HGS, Rate Cuts & Refinancing Wins - Cotality (CoreLogic) Home Value Index Report June 2025, is it time to enter the market?
Australian dwelling values rose another 0.5% in May, taking the national index 1.7% higher over the first five months of the year.
The gains were broad-based, with every capital city posting a rise of at least 0.4% through the month.
“The continued momentum we’re seeing across almost all markets is no doubt being fuelled by rate cuts – both those that have already happened, but also potential cuts in the coming months,” said Tim Lawless, Cotality’s research director, who also noted that auction clearance rates have picked up following the RBA’s May board meeting.
The rise in values comes after a short and shallow decline of just 0.4% over the three months ending January 2025, with the February rate cut a key factor supporting the positive turn in housing values.
“With interest rates falling again in May, we are likely to see a further positive influence flowing through to housing values in June and through the rest of the year.”
To read the full report, click on the button below;
Which path is right for first home buyers?
At Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions, we’ve worked with clients on both paths. Let’s compare:
âś… Non-HGS Case Study:
Profile: PR resident, $94K income, large deposit
Result: Pre-approval
40 mins, with a higher interest rate of 5.59%, so my client could attend an auction.
14 days, secured a 5.39% interest rate
Why it worked: No HGS = more lender options, quicker process, lower rate
Bonus: Eligible for VIC First Home Owner Grant of $10,000
🏠HGS Case Study:
Profile: Australian citizen + PR spouse, 5% deposit
Result: Pre-approval within hours (pending HGS approval), locked in 5.74%
Bonus: Eligible for VIC First Home Owner Grant of $10,000
Takeaway:
HGS is fantastic for low-deposit buyers
Non-HGS offers more flexibility, better rates, and faster approvals
📞 Not sure which option suits you? Let’s run the numbers.
Many clients ask: “Is refinancing really worth it?” For William and Anne, the answer was a resounding yes!
🏠The Situation:
Properties: Owner-occupied + Parent's investment home
Loan Total: $542,824
Old Rates: 6.34% & 6.64%
New Rates: 5.39% & 5.59%
🎯 The Outcome:
Annual Interest Saved: $4,102.44
Better monthly cash flow = funds for future investment
Why it matters: Even small rate changes have big ripple effects over time. If it’s been over 2 years since your last loan review, now is the time.
💡 Want us to check your current loan health? It takes 15–30 minutes. Book a call here.
📉 Roll Call: Lenders That Cut Rates in May
Major and non-bank lenders have stepped up in response to the RBA’s 25bp cash rate cut. Here’s who passed it on:
âś… Full 0.25% Passed On:
Major Banks: NAB, CBA, ANZ, Westpac, Macquarie
Other Lenders: Suncorp, ING, AMP, St George, Connective Group, Bluestone, Advantedge, Pepper Money, Peoples’ Choice, MyState Bank, Newcastle Permanent, ME Bank, Australian Military Bank, Red Zed, Ubank, Bank West, Gateway, Resimac, Unibank, TMB, etc.
Can’t find your lender’s name on this list? Want to know if your lender has passed on the 0.25%? Reach out, and we can check for you.
🔔 Pro tip: Some banks don’t automatically reduce your repayments—you may need to request a change, or you’ll keep your repayments at the higher rate and pay your loan off faster.
👣 Let’s Take the First Step
Small changes can unlock major benefits, whether you’re a first-home buyer, a refinance candidate, or a seasoned investor.
📅 Let’s work out your options in 15–30 minutes and put together a strategy for success.
Book a strategy session.
Warm regards,
Shona Stephenson
Principal Mortgage Broker
Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions
https://www.bestff.com.au/ | shona@bestff.com.au | [Phone] | https://www.linkedin.com/company/105940541
