Astaggering number of mortgage holders are barely keeping their heads above water, according to new research by Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.
In August, Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker recorded the highest level of mortgage stress since it first began tracking in early 2019.
“HOUSING IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING A MAJOR SOURCE OF STRESS”
$634,479, which is up by 1.3 per cent from the previous month and up by 9.3 per cent from the previous year, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Richard Whitten, home loans expert at Finder, said many Australians are spending a disproportionate amount of their income on their home loans.
“Millions of mortgage holders have managed rate hikes so far, but now they’re facing severe financial strain as their
savings and emergency funds dry up,” he said.
“Housing is increasingly becoming a major source of stress for Australians, with many struggling to keep afloat.”
To help Australians make better financial decisions when it comes to their home loan, Finder last week revealed the winners of its 2024 Customer Satisfaction Home Loan Awards.
“ING was crowned most loved brand in the home loans overall category, while NAB took the top spot for most trusted brand,”
awarded the top gong for legendary customer service.”
In the owner occupier home loans category, ING was awarded most loved brand and most trusted brand, and Bendigo Bank reigned supreme for legendary customer service.
Commbank claimed the top spot for most loved brand and legendary customer service in the investor home loans category, while Macquarie Bank was recognised as most trusted brand.
A LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE
Western Property
RECORD SALE FOR NEW PENRITH PENTHOUSE
Apenthouse at the soon-to-be-constructed Perle complex in Penrith has sold for a record $5.5 million.
Located in the East Side Quarter (ESQ) neighbourhood, Perle offers a total of 173 meticulously-designed homes, including penthouses, terrace houses, and spacious apartments.
These are all anchored by a 1000sqm lakefront dining precinct, and complemented
2/62 William Hart Crescent, Penrith
with a Palm Springs-inspired rooftop infinity pool, a state-of-the-art Wellness Centre, private gardens, a hotel-like concierge service, and a private dining room for residents.
Ahead of the Perle launch, James Place held an off-market tower release of 20 spacious sky homes within the development called ‘The Residences’.
Designed to be personally customised for each purchaser, these properties also offer expansive wrap-around views, an entertaining bar, butlers’ kitchens and high-end V-ZUG appliances.
All but three have already been sold off-market with the largest penthouse purchased by a local businessman for a record $5.5 million.
Andrew James, Founder and Managing Director of James Place Group, acquired the project from Cabe in 2023.
“James Place is committed to creating vibrant, mixed-use communities that redefine modern living,” James said.
“Our aim with Perle is to transform urban spaces into places that foster community connection, innovation, and well-being. With its exceptional design, world-class amenities and a dedicated onsite team, Perle is set to become a landmark in Penrith, offering residents a unique lifestyle experience with everything on their doorstep. We hope to
This spectacularly presented single storey north facing 3 bed property is set on 200sqm of land, with all the lifestyle and convenience you could want. With 112sqm of living area, including open living/dining, custom designed kitchen, land locked backyard and oversized single lock up garage, this property is perfect for downsizers with low maintenance living, young families with pets or kids or first home buyers looking to begin their property journey and enter the market.
- Set on 200sqm of land, 112sqm north facing single storey home, 64sqm backyard with 24sqm single lock up garage
- Carpeted master bedroom to the north, with large walk-in robes and ensuite, separate bedroom quarters at the rear for the kids and study
- Oak timber floorboards to the light and bright open living/dining, air con, gas bayonet, NBN ready
- Custom designed electric kitchen featuring 40mm Caesarstone benchtops with waterfall edge and plumbed-in fridge cavity
- Multiple linen, pantry and storage cupboards, large internal laundry
- Landlocked backyard to keep the pets and kids in, freshly turfed lawn, access to the oversized lock-up garage with plenty of storage space
- Main bathroom with separate shower and bathtub with niche/recess
offer not just a place to live, but a vibrant neighbourhood that residents and the Penrith community can be proud of.”
Construction of Perle is set to begin in 2024, and completion aimed for the end of 2026 in time for the opening of western Sydney’s new airport. Perle will create over 1,000 construction new jobs, further boosting the local economy and delivering in-demand housing.
“PERLE IS SET TO BECOME A LANDMARK IN PENRITH“
“With this week’s announcement that Singapore Airlines will be taking off in 2026 from the Badgerys Creek just 15 minutes away, you will be able to go from swimming in your own infinity pool to Marina Bay’s overnight, as this new service connects ESQ to the world,” James said.
The public will have the opportunity to explore the Perle showroom from September 22. Located on Retreat Drive, Penrith, it will be open Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday, from 10am to 2pm.
The Residences at the Perle development.
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FEET IN EXTREME WEATHER
As podiatrists, we often remind patients that seasonal changes can significantly impact foot health. Extreme weather conditions, whether cold or hot, bring distinct challenges. Here’s how to keep your feet healthy throughout the year.
