By Kain – Mortgage Broker at Aussie Home Loans Clayfield (Brisbane Inner North)
Homes in School Catchments Can Cost More
We’ve all heard the saying “location, location, location.” But for families, it’s often “education, education, education.”
Recent research shows that homes in popular public school catchments can sell for six-figure premiums. Parents are willing to pay more to give their children access to better schools. While this might feel expensive up front, it can still be cheaper than private school fees over the long run.
Unlike school fees that usually rise, mortgage repayments often become easier to manage with time because of inflation. This makes buying in the right school zone an investment in both your child’s future and your financial future.
Three Ways Your Home Loan Could Help With School Costs
Not everyone can move into a new school catchment, but there are smart ways your home loan can help fund education.
1. Use an Offset Account
An offset account is linked to your home loan. Instead of earning interest separately, the balance reduces the loan amount used to calculate interest.
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Example: If you owe $600,000 but have $50,000 in your offset, you only pay interest on $550,000.
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Benefit: Your savings grow safely for education, while also helping you pay off your home faster.
2. Tap Into Home Equity
Home equity is the difference between what your property is worth and what you still owe.
With many Brisbane suburbs, including Clayfield, Nundah, and Hendra, hitting record highs, you may have more equity than you think.
You could:
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Request a loan top-up to access funds.
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Refinance for a better rate or features while unlocking equity.
This equity could then be used for education expenses, easing the financial pressure of school fees.
3. Invest in Property
An investment property can also help with education costs.
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Rental income + possible tax benefits can cover school expenses.
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Property growth builds future equity.
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Rentvesting is another option – buy in a more affordable suburb while renting in your preferred school zone.
Why Talk to a Mortgage Broker?
Paying for school while managing a mortgage can feel overwhelming. That’s where expert advice helps.
As a Brisbane Mortgage Broker, I help families in Clayfield, Nundah, Hendra, and across the inner north make smart decisions with their loans. Whether it’s using an offset, refinancing, or planning around equity, I can guide you through the options that fit your situation.
If you’re thinking about how to manage education costs while also paying down your mortgage, let’s talk. Together, we can find a strategy that balances your family goals with your financial future.