Buying the worst house in the best street used to be a sure-fire way to guarantee your property value’s stability.  But with so many factors at play and increasing pressure on the housing market, buyers should be aware that there are certain localities that will ensure a home maintains value and becomes a prized offering when it’s time to sell.

Mortgage brokers can save you hours of legwork, save you heaps of money and help you find the loan that suits your needs best. But it pays to be cautious and do your cross checking when selecting the right broker and loan for you.

The cost of raising your first child from birth to 18 years teeters around the $250,000 mark according to a 2006 study by the University of Queensland. And forget expensive private schools - that's only if you're leading a fairly modest lifestyle. So what tax benefits does the federal government offer for having kids so you can afford to have one for Mum, one for Dad and one for the country?

Australia's housing affordability crisis has put buying property beyond the reach of an increasing number of young adults. But there's no reason why you have to go it alone. By pooling resources between family members or friends, buyers can share possession and ease the burden of a crippling mortgage.