Winter foot care
In cold weather, conditions like chillblains and Raynaud’s phenomenon can affect your feet. Chillblains are painful, itchy swellings that occur due to prolonged exposure to cold. To prevent this, wear insulated, waterproof boots and moisture-wicking socks.
Raynaud’s phenomenon, characterised by reduced blood flow to the extremities in cold conditions, can also affect the feet, causing them to turn white or blue and feel numb. Managing Raynaud’s involves keeping your feet warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes. Wear thermal socks and insulated
boots and use hand warmers if necessary.
Summer foot care
Warm weather brings its own set of foot care challenges, particularly fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. These infections thrive in dark, warm and moist environments. To prevent them, keep your feet clean and dry. Opt for breathable
shoes made from natural materials and moisture-wicking socks. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as pools and locker rooms, where fungi can spread. Hydrate well to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of cracks, which can become an entry point for infections. If you notice symptoms such as itching, redness, or peeling, consult a podiatrist promptly.
Year-round tips
Regardless of the season, maintaining good foot hygiene is essential. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily, keep toenails trimmed and inspect your feet regularly for any abnormalities. By following these seasonal care tips, you can safeguard your feet from extreme weather conditions and maintain optimal foot health throughout the year.
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
Hands on with the ghd Duet Blowdry: What’s the verdict?
It feels as though over the last few years, a new hair styling tool has come out every other week.
From the Dyson Airwrap and its many ‘dupes’, to heatless curl kits, rollers and blowdry brushes, it all felt a little overwhelming – how are you supposed to work out which one is best for you?
So, I will admit, when the ghd Duet Blowdry first launched in Australia, it kind of blended in with
everything else. However, it’s ended up taking the lead on my For You page – so I had to give it a try.
What is the ghd Duet Blowdry?
The ghd Duet Blowdry is a two-in-one hair dryer brush, advertised as being able to create salon perfect hair from the comfort of your home. It uses Heat-Air Xchange Technology to heat the barrel plate and bristles, enabling you to dry and style your hair at the same time, with no heat damage.
How does it work?
The ghd Duet Blowdry is simple to use.
Once switched on, it takes a few seconds to heat up. Keep in mind, it only has one heat setting, and although it’s safe to use on wet hair, it is hot to
touch, so be sure to leave it on a heat resistant surface, and be careful when handling.
I like to use the tool on my hair when it’s around 70 per cent dry.
Taking smaller pieces, I will run the tool through my hair from root to end until fully dry. Then, you can take a little more time to style – lifting the hair at the root, and then rotating it a few times at the ends to create a voluminous curl.
I have curly, damaged hair, and I find that I can get my hair from wet to fully styled in less than half an hour with the Duet Blowdry.
Is it worth the money?
The ghd Duet Blowdry retails for $595. When you compare this to alternatives like the Shark SmoothStyle, Mermade Blow Dry Brush, or Bondi Boost Blowout Pro – which all sit
between $100 and $200 – this one is definitely an investment piece. But, is it worth it?
Having tried the Shark SmoothStyle previously (which I do love), I can say that the ghd definitely feels better quality. It’s a professional tool, and you can tell – it’s heavier, feels more durable, and comes with all the bells and whistles, like a heat-resistant bag, a cleaning brush, and a free Volume Forever Blow Dry Cream. But, whether it’s worth spending the almost-$600 on a great tool really depends on the user. If you’re looking to create the perfect Rachel Green blow-out, you care about the health of your hair, and you’re going to use it regularly, I think it’s a great purchase. But, if you prefer the look of a wave or perfect curl, or you think you’d use it more sparingly, I’d consider other options.
The Experts
TROUBLESOME TICKS: PROTECTING YOUR PETS
As spring arrives, it brings warmer weather, longer days, and the inevitable return of ticks. While these parasites can be found year-round, their activity peaks during spring and summer, especially in regions with warm weather interspersed with rainfall. For pet owners, the most concerning of these pests is the paralysis tick, a potentially deadly threat to our furry companions.
as it feeds. This toxin can cause progressive paralysis, respiratory depression, and, in severe cases, death, especially in animals with no immunity to the toxin.
Identifying a paralysis tick
tantly, do not to use any products designed for dogs on cats as these can be extremely toxic to cats. Conducting a thorough tick search involves running your hands through your pet’s coat, down their legs, over their stomach, and to the tip of their tail. Combining these searches with regular vet health checks will give your pet the best protection against ticks. For more information on tick prevention and treatment, contact us at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital. KELLIE TICKNER
Understanding paralysis ticks
Australia is home to around 75 different species of ticks, but the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most dangerous to pets. This tiny arachnid is commonly found in bushy coastal areas along the East Coast of Australia, ranging from North Queensland to Eastern Victoria. Although ticks are most prevalent from spring to autumn, they can pose a threat at any time of the year. The paralysis tick is particularly hazardous because it injects a potent neurotoxin into its host
Identifying a paralysis tick can be challenging, particularly if the tick is not fully engorged. Paralysis ticks can be identified by their grey body and legs close to the head. Paralysis ticks have one pair of brown legs closest to their head, then two pairs of white legs and then one pair of brown legs closest to the body.
