Plain-English guides to help you understand stamp duty, capital gains tax, LMI, mortgages, first home buyer grants, and superannuation — all updated for 2025-26.
These guides go deeper than the calculators. Each one explains how the underlying calculation works, what the current rates and thresholds are, and how the rules apply to real situations. Every guide includes worked examples with actual numbers, FAQ sections answering the most common questions, and source links to official government publications so you can verify the figures yourself.
The guides are written by Mike Backman, who has navigated the Australian property market as both a home owner and investor for over 15 years. They are updated whenever rates or legislation change — typically after the federal budget in May, state budget announcements, and ATO rate updates on 1 July each year. Each guide displays a last updated date so you know the information is current.
Not sure where to start? If you are buying your first home, start with the First Home Buyer Grants guide. If you are selling an investment property, the Capital Gains Tax guide covers the 50% discount, main residence exemption, and how the calculation works. If you are approaching retirement, the Age Pension and Superannuation guides explain the means tests, contribution caps, and how to maximise your entitlements.
A plain-English guide to NSW transfer duty rates, thresholds, and first home buyer exemptions — updated for 2025-26.
CGTMay 2026How CGT works on investment property, the 50% discount rules, and what the proposed 2027 changes mean for you.
LMIMay 2026Lenders Mortgage Insurance can add thousands to your home loan. Here's exactly when you'll pay it, and how to avoid it.
GrantsMay 2026Every state and territory has different grants, concessions, and schemes. Here is the full picture for 2026.
MortgageMay 2026Fixed vs variable, offset accounts, borrowing capacity — a plain-English guide to Australian home loan repayments.
SuperannuationMay 2026The 12% SG rate, contribution caps, salary sacrifice, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme — all explained for 2025-26.
RetirementJuly 2026How Centrelink means-tests your assets and income to determine your Age Pension entitlement — with current 2025-26 thresholds, deeming examples, and tips to maximise your payments.
RetirementJuly 2026The deeming rate freeze is over. Understand the new 1.25% and 3.25% rates, what assets are deemed, and how to manage your investments to maximise your pension.
PropertyJuly 2026The government reverse mortgage most retirees have never heard of — 3.95% interest, no repayments while you live there, and a legislated No Negative Equity Guarantee.
All figures sourced from Revenue NSW, ATO, and state government websites. Always verify with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Mike Backman — Founder of Aussie Property & Crypto Calc. Mike researches Australian property, taxation and personal finance and maintains all calculators using ATO, ASIC, RBA and state government data.
Last updated: 19 July 2026 · About this site · Report an error