With energy costs rising and sustainability front of mind, “green” home loans are gaining momentum across Australia. These innovative products reward borrowers with lower interest rates or fees for owning or upgrading energy-efficient homes — creating a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

The ACTU and Greens are pushing to cap negative gearing and CGT discounts to just one investment property, phased in over five years. Myself and others warn this could make affordability worse—not better—by forcing investors to jettison properties or hike rents, and tightening supply further as it is likely to slash rental supply, push rents up, and do more harm than good.