Recapping 2024 at SW Brokerage

Recapping 2024 at SW Brokerage

This year was marked by challenges and opportunities as we navigated an environment of high interest rates and widespread uncertainty. Many clients faced significant stress, particularly those coming off the historically low “COVID-era” fixed rates, with some seeing their interest rates rise from 2% to 6%. This shift created monthly repayment increases of up to $1,600 on average loans of $500,000, putting cash flow management at the forefront of our efforts.

Despite the turbulence, 2024 also brought positive momentum. We saw strong engagement in the SMSF lending sector, as well as a surge in first-home buyers entering the market and existing homeowners purchasing again. Over the course of the year, we proudly assisted more than 380 clients, making a meaningful difference in their financial journeys.

Our top priority was helping clients rebalance their cash flow and reduce financial anxiety. Refinancing stood out as the most popular service, allowing clients to consolidate car loans and credit cards and save an average of $450 per month ($5,400 annually) by switching to better loan options. As always, our commitment remained steadfast: supporting our clients’ financial well-being through proactive, client-focused solutions.

Making Dreams a Reality in 2024: Supporting Queenslanders with Their Financial Goals

This year, our team at SW Brokerage was proud to help countless Queenslanders take meaningful steps towards their financial dreams. Whether purchasing a first home, investing in property, or upgrading to their forever home, we’ve been by your side every step of the way.

Here’s how we made a difference:

  • First Home Buyers: With Queensland seeing a surge in first-time homebuyers, we helped clients secure their first homes. By simplifying the process, navigating government incentives like the First Home Owners’ Grant, and finding the right loan, we turned their dreams into reality.
  • Property Investors: As property investment remains a strong avenue for wealth creation in Queensland, we guided clients through strategic financing solutions, helping them build or expand their property portfolios.
  • Home Upgraders: For families and individuals looking to grow or move, we assisted  people with refinancing and securing financing for their next chapter.

Thank you for trusting us with your financial journeys this year. Follow us on social media to see more of the stories behind these numbers and how we’re helping the community thrive.

In 2024, Queensland has seen notable activity in the property market:

  1. Owner-Occupier Purchases: Over 33,500 new owner-occupied loans were recorded in a recent month, marking a 21.1% annual growth. This suggests robust activity from owner-occupiers despite market challenges​.
  2. First-Home Buyers: First-home buyers make up less than 20% of loans in Queensland, reflecting ongoing affordability challenges. However, initiatives like a $700,000 stamp duty concession aim to bolster this segment. First-home buyer investment loans have grown significantly, with over 1,500 loans reported in a quarter, a 60% increase compared to pre-COVID levels​.
  3. Investment Properties: Investor activity remains strong, with new investor loans rising by 35.4% annually. Many buyers leverage strategies like “rentvesting,” purchasing investment properties in more affordable areas while renting closer to their preferred locations​

.SMSF

In Queensland during 2024, there has been significant activity in self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) property transactions: At SW Brokerage we helped a high number of existing clients and new clients

  1. Purchases and Refinances: SMSFs are increasingly being used for both residential and commercial property investments. Approximately 10,000 SMSFs were established nationwide in the last quarter, indicating a growing interest in SMSF strategies for property acquisition. While state-specific refinance data isn’t published, Queensland represents a significant portion of the national activity due to its expanding property market​.
  2. Asset Growth: Total SMSF property holdings have grown steadily, with residential property investments increasing by over 26% in the past few years. This trend is driven by more favorable loan terms and better accessibility to SMSF-specific finance​.
  3. Rising Popularity: The increased appeal of SMSFs is attributed to their flexibility, control over investments, and leveraging options for higher returns, making them attractive for refinancing existing loans or acquiring new properties​

These trends underscore the robust activity in SMSF property markets, with Queensland playing a significant role. For more tailored insights into how SW Brokerage can highlight its impact on this growing segment, let me know!

 

Partnering with Professionals: Unique Lending Solutions for Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants

At SW Brokerage, 2024 saw an inspiring increase in engagement with professionals like doctors, lawyers, and accountants. Leveraging our expertise and experience in navigating the unique lending policies tailored to these professions, we helped numerous clients secure financing that matched their career and lifestyle needs.

