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

Many Australians were taken by surprise when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) chose to raise the national cash rate by 25 points to 3.85% in May 2023, following a pause the month before.

The pros and cons of going with a broker

Brokers can be a fantastic resource. Brokers can provide tailored advice on your home loan options, based on your personal circumstances and your priorities which can vary from customer to customer.

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the May 2023 rate hike?

After a brief pause in April, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has returned to raising rates, hiking the cash rate by 25 points to 3.85%. With additional rate hikes potentially required to bring Australia’s inflation back under control, many Australian homeowners may be keen to find what low-rate mortgage deals are available.

Some of the best home loans in May 2023

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the national cash rate to 3.85% at its May 2023 meeting. With home loan interest rates likely to be pushed upwards by this change, it’s essential to compare mortgage deals before signing on any dotted lines.

Home Guarantee Scheme to expand eligibility criteria – what you need to know

More Australian first home buyers may soon become eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme, thanks to new changes to its eligibility criteria announced by the Federal Government. But if you or someone you know are looking to take a advantage of the scheme, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the requirements involved. 

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.

Some of the best home loans in April 2023

At its April 2023 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board decided to keep rates on hold at 3.60%. The next question is what will happen next – will interest rates be left on hold, or are more hikes in the pipeline? And what does this mean for Australian home owners and those looking to buy property this year?

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.