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As we step into 2026, we wanted to say thank you for your support over the past year.

2025 was a big one for us, our first year in business, alongside life with three kids, one energetic dog, and a very full family calendar. We squeezed in a holiday to Fiji, a country Christmas with family in Cowra, and plenty of school-holiday chaos in between. Through it all, your trust, patience, and referrals meant more to us than we can say.

Starting a brokerage has been exciting and challenging in equal measure. Dean remains ever-optimistic and firmly in growth mode, while Kristen has juggled business life alongside a busy bushfire season with the RFS. We’re incredibly grateful to our clients who backed us from day one and helped make our first year such a positive one.

Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains: To help more people (which is why your advocacy is so important) and to grow in the Commercial and Self-Managed Superannuation lending space.

We look forward to continuing to support you with proactive reviews, clear guidance, and mortgage advice that evolves as your life does.

Thank you again for being part of our journey. We look forward to another year of working together.

Dean & Kristen

People First Bank is a customer-owned mutual bank formed through the merger of People’s Choice and Heritage Bank, bringing together the strength of two well-established Australian institutions. This merger is currently taking place.

As a mutual bank, People First Bank is owned by its members rather than shareholders, allowing it to focus on delivering long-term value, competitive products, and positive outcomes for its customers and communities.

At present, we are actively refinancing clients to People Choice Bank, driven by their highly competitive lending offerings.

Eligible borrowers may access a $1,000 cashback rebate per loan offering a nice little incentive to join!

(For People’s Choice Bank, Broker loans, T’s & Cs apply).

People First Bank is also offering some of the most competitive rates in the market right now, including:

Owner-occupied, Principal & Interest loans from 5.24%

Investment, Principal & Interest loans from 5.39%

(For People’s Choice Bank, Eligibility criteria apply, T’s & Cs apply).

(Based on forecasts from SQM Research, API Magazine, and realestate.com.au)

Western Sydney is leading the forecasts, driven by the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport in 2026 and major infrastructure investment. Suburbs such as Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, St Marys, Mount Druitt, and Werrington are benefiting from improved transport links, job creation, population growth, and more affordable entry prices compared to inner Sydney.

In the Inner West, suburbs including Lakemba, Canterbury, Campsie, and Dulwich Hill continue to attract attention due to metro upgrades, urban renewal projects, and strong rental demand, particularly for units that remain relatively affordable.

The Eastern Suburbs, while premium-priced, are expected to remain resilient. Areas such as Bondi, Coogee, and Randwick are supported by limited housing supply, strong lifestyle demand, and long-term capital preservation.

Finally, middle-ring hubs like Parramatta, Ryde, and Homebush are emerging as growth areas thanks to CBD expansion, metro access, and major redevelopment projects.

Quick Buyer Guide

Chasing capital growth? Western Sydney & the Inner West

Looking for balance (growth + yield)? Lakemba, Campsie & Canterbury

Seeking stability and long-term value? Eastern Suburbs

If you’re considering buying or refinancing in 2026, focusing on infrastructure-backed locations and well-connected suburbs may position you strongly for the years ahead.

Australia’s Big Four banks are divided on interest rate expectations for 2026: CBA and NAB are forecasting potential early rate hikes, while ANZ expects rates to hold, and Westpac now leans toward stability after previously predicting cuts. Overall, significant rate reductions seem unlikely this year.

Bank-by-Bank Snapshot:

Commonwealth Bank (CBA): Forecasts a 0.25% rate hike in February 2026 to address persistent inflation.

“The economy has picked up more momentum than expected, and that strength is keeping inflation from easing. A small rate increase in February would guide inflation back toward the RBA’s target range of 2-3 per cent,” said Commonwealth Bank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen.

National Australia Bank (NAB): More hawkish, predicting two 0.25% hikes in February and May 2026.

ANZ: Expects rates to stay on hold for the first half of 2026, citing balanced labour markets and moderate growth. Some risk of an early hike remains. ANZ’s head of Australian economics Adam Boyton said "We no longer see one final rate cut from the RBA in the first half of 2026, given recent inflation pressures,"

Westpac: Now anticipates rates holding, after previously expecting cuts, with risks on both sides.

Our View – Blue Sky Mortgage Solutions
Looking at historical cycles, we anticipate no rate movement until April-May, and then potentially a rate decrease. This outlook differs from most economists, but we the cash rate is currently in the target space and we are seeing slower economic growth- so the RBA may be more likely to decrease rates.

The first RBA policy meeting of 2026 will run from Monday, February 2, to Tuesday, February 3, with the interest rate decision announced at 2:30pm AEDT.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so please feel free to reach out and start a discussion with us.

Spring, School Holidays & Exciting Updates!

The school holidays are in full chaotic swing, and we’re just about to depart for a much-needed getaway to Fiji. Don’t worry — we’ll still be accessible while away… probably by the pool, cocktail in hand! 🍹

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to over the past three months:

Client Growth: Since our last newsletter, we’ve welcomed 13 new clients into the Blue Sky family — an unlucky number for some, but certainly lucky for us!

Refinance Rebate Market: ANZ has become the last major bank to exit the refinance rebate space. This leaves only ME Bank, People’s First Bank, and Bank of China offering cash back options:

ME Bank: $3,000 cashback on home loans ≥ $700,000 (owner-occupier and investor; max LVR 80%)

People First Bank: $1,000 cashback on refinances ≥ $500,000 (LVR < 80%; offer until 30 June 2026)

Bank of China: $2,000 cashback on loans ≥ $400,000 (applies to new purchases or refinances)

Refinance Wins:
We recently saved a client 0.89% on her ANZ refinance, putting nearly $5,000 back in her pocket each year.

