We're all familiar with the Scandi look. The design style from Scandinavia that features simplicity, minimalism and functionality – pared back sleek lines with a neutral colour palette and natural finishes – was not only popular in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Denmark when it first emerged in the 1950s, it has stood the test of time to become one of the most enduring international interior aesthetics.
Buying
The couple that owns the only home on a secluded island in the Great Barrier Reef
The island leasehold is being offered up by Tony and Vicki Briggs, the former owners of Coral Princess Cruises.
Things you should never say in front of your real estate agent
There’s a time and a place for conversations about your turgid love life and your marital frustrations. In front of a real estate agent at an open for inspection is definitely not one of them.
How to make the most of an open for inspection
Buying a house is a high-pressure operation. After years of saving, the real decisions can often come down to just 30 minutes – the average length of an open for inspection.
How to save a deposit for your first home
The hardest part of buying your first property is saving the deposit.
The 21 new strata laws all NSW apartment residents need to know about
There are more than 90 changes to the strata laws that come into force in NSW on November 30 – but what are the ones that will affect you in ways you might actually notice?
First homebuyer mistakes to avoid
The world of property ownership can seem scary for first homebuyers who are often buying purely with emotion.
Is there a good time to buy a second property?
We ask the experts – a financial planner, a lender and a couple of investors – what they think and here’s what they say.
Five tips to secure a mortgage (from someone who did it the hard way)
Securing unconditional loan approval when you’re not a standard salaried borrower can be a tough quest.
Is it a good idea for parents to help their kids buy a house?
Lucy, a 25-year-old nurse, bought her Melbourne townhouse with the help of a deposit from her parents.
Does paying off your mortgage early make sense?
We ask a financial planner, a consumer and a lender what they think, and this is what they say.