Go back Person relaxing on the beach with a book and sunhat during summer 2025.

Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of Haven

November 27, 2025

Welcome to the Summer edition of Haven. As we settle into another busy festive season, this edition explores some big ideas shaping the way we live – both in how we build our homes and how we enjoy them.


We investigate prefabricated and modular housing, a concept that could hold the key to tackling Australia’s growing housing supply challenges. Could building smarter and faster finally help ease the wait times and costs for new homes?


We also take a peek into the future of home life with AI home helpers. From managing grocery lists to adjusting lighting and security, artificial intelligence is moving beyond the office and into our living rooms to make everyday life that little bit easier.


And for those who love to style their spaces, we say goodbye to minimalism and hello to maximalism! Discover why bold colours, layers of texture, and personal expression are making a joyful comeback in homes across the country.

 

Any advice contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to those matters. Information in this article is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change.

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Gariet Chow

Senior Finance Executive

Gariet has been a finance and mortgage broker for 15 years, working across home loans, investment lending, refinancing, and construction. He's known for making the lending process straightforward - cutting through the complexity with practical advice and genuine hands-on support from application to settlement.

With access to a broad panel of lenders and sharp market knowledge, Gariet focuses on finding the right fit for each client's situation - not just the headline rate.

A fluent Mandarin speaker, Gariet brings an extra dimension to client relationships - and, by all accounts, to karaoke. Married with kids, he's a committed Manchester United fan and follows most sports besides.

To discuss home or investment lending, refinancing or construction finance, contact Gariet today.

Email Gariet

Michael Harris

Managing Director - Commercial

Michael is a senior finance executive with over 20 years’ experience across Australia’s most respected financial institutions including 13 years leading the Macquarie Bank Commercial Asset Finance Division in Western Australia.

He’s also a West Coast Eagles tragic, but don’t let his choice of footy team deter you - he’s built a career around delivering tailored solutions for business owners with deep expertise in financial structuring and execution, that open's opportunities for range of WA businesses.  

Michael holds a Diploma in Financial Services and a Foundation AICD Certificate. He’s also a father of 4 boys so he knows how to handle pretty much anything, including any asset or commercial finance problem you can throw his way.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

Email Michael

Rory Cowman

Managing Director

Rory founded Habitat Finance in 2003 and has spent 25 years building it into one of Perth's most trusted finance firms - serving over 3,000 clients and managing a loan portfolio exceeding $800 million.

He specialises in home loan and investment lending, with a particular focus on finance for professionals and medical professionals and is widely regarded as a master of debt management and debt-recycling strategies.

Rory holds a Diploma in Financial Services and has earned serious industry recognition along the way - including being the youngest member inducted into AFG's Hall of Fame and a consistent spot in MPA's Top 100 Mortgage Brokers.

Married with two kids, Rory's other loves are food, coffee, and pretty much any sport going.

To discuss home or investment lending, refinancing or debt strategy, contact Rory today.

Email Rory