Pricing Wins:
With our client review process, we saved another client $3,124 p.a.

It’s been a busy few months, and we love helping our clients make the most of their home loans — whether it’s buying, refinancing, or finding the best cash-back deals.

The 5% deposit scheme will help more first-home buyers from today - but the market will 'explode'

CommBanks New Options

Buying a Home with HELP Debt –

If you have HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) debt, CBA has introduced new assessment options that could make a big difference to your borrowing power.

Effective 9 April, CBA now offers two new ways to treat HELP debt when reviewing home and investment loan applications.

How It Works

Option One:
If your HELP debt can be repaid within 12 months (based on income and HELP deductions), it’s excluded entirely from your serviceability assessment.

Option Two:
If repayment takes 1–5 years, HELP repayments are included, but CBA applies a reduced 1% serviceability buffer (down from the standard 3%).

This makes it easier to qualify for a home loan and can increase your borrowing capacity, particularly for first home buyers.

Joint Applications
If two applicants have different HELP debt situations, CBA applies Option Two for both, meaning:
HELP repayments are still included
A 1% assessment buffer applies

Who’s Not Eligible
These new HELP servicing options do not apply to:
Bridging loans
Loans via companies or trusts
Loans with “servicing” guarantors
Applications requesting other servicing exceptions (e.g., REA, MLE, Commitment Apportioning)

How Much More Could You Borrow?
These changes could significantly boost your borrowing power. For example:

Next Steps

If you have HELP debt and are ready to buy your first home (or upgrade), we can help you:

-Assess your eligibility under CBA’s new options
-Calculate your borrowing power accurately
-Guide you through pre-approval and lender selection

Contact us today to see how CBA’s new HELP debt options could help you buy sooner.

NSW Property Market Update – Spring 2025

The Australian property market is showing strong signs of momentum heading into spring — with NSW leading the charge.

Home values are rising, up 0.9% last month and 4% year-on-year, pushing the average dwelling price to just over $1 million.

Auction activity is surging, with clearance rates hitting 77.9%, the highest since 2021.

The RBA’s recent rate cut to 4.10% is helping ease mortgage stress and spark fresh buyer demand.

But with a 6% drop in new housing approvals, experts warn that supply shortages could continue to drive prices higher.

According to News.com.au, Australia could be heading into a new real estate boom, as demand outpaces construction and more buyers re-enter the market.

Click here to read the full article

There has also been a lot of speculation about the Government’s 5% Deposit scheme causing a property market price explosion.

Read more here.

From 1 October, the Federal Government’s new 5% Deposit Scheme officially launched — and it’s already opening the door for more Australians to enter home ownership.

The updated scheme has been redesigned to remove many of the barriers first home buyers have faced, making it easier to buy with a smaller deposit and avoid costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

What’s Changed
The 2025 updates are some of the most significant to date:

-No income caps – more Australians now qualify

-Unlimited places – no waiting lists or missed opportunities

-Higher property price caps – up to $1.5 million in NSW metro and regional centres

-Two streams available – one for general buyers and another specifically for single parents

With broader eligibility and no cap on spaces, the scheme could help thousands who were previously locked out of the market — particularly in higher-priced areas where saving a 20% deposit can take years.

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home — or getting back into the market after some time — now could be the ideal opportunity to take another look.

Scheme Tools and Resources

To explore the full details, you can visit:

🏠 First Home Buyers NSW Government website

📊 Price Cap Tables – to see how much you can borrow while still accessing the scheme

❓ Government FAQs – find detailed answers to common questions

After an exciting first month in business, we want to thank you—our valued clients, for joining us on this new journey. Your continued trust and support means the world to us.

We are here to provide you with the same specialist advice and personalised service you've received to date.

We appreciate all your recommendations and kind words.

We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

Own Home’s Buyer’s Agent Service

Free with Deposit Boost loans

One of our lending partners, Own Home, is offering a powerful incentive for eligible buyers: a full buyer’s agent service, free when utilising on of their Deposit Boost Loans.

What’s included — at no cost to you:

1-on-1 support from licensed agents
4 professional property reports
(valued at $2,400)
Expert price negotiation & auction support
Tailored market research & suburb guides
Weekly updates throughout the journey

Normally valued at $13,200

Now $0 with a Deposit Boost loan.

Own Home clients buy 6x faster than the average first home buyer (just 32 days on average).

Get in touch to find out if this could be right for you or someone you know.

Terms and conditions apply. Regular lending criteria applies. Visit Own Home for their full terms and conditions.

Kiama’s coastal charm is calling—house prices are still $177K below their 2022 peak, making it a great time to buy.

With rising interest in areas like Minnamurra, where the city feels far away and you can imagine diving off the deck for a morning swim, now could be your chance to make the dream a reality.

House values are rising again but still offer great value compared to pandemic highs.

Thinking of making a move? We can help with finance options.

Read the full article → on Domain

Inflation is cooling, and Westpac has joined CBA in predicting interest rate cuts as early as July.

The latest data shows inflation dropped to 2.1% in May—raising hopes for lower mortgage rates. A 0.25% cut could save around $178/month on a $600,000 loan.

What does this mean for you?

Potential relief—but not all lenders pass on the full cut.

Contact me for your annual review. Description goes here