Due to the difficulty in accurately identifying ticks, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately if you find one on your pet. A veterinarian will not only remove the tick safely but can also determine if it’s a paralysis tick and provide the necessary treatment to mitigate any potential effects of the toxin.
What to do if you find a tick on your pet
If you discover a tick on your pet, it’s essential to seek veterinary treatment immediately. Even if the tick has been removed, taking your pet to a veterinarian is critical, as symptoms of tick paralysis can develop hours to days after the tick is detached. Early symptoms of tick paralysis include unsteady coordination, weakness or collapse, vomiting, changes in vocalisation, and difficulty breathing. These signs require urgent veterinary care.
Prevention is key
Preventing tick infestations is the best way to protect your pet. Various parasite prevention products, including topical applications, rinses, sprays, and collars, are available. However, none of these methods offer 100 per cent protection, making regular tick checks essential, especially if you live in tick-prone areas like Winmalee, Yellow Rock and Castlereagh. It is vital to use tick prevention products exactly as directed and most impor-
Saturn, Neptune and the Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon are stirring up your finance zones. So impulse buys today could lead to cash flow problems tomorrow. Astute Aquarians will avoid making expensive purchases or major money moves, as you’re inclined to view your financial situation through rose-coloured glasses. The Sun/Uranus trine (on Thursday/Friday) is fabulous for innovative creative ideas, especially involving home and family.
TAURUS
An unreliable relative or a questionable acquaintance could lead you astray, so keep your realism radar set on high and avoid getting caught up in dubious schemes. You’re learning some valuable friendship lessons, as Saturn stirs up your peer group zone. And the Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon (on Tuesday/ Wednesday) shines a bright light on work that still needs to be done. Sunday is a good time to dive deeper into a new hobby or travel experience.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
It’s a big week for colourful Cats. On Tuesday night/Wednesday, there’s a Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon in your intimacy/secrets/trust zone. And Thursday/Friday’s Sun/Uranus trine is terrific for initiating creative ideas and making financial progress. Then Sunday’s magnetic Sun/Pluto trine boosts personal power and encourages passionate communication and purposeful transformation. So it’s time for self-assured Lions to shine!
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
The Sun and Mercury are moving through your peer group zone while Saturn, Neptune and the Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon stimulate your friendship zone. So a work colleague could frustrate you, an authority figure could annoy you, or a friend could give you confusing information. Avoid the temptation to just sulk, stew and simmer. A double dose of Scorpio charm and diplomacy will get you through with your reputation (and sanity) intact!
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
The Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon is in Pisces but, if you daydream the week away, you’ll just end up feeling dazed and confused. Try channelling your creative energy into friendships, joint ventures and group projects. You’re keen to pursue a particular course of action but is a loved one on the same page? Take the time to double-check, otherwise you could find you are veering off in completely different directions. Communicating clearly is the key.
GEMINI
Taskmaster Saturn and nebulous Neptune could suck the wind out of your sails, especially at home or work. And you may feel disappointed or confused. Don’t despair and give up Gemini! Get your creative juices flowing in imaginative new directions. Sunday’s Sun/ Pluto trine focuses your busy mind and sharpens your cerebral talents. So it’s the perfect time to analyse, study, research and dig deep as you uncover a mystery or solve a perplexing problem.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
There’s a tendency to become obsessed about an idea (or person) as you focus with Virgo tunnel-vision. You’re putting in 100 per cent effort but don’t be disappointed if the results aren’t perfect. You’ll learn more from perceived ‘failures’ than you will from successes. Draw inspiration from film star Sophia Loren (who was born on September 20, 1934). “It’s better to explore and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.”
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Expect a domestic drama or a professional challenge as Saturn, Neptune and a Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon leave you wondering what on earth is going on! Do your best to be especially diplomatic with a cranky colleague or a recalcitrant relative. Blunt honesty isn’t the best policy – communication will improve with some creative sugar-coating. A pinch of patience (not your usual modus operandi) will help smart Sagittarians sail through.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Impatient Rams are keen to share information and exchange ideas with family, friends and work colleagues. But Saturn slows progress and Neptune confuses communication. Plus – on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning – the Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon lights up your self-sabotage zone. So make sure your amusing chatter doesn’t denigrate into gratuitous gossip. Sunday is super for making plans to transform your career or rev up your daily routine.