From bespoke loan packages for medical professionals to tailored solutions for legal and financial practitioners, our team worked diligently to simplify complex scenarios and ensure each client received the most favorable terms. These unique circumstances—such as higher lending thresholds, waived requirements, and specialised policy provisions—are part of what makes supporting professionals both a challenge and a privilege we greatly enjoy.

As specialists in understanding the nuances of these policies, we’re proud to contribute to the success stories of so many in Queensland’s professional community.

 

Business and commercial loans

In Queensland, there are approximately 482,836 small businesses as of June 2023, representing 19% of all small businesses in Australia. Many of these businesses seek financing for cash flow, acquisitions, premises purchases, and refinancing. A significant proportion operate in metropolitan areas like Brisbane, which houses around 46% of the state’s small businesses, while the rest are spread across regional Queensland, reflecting a diverse economic activity base​

 

At SW Brokerage, assisting these businesses has been a key focus, enabling growth and stability for numerous small enterprises. The increasing demand for tailored financial solutions among small businesses presents a growth opportunity in supporting Queensland’s entrepreneurial community.

 

Retention

Driving Savings for Our Clients: Keeping Lenders Accountable

At SW Brokerage, client success isn’t just about securing loans—it’s about ensuring long-term value. Since 2022, we’ve helped our clients save over $700,000 by proactively renegotiating terms with their existing lenders. Without needing to be prompted, our team consistently reviews our clients’ loans and approaches their banks to secure better rates, improved terms, or adjustments that keep them ahead of the curve.

This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also sends a clear message to lenders: we’re here to advocate fiercely for our clients. As we move forward, we remain committed to keeping lenders on their toes and maximizing the financial health of every individual we serve.

 

What Will 2025 Bring for the Lending Sector?

The lending sector in 2025 is expected to navigate a dynamic landscape shaped by evolving market conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Here are some anticipated trends:

  1. Interest Rate Environment: Economic stabilization may lead to either steady or moderately fluctuating interest rates, prompting borrowers to reconsider refinancing options and lenders to remain competitive. This creates opportunities for renegotiating terms or securing better deals for both personal and business loans.
  2. Digital Transformation: The continued rise of fintech solutions will simplify loan applications, offering faster approvals and personalized loan structures. Borrowers will increasingly rely on brokers to sift through the overwhelming number of options and find the best fit.
  3. Focus on Sustainable Lending: More lenders are aligning with environmental and social governance (ESG) criteria. Borrowers seeking green loans or energy-efficient property financing may find competitive terms and unique products tailored to sustainability goals.
  4. Stricter Lending Policies: Potential regulatory tightening might increase the importance of strong applications. Brokers like SW Brokerage will play a critical role in navigating these policies and presenting borrowers in the best light.

Why Choose SW Brokerage in 2025?

At SW Brokerage, we’re prepared to turn challenges into opportunities for our clients. Here’s why we’re your best partner in 2025:

  1. Proven Expertise: With a track record of delivering tailored solutions, including saving clients over $700,000 since 2022, we know how to advocate for your financial goals.
  2. Client-Centric Approach: Whether it’s a first home, investment property, or business expansion, our proactive team ensures you get the best deals—often before you even ask.
  3. Market Insights: Our experienced brokers stay ahead of trends, navigating regulatory shifts and market changes to secure optimal outcomes.
  4. End-to-End Support: From evaluating options to managing ongoing relationships with lenders, we offer a seamless experience that prioritizes your needs.

Let 2025 be the year you leverage our expertise to achieve your financial aspirations. Together, we’ll keep lenders on their toes and make your goals a reality!

SW Brokerage: Trusted by Over 380 Clients and Recognized for Excellence

2024 has been an incredible year of growth and recognition for SW Brokerage. With 260+ Google reviews and consistently ranking first in many key Google searches, we are proud to have built a reputation as a trusted and reliable brokerage. Our clients continue to choose us not only for our expertise but for the exceptional service we provide throughout their financial journeys.

The positive feedback reflects our commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals, whether through refinancing, SMSF lending, or assisting first-home buyers. This year alone, we’ve helped over 380 clients, and we’re proud of the trust they’ve placed in us.