Happy Chinese New Year -2026 – The Year of the Fire Horse. Is This Your Year?
🏡 Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions Newsletter
2026 – The Year of the Fire Horse. Is This Your Year?
A fair amount has already happened in Australia in 2026.
The Winter Olympics delivered some of the best competition we’ve ever seen — and as of today, Australia is proudly sitting with 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals, currently ranked 12th.
For a country with arguably the most unpredictable snow in the world, it’s a massive achievement.
Australians are known for our adventurous spirit — whether that’s travel, business, sport or backing ourselves to take the next step.
And 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — symbolising intelligence, strength and bold movement.
So here’s the question:
Is this your year to move?
Settlement achieved!
Another construction loan across the line — and what a journey it’s been.
Construction lending requires strategy, patience and precision — so a huge congratulations to my wonderful clients on reaching this milestone.
I can’t wait to see the progress photos as your dream home becomes a reality.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of the journey.
📈 Interest Rates – Where Are We Now?
The Reserve Bank of Australia recently increased the cash rate by 0.25%, from 3.60% to 3.85%.
The Big 4 banks are forecasting a potential peak around 4.10%, suggesting possibly one more increase.
It has already been a busy start to the year, with buyers moving into the market before any further rate rises potentially impact their borrowing capacity.
However, recent wage growth data has come in softer than inflation, which may encourage a more cautious RBA approach in the coming months.
The next ABS data release on 25 February will provide further direction and could influence upcoming RBA decisions.
For borrowers, this means:
Rates appear to be nearing their peak
Servicing levels are stabilising
Refinancing conversations are increasing
First home buyers are stepping forward
Preparation is key.
💰 Investment Property Tax Outcomes – Why They Differ
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is:
“If two properties look similar, the tax outcome will be similar.”
In reality, tax outcomes are investor-driven — not property-driven.
They are influenced by:
Your marginal tax rate
Ownership structure (individual, joint, trust, company)
Timing of settlement
When the property becomes income-producing
Renovations vs improvements
Loan structure
Depreciation profile
Quality of documentation
Two investors can purchase near-identical properties in the same suburb and still end up with very different after-tax results.
This is why lending decisions should align with your broader financial strategy — not just your borrowing capacity.
🏠 First Home Buyers – 2026 Could Be Your Year
If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be eligible for the First Home Buyer Scheme 95% or a Family Pledge Guarantee Loan 100% Loan.
When structured correctly, these policies can significantly reduce your deposit requirements and help you enter the market sooner.
At Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions, I specialise in first home buyer lending and have an exceptionally high approval success rate for applications of this nature.
Understanding lender policy, structuring the application properly and presenting it strategically make all the difference.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready — or how much you could borrow — a short strategy call can provide clarity.
🎯 Is 2026 Your Year?
The Fire Horse represents bold, intelligent action.
For many Australians, 2026 may be the year to:
✔ Enter the property market
✔ Refinance strategically
✔ Restructure investment lending
✔ Strengthen long-term wealth foundations
Adventure is exciting.
But structure and strategy create sustainable results.
If you’d like to review your position — whether it’s a quick 15-minute borrowing capacity check or a deeper strategy session — I’d love to help.
Warmest regards,
Shona Stephenson
Principal Mortgage Broker
Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions
