What is the earliest age you can get a credit score?

Whether you’re nearing the end of school, or you’re the parent of a child who is considering applying for financial products, understanding the basics of credit scores is essential. Australian credit reports may begin at 18 years old, but there are key things to keep in mind.

How much equity do I need to refinance?

There are many reasons why you might want to refinance your mortgage - to get a better interest rate, access your equity to fund a project, consolidate debt, or change your loan terms to better suit your changing personal and financial circumstances.

Ten tips to know before refinancing your home loan

It’s relatively rare to stick with the same home loan for the entire loan term in Australia. Considering that refinancing is such an essential part of the mortgage process, it’s important to be aware of some of the common issues that could arise, as well as ways to help the process proceed more smoothly.

How often should you refinance your home loan?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should refinance your home loan, though many Australian borrowers switch loans after five or six years. There are also certain events that could trigger a desire to shop around for a better mortgage deal.

Does refinancing really save you money?

In a time when every dollar counts for household budgets, it’s no surprise so many Australians are looking to get a little breathing room from their mortgage repayments. But can refinancing your home loan really make a difference to an everyday household budget?

How long does it take to refinance?

Refinancing your home loan can help you enjoy a range of benefits, from lower interest rates to flexible features and benefits. However, the process of refinancing will require some time and effort. Depending on the lender and your financial situation, the refinancing process could take anywhere from a few weeks to just three days.

A guide to single-parent home loans

If you’re a single parent with a single income, getting a home loan approved may seem daunting. However, being prepared and not rushing into a decision may help you get through the process with minimal stress. Spending some time doing your research and preparing your finances early can help make the process as smooth as possible.

How to find the right home loan when self-employed

While there may not be restrictions on the kinds of loan you can apply for as a self-employed borrower, you may have to work harder to prove to lenders that you can repay the home loan. It’s important to study all borrowing options available to you before choosing a mortgage, as the best home loan for a self-employed borrower may not be the best choice for another.

What is a negative equity home loan?

When you buy a house or other property, you may expect its value to keep rising. However, there are certain conditions that could lead to the house and land value falling. 

Which banks have hiked savings account and term deposit rates in March 2023?

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) mission to bring down high inflation has seen the national cash rate increase for the 10th straight monthly meeting as of March 2023. With several Australian banks and Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) passing this rate rise on to savers, more Australian savings account interest rates are starting to hit the 5.00% mark.