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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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1039 articles written by Mark Bristow

Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA in October 2023

A recent uptick in monthly inflation has some concerned that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could prematurely end the current cash rate hiking pause. But economists from the big banks aren’t predicting rate hikes in the October meeting, though there could still be another hike before the year is out.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Sep, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Inflation uptick: How will this affect interest rates in October?

The annual inflation rate climbed higher month on month in August 2023 for the first time in four months, according to the latest economic data.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

27 Sep, 2023 -

3 min read

Home Insurance

What does home insurance cover?

Usually, home insurance will cover any damage caused by unpredictable incidents, whether natural or as a result of humans. Depending on the insurer, having home insurance can also mean you have access to temporary accommodation while repairing or renovating your property after making a claim.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

25 Sep, 2023 -

8 min read

Home Loans

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.

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Mark Bristow -

22 Sep, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Loans

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.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

22 Sep, 2023 -

6 min read

Car Loans

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.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Sep, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Loans

What is a mortgage registration fee?

When you buy or refinance a property, there are some extra costs to budget for. As well as covering your lender’s upfront fees, there are government charges to consider, such as the mortgage registration fee, which covers the cost of adding the mortgage on your home to the land titles office in your state or territory.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Sep, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Loans

How to make an offer on a house

Once you’ve been preapproved for a home loan, you can start house-hunting with confidence, knowing your finances are ready. Once you find a property that suits your needs and your budget, you can take the next step and make an offer. But what is the exact process of making an offer on a house, unit, or investment property? 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Sep, 2023 -

7 min read

Home Insurance

Five benefits of home insurance that not all policies offer

You may find that more is covered by your home and contents insurance policy than just the renovation, rebuilding, or replacement of your home after an insured event.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

18 Sep, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Loans

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

With no movement from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on the cash rate this month, why aren’t Australian homeowners and investors breathing a sigh of relief? Some of Australia’s biggest banks have been hiking their home loan interest rates out of cycle from the RBA, making refinancing more challenging.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

15 Sep, 2023 -

3 min read