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.

What to expect from the RBA meeting in November 2023

Three of Australia’s Big four banks have changed their tune on what they expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will do at its upcoming meeting in November 2023. And with all four banks now predicting a hike, when can we realistically expect interest rates to start falling again?

Can a car be used as collateral for a loan?

It is possible to use a car as collateral to secure a loan, which could let you enjoy a cheaper interest rate. But there are also risks to consider before you apply.

When can I switch energy suppliers without penalty?

If you are looking to switch to a new energy supplier without paying a penalty, here are a few tips to keep in mind. There are many reasons people might want to switch from their current energy supplier to a new one, from high prices to poor service.

Can you use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?

If you own an investment property and are thinking of buying another one, you may want to use the rental income you receive from your tenants to help pay for your next mortgage. However, not all mortgage lenders will take all of your rental income into account when assessing your mortgage application.

What is a secured and unsecured loan?

A personal loan is a simple way to borrow money to pay for a major purchase, or to cover the costs of a personal project. When you apply for a personal loan, you may be able to choose between a secured loan and an unsecured loan. A secured personal loan uses an asset, such as a car, as security. In contrast, an unsecured personal loan doesn’t require any collateral or assets to secure it.

Which bank has the best mobile app? Five questions to ask

A new research report has evaluated the mobile banking apps of Australia’s top lenders, and revealed which of Australia's leading banks has the best mobile app. But what questions can you ask a bank to work out if its app will suit your needs?

Some of the top-rated home loans in November 2023

There’s a strong chance that the next meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board in November 2023 will see the national cash rate rise. All of Australia’s Big Four banks are predicting that the 13th rate hike since April 2022 will arrive in November 2023. But what does this mean for Australian homeowners and first home buyers?