Queensland doubles first home owner grant – what this means for you

The Queensland state government has announced that it would be doubling the state’s first home owner grant (FHOG) from $15,000 to $30,000, in what was described as a pre-Christmas bonus. So how does this affect Queenslanders hoping to put their first foot onto the property ladder in the new year?

Advantages and disadvantages of home and contents insurance

If you want to insure your home, as well as your possessions, choosing a combined home and contents insurance policy can come with advantages, such as lower premiums compared to separate policies, and easier filing of combined insurance claims after disaster strikes. However, there may also be some disadvantages, such as lower coverage limits for some of your belongings and needing to buy more optional coverage.

Which banks have hiked term deposits and savings accounts in November 2023?

The November 2023 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board saw the national cash rate rise by 25 basis points to 4.35% - the thirteenth hike of the current cycle that began in May 2022. 

Top 10 storm hotspots – is your home covered?

New research has revealed the locations in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland that were hit hardest by wild weather over the past financial year. With Australia coming into an El Nino summer, it’s important to make sure your home insurance is prepared, especially if you’re living in one of these areas.

Some of the top-rated home loans for investors and refinancers in November 2023

Many of Australia’s banks and other mortgage lenders have already announced that they’re raising their home loan interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board’s November 2023 meeting. Homeowners and investors hoping to get a better mortgage deal may need to look beyond a home loan’s cost and consider the overall value offered by different lenders.

What is comprehensive credit reporting?

Comprehensive credit reporting is a system which includes both positive and negative information on a person’s credit file, to make credit reports fairer and more accurate.

Can you claim on contents insurance without a receipt?

It is possible to make a claim on your contents insurance if you don’t have a receipt, provided you can provide the insurer with some other proof of ownership. However, keeping receipts or similar official documentation will often make it easier to process contents insurance claims quickly and with fewer hassles.

Will my car loan affect my mortgage application?

A car loan may positively or negatively affect your mortgage application. Successfully managing your car loan repayments could help improve your credit score, which may make a better impression on mortgage lenders. But if your car loan would push your debt-to-income ratio too high, a lender may be less likely to approve your mortgage application.

How much does a house depreciate in value?

You may not think of houses as depreciating in value – after all, don’t house prices keep going up and up? But property investors know that houses and apartments also experience wear and tear over time, which requires upkeep and maintenance. While this depreciation can eat into the rental yield from an investment property, the costs can often be claimed as an expense on your taxes.

Everything home buyers need to know about stamp duty

There are many costs associated with buying a home, and stamp duty is one of the biggest. Stamp duty is a tax charged by states and territories on property purchases. This not only includes real estate, but business assets, vehicles, and some gifts and insurance policies.