Major four banks standard variable rate highest since late 2008

Standard variable rates from the major four banks are the highest they been in two years. Meanwhile the gap between them is also increasing - does this mean more competition in the market? According to RateCity, interest rates from the major four banks have increased to levels not seen since the start of the global financial crisis in 2008.

Mortgage applications drop further

More and more Australians are putting off applying for home loans, especially in Queensland. But despite recent rate increases if you are in the market for a home loan your dream may still be possible.

Mortgage lenders that reward you for your loyalty

Some smaller lenders are rewarding loyal borrowers by offering substantial discounts on their home loans after a period of time, but while these may seem attractive are you really better off?

Treasury proposes credit card regulations

As Australia's level of credit card debt gets out of control, the federal Treasury has released a green paper to help protect consumers from overspending on credit cards. The green paper refers to Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) data that shows Australians accumulated a total credit card debt worth $4.8 billion as at September, an increase of $143 million from August.

The seesaw of fixed and variable home loans

While rates for some variable home loans have increased and fixed mortgage rates dropped, will borrowers be better off fixing their home loans right now? Out of more than 100 lenders monitored by RateCity, 66 have increased their variable home loan rates by as much as 45 basis points from November 1 to November 22.

Aussies could be missing out on $3.6 billion in interest

If you currently have money sitting in a savings account you could be one of the many people missing out on your share of $3.6 billion of unclaimed interest. But there is good news: all you need to do is switch accounts and find a better deal to get your share.

Do fixed-rate home loans help you save?

If some people can save more by fixing their home loan rate, how do you know when it is the right time to fix? Knowing whether to fix or not is the question on most home buyers minds, but this decision all depends on the market and timing.

To build or not to build? That is the question

Are you in the market for a new home? RateCity helps you decide between building a new house or purchasing an existing home.

Are you really stuck with your home loan for life?

Want to move your home loan but worried you are locked in for life? With the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) cracking down on excessive early exit fees and several major banks slashing their mortgage exit fees, the chains around your mortgage could be getting looser.

Home loan myth: Do you get a better rate for being loyal?

So you've had your savings account with the same financial institution since your primary school days and now you're in your late twenties and in the market for a home loan. Because you've been with the same bank for all of these years, does this mean that they will offer you a better deal for being loyal?