Refinancing your mortgage in 2025 is something many Australian homeowners are talking about. After a year of shifting cash rates and a number of lenders moving their packaged rates, now is a good moment to check whether your current deal still suits your goals.

So you’re thinking about releasing equity from your home - and one of the key steps in that process is understanding how property valuations work.

Using the equity in your home to buy your next property is a common and powerful strategy - but it needs careful planning. Equity is a real asset you already own and, when used the right way, it can unlock a deposit for an investment property or even help you upgrade.

Refinancing your home loan can be a smart move, but only if it suits your goals and your numbers stack up. As a mortgage broker and not a financial advisor, I help people weigh the practical pros and cons so they can decide whether to stay put, switch products with the same lender, or move to a new lender.

As a homeowner, you've likely built up equity in your property over time. This equity can be a valuable financial resource, allowing you to access funds for various purposes without needing to sell your home.