With Mars charging through your sign, Crabs are raring to go! The Partial Lunar Eclipse Supermoon, Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune are all activating your travel and education zones, so it’s time to make plans for a future trip or a new course of study. But – with Saturn slowing progress and Neptune confusing issues – you need to be patient and persistent. Then – when the right moment manifests – you’ll be ready, willing and able to move forward.
This week is all about bringing more balance and harmony into your busy world. We celebrate the Equinox on Sunday – when the Sun transits into Libra, and day and night are of equal length. With Venus also visiting your sign, it’s time to tap into your passion and creativity. So your motto is from fellow Libran, legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt, “Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
From Wednesday to Saturday, you could feel doubtful or disappointed, as Saturn and Neptune dull motivation and confuse communication. Then your Capricorn confidence starts to return, as Sunday’s Sun/Pluto trine boosts your earthy energy and natural enthusiasm. Personal projects, holidays, travel and education are highlighted. Remember it’s Equinox week, so the more you relax and tune into your inner equilibrium, the happier you’ll be!
TRUE INNER-CITY VIBES
If you’re heading into the city for a weekend staycation, choosing a hotel can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of hotels boasting similar rooms and amenities in 50 shades of beige. But, in a sea of sterility, ADGE Hotel and Residencies stands out as a vibrant and eclectic alternative, providing a true inner-city experience.
Though it looks the same as any other boutique hotel from the outside, upon entering ADGE – pronounced like ‘edge’ with an A – you’re met with an explosion of colour which can only be described as ‘metro meets retro’.
In the lobby alone, you’ll see splashes of colour all over, mixing industrial installations with bright, geometric patterns, and murals by tattoo artist Adrian Hing. And, this only continues into the rooms.
ADGE Hotel and Residencies first opened back in August last year with less than 100 rooms. Now, after an expansion earlier this year, and a second with the completion of a new 254-room tower situated on the former site of the Cambridge Hotel, it’s ready to wow more guests than ever before.
As part of my stay last month, I made myself at home in one of the new tower’s King Balcony Rooms.
Of course, the room had all of your basics – a huge bathroom, super comfortable bed, and a TV allowing you to watch any streaming service you like, making for the perfect place for anyone to have a relaxing night’s sleep. But, what makes ADGE so special is all of the finishing touches. Each room comes complete
with a Smeg fridge, high quality bath and shower products, and even a lounge to relax on if you’re not so keen on having ‘outside clothes’ on the bed. Our room, of course, even had a balcony, looking out onto the lively streets of Surry Hills. If that doesn’t convince you, though, then the location just might.
Though it has convenient onsite parking available if you’re willing to brave the narrow spiral, ADGE is also located less than a 10-minute walk from Museum, or less than 20 from Central.
Being on Riley Street, just around the corner from Oxford Street, means there’s never going to be a shortage of things to see or do, whether it’s seeing a gig at the Oxford Art Factory, or grabbing a bite to eat.
For me, it was hard to bypass happy hour at The Rover – a cocktail bar and British-style restaurant with options for any appetite. $2 oysters, anyone?
Though the rain on the night meant I wasn’t able to explore the city as much as I would have liked to, fate brought me to Rivareno Gelato for dessert. Their Cremino Rivareno flavour is to die for, especially when enjoyed alongside a movie back at the hotel.
For breakfast, however, you’d be best off staying in, and enjoying a feed at Korean deli Soul Deli, situated beneath the hotel.
Whilst they have all of your basics available, I got the K-Street Toast – a Korean breakfast classic – and it was so good that I’d seriously consider going back just to have it again. Going away for the weekend doesn’t necessarily have to mean escaping all hustle and bustle. But, if you’re going towards it, do it at ADGE.
37. Shopper
38. Photographing bones (1-6)
40. At an advantage (32)
41. Cut (wood)
42. Prophetic signs
43. Track competitor
44. Wealthy people
47. Dairy foods
51. Fragrant pink flower
52. Cone-shaped tents
53. Spanish Mrs 54. Muddle
58. Abundant
59. Brewery barrel
61. Wedding March route
63. Organise feast
64. Become extinct (3,3)
65. Model, ... Christensen
66. Coniferous tree
68. Sacrificial block
71. Lion handler
72. Rascals
74. Half-open
76. Sound (horn)
78. Single thing
80. Nonsense!
83. Sphere
Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: PROTEIN
STUFF OF LIFE
SULPHUR
VITAL
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about country icon Johnny Cash in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what US state was Johnny Cash born? 2. Both Johnny Cash and June Carter died in 2003. Who passed away first?
5. How many children does Johnny Cash have?
6. In what year was Johnny Cash inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum?
7. How many times was Johnny Cash married?
3. Johnny Cash scored his first country number one with what song in 1956? 4. Johnny Cash famously switched to Columbia records in 1958. What was his first single with his new label?
