Saving for the Jones's: Aussies showing off their savings success

Australians are more worried about their neighbours finding out their financial hardships, than actually going through the hardship itself, according to a new international survey.

New Year's Resolution: More money from your savings

2010 will be the year for better interest rates on savings accounts so why not take advantage by starting up a savings plan for your New Year’s Resolution?

2010 Hotspots: Biggest property bargains revealed

A report of Australia’s cheapest property areas reveal ’hotspots’ for price growth that are almost $400,000 less than median house prices across the country. These bargain properties are fodder for investors, and home buyers wishing to own a property outright as soon as possible.

Rudd tells home buyers to stand on their own feet

When it comes to home loans, the Australian government isn’t prepared to hold consumers’ hands anymore, and home buyers are expected to rely on their own decisions, according to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Mortgage trends: Basic is in, fixed is out, and capped is hot

Despite a recent string of rate hikes, borrowers are shunning fixed rate home loans. The latest ABS figures on housing finance show that demand for fixed loans fell by more than 10 percent, with fewer than 6 percent of homebuyers locking into a fixed rate.

Bricks and boards, Construction loans solve housing shortage

Many home loan borrowers are now considering taking up construction loans to save on costs and help with building more homes for future generations. The housing shortage is crippling Australia, according to experts who believe that the undersupply of properties will cause future suffering for home buyers.

Interest rates to hit 5 percent in 2010

The recent interest rate rises may be just the beginning of a long climb for home loan rates, with economists predicting that the Reserve Bank cash rate will rise to 5 percent by Christmas 2010.

Summer buying: Now is the time to find a home and borrow

Summer is a season for family gatherings, beach holidays and long, lazy afternoons. For savvy home buyers, it may also be a good time to snap up your dream home and score the best home loan deals on the market.

How will first home buyer cap affect you?

Buyers’ Cap, which forces future buyers receiving the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) to keep under a price limit. Those who are planning on taking a larger home loan will have to look elsewhere to save.

Don't be wooed by home loan goodies

In this era of new austerity, home loan customers are sticking to the basics. While the housing market remains strong thanks to historically low interest rates and the First Home Buyers Grant, people are very cautious