House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?

What is a property actually worth? The answer may depend on if you were to ask a real estate agent or a valuer working for a mortgage lender.

Heritage home renovations explained

Buying and renovating an older property can be an affordable and satisfying way to improve your quality of life at home, or to add more value to an investment. However, renovating a home old enough to qualify for heritage listing can bring with it a whole set of new complications. Be prepared for extra work and hassle, but also extra satisfaction!

How to apply for a personal loan

If you need money for a personal project like a renovation, an event like a wedding or a holiday, or a major purchase like a car, you may be in the market for a personal loan. But before you start firing off applications, it’s important to get an idea of what to look for in a personal loan, and how the application process works.

Can I have two insurance policies on one car?

It’s possible to have two or more car insurance policies on a single vehicle, such as to provide different types of coverage for a wide variety of situations. However, you can’t legally claim on two different car insurance policies for the same vehicle.

Can you get same-day car insurance?

While you can buy car insurance the same day you purchase a vehicle, the coverage may not always take effect immediately. It’s important to know whether any waiting periods may apply, so you aren’t unknowingly driving around without an active car insurance policy.

Home loan cashbacks: will you qualify for up to $10k when you refinance?

Higher living costs mean that Australians looking to buy or refinance a home may be keen to offset some of their loan costs with a mortgage cashback deal. But with only a limited number of home loan cashbacks available, it’s important to compare your options and work out if you fulfil the offer’s terms and conditions.

Some of the top-rated savings accounts in October 2023

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the cash rate at 4.10% in October 2023 for the fourth month in a row. While it’s not yet certain if the cash rate has peaked, there are several banks offering savings accounts with interest rates that may be able to help you beat inflation.

Is negative gearing to blame for house unaffordability?

Negative gearing allows investors to claim any losses they incur on an investment property against their personal tax income and is often accused of driving up the price of property by encouraging investors to enter the market. Some economists have called for it to be abolished, and many blame it for Australia’s housing unaffordability.

How to invest in Australian property as a non-resident

Investing in Australian property can often prove lucrative for international investors, thanks to the high-quality lifestyle, and choice of locations. If you want to invest in Australian property, you’ll need to understand the rules and regulations governing non-resident borrowers. Before your application for a non-resident home loan can be approved, the government authorities will evaluate it.

How to get the best rate when buying a car

Cars can be expensive, and you may need to use a car loan or another form of car finance to afford your next set of wheels. But not all car loans are created equal, and the interest rate you’re charged can affect how much you’ll pay for your car, both from month to month and in total.