Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider.
1028 articles written by Mark Bristow
What is vintage car insurance?
If you own a vintage car, you likely spend a lot of time and money on preserving this piece of motoring history. A vintage car insurance policy can help you protect your prized possession.
Mark Bristow -
16 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read
How to find affordable car insurance for young drivers
Car insurance is usually more expensive for young drivers, as insurers consider them to be more at risk of being in an accident. But there are ways you can try to lower the cost.
Mark Bristow -
15 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read
Some of the top-rated home loans for investors and refinancers in August 2023
Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping the cash rate on hold in August 2023, home loan interest rates are still on the move. Australians looking for a better deal are still refinancing their mortgage, while investors are starting to return to the market.
Mark Bristow -
15 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read
Do EVs cost more to insure?
Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally cost more to purchase than their petrol-powered equivalents, and may also often cost more to insure. However, the fuel cost savings may be able to help offset some of these higher expenses.
Mark Bristow -
14 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read
What can you do about rising insurance premiums?
Insurance premiums have risen significantly over the past year, thanks to the combined effects of natural disasters and rising building costs. With pressure building on households already struggling with the cost of living, it’s becoming more and more important to compare the cost of home insurance policies.
Mark Bristow -
14 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read
New electric MG4 hatchback to make low-emissions motoring more affordable
If you’ve been on the fence about going electric due to the higher cost of many electric vehicles (EVs), MG has launched a new entry-level electric hatchback with the goal of putting electric motoring within reach of more everyday Australians.
Mark Bristow -
10 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read
What credit score do I need for a home loan in Australia?
Borrowers with fair or higher credit scores may have an easier time getting their mortgage applications approved. But even if you have a poor or below average credit score, if you can fulfil the lender’s other eligibility criteria, there may be steps you can take to confidently apply for a home loan in Australia.
Mark Bristow -
08 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read
Who is eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme?
The Australian Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) can help Australians purchase their first property. First home buyers, regional home buyers, and single parents may all be eligible for the program, provided they also fulfil the other eligibility criteria.
Mark Bristow -
07 Aug, 2023 -
7 min read
ACCC halts ANZ and Suncorp merger – what this means for refinancing
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has halted a planned merger between ANZ and Suncorp Bank, citing concerns around competition in the home loan market, which is seeing near-record levels of refinancing.
Mark Bristow -
04 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read
Some of the top-rated home loans in August 2023
Many Australians may be hoping that the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) decision to keep the cash rate on hold in August 2023 signals the end of the recent hiking cycle. However, it’s still possible that the RBA could raise rates again in the future if inflation does not respond in a timely manner. And with some banks already hiking rates out of cycle from the RBA, it’s essential to look at more than just the interest rate before you apply for a home loan.
Mark Bristow -
01 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read