MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS The Australian Government has expanded the Home Guarantee Scheme. There are no place limits, meaning all Australian first home buyers who have saved a 5 percent deposit can apply. There are no income caps, so first home buyers with higher incomes can access the Scheme, and there are higher property price caps to help home buyers where property prices have increased. Property commentator Michael Yardney says while this is good news for today’s first-home buyers, it will soon drive up property prices. He cites similar grants and incentives (the First Home Owners Grant and COVID-era buyer support) that fuelled price growth rather than improved affordability.

WHAT IS RENTVESTING? Over the past few years, you might have noticed the term ‘rentvesting’ popping up. Rentvesting is a home-owning strategy where you rent a property to live in that suits your lifestyle, while owning an investment property that suits your budget. As home prices in inner-city areas have climbed, this approach has become increasingly popular. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 8,282 new home loan commitments were made by first home buyers for investment purposes, 12 percent higher than in 2023. This year, Westpac research found 54 percent of first home buyers were considering rentvesting. So, why would someone want to go down this path? It allows you to live where you want (near work, family, friends, or amenities) while still building wealth through property investment. Here’s an example: you’re renting in Battery Point, close to where you work and where you might prefer to live. As of July 2025, the median house rent in Battery Point is $710 per week, while the median cost to buy a house is $1,400,000. You don’t yet have the money to buy in the area, so instead, you use your savings to buy a cheaper investment property with strong rental yield. The rent you earn from that property could cover most (if not all) of your mortgage repayments. Currently, the highest-yielding places in Tasmania are on the west coast, like Queenstown and Zeehan. Closer to Hobart, Bridgewater and Gagebrook have good yields. You could even go interstate. Successful rentvesting takes careful planning and management, and it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

BEST IN TASSIE HOMES AWARDED The Tasmanian Home of the Year has been awarded to a stunning Bruny Island residence, known as the Nebraska Residence, built by CWD – Construction with Destiny. This coastal sanctuary showcases exceptional craftsmanship with features like custom Tasmanian oak joinery, handmade Moroccan tiles, brushed brass tapware, and bespoke bunk beds. The award was announced at the HIA Tasmanian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards held at Hobart’s Hotel Grand Chancellor in October. CWD, founded in 2011 by Managing Director Luke de Vries, was celebrated for its integrity, innovation, and collaborative approach. The HIA Tasmanian Housing Awards celebrate excellence in residential building, design, and innovation across Tasmania. They recognise the state’s leading builders, designers, and craftspeople for outstanding achievements in quality, sustainability, and creativity.

PROPERTY LENS

Dragon Fly Lodge,
11903 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills
Indicative price: Offers over $2.3 million
Agent: Donna Sookee and Amber Leighton, Homelands

2A Maud Street, West Ulverstone
Indicative price: Offers over $1.2 million
Agent: Jakub Lehman and Raymond Buitenhuis, Harcourts Ulverstone

35 Delamere Crescent, Trevallyn
Indicative price: Offers over $1.395 million
Agent: Georgie Roberts, Sims for Property