
Articles, Stories, Tips & Resources
Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?
With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling – and how you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas.
How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?
Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the LMI, not the dog…)
How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed
It’s the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your own boss can dish up some unexpected hammer blows.
What’s going on with negative gearing?
Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why it’s so popular among investors, and why it’s attracting fresh attention.
How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)
Planning to buy your first home? It takes (on average) about five to six years to save a deposit at present. But who’s got the patience to save for six years? Today we’ll look at four ways you could fast-track home ownership.
Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?
Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Here’s why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than later if you’re home loan-ready.
Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker
Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? It’s unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out buying your first home can be just as daunting, with 91% of first-home buyers turning to a mortgage broker for guidance.
TikTok vs talking to your broker? It’s no contest
TikTok and Instagram reels are fun, fast and free – but it’s important to be picky about whose content you’re viewing, especially if you’re in the market for a home loan.
Fixed rates tumble: a sign of things to come?
When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south.
The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on
When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers.
How much has your home’s value risen by?
We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage.
Property market set to blossom this spring
The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Here’s how to prepare if you’re planning to buy in the weeks ahead.
How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity
Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look.
Does your job come with home loan perks?
Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today we’ll look at some of the occupations that can offer up home loan perks.
Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors
A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters – and it’s changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal what’s happening across the rental and investment markets.
Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders
Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the Tasman. Here’s what you need to know.
Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?
Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. We explain what’s driving this fear, and how you can boost your chances of getting approved.
How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?
As property prices hit record highs across a number of cities, it’s no surprise that new home loan balances are also nudging towards fresh peaks. Today we’ll reveal what the ‘average’ new home loan is in your state, and provide you with some handy tips to help bring down your balance sooner.
50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents
The new financial year has kicked off with a bang for first home buyers! A whopping 45,000 more places have opened up for them under the Home Guarantee Scheme, as well as 5,000 more spots for single parents. Here’s how it could help you buy a home sooner.
Will home prices keep rising over the next year?
Property prices are expected to keep climbing higher through to mid-2025 – though not everywhere, according to a new report. We reveal where prices are tipped to go up, and where prices are expected to fall.