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.
1027 articles written by Mark Bristow
Which banks have hiked term deposits and savings accounts in February 2023?
The ninth consecutive increase to Australia’s national cash rate was revealed last week, making this the fastest hiking cycle in decades. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has indicated that more rate hikes may be necessary in 2023 to help bring down Australia’s high inflation. This may mean more pain for mortgage holders, savers could potentially benefit from rising rates.
Mark Bristow -
13 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read
Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the February 2023 rate hike?
February 2023’s meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board saw a ninth straight hike to the national cash rate. The 25-point increase took the cash rate to its highest point since 2012. While several banks have already announced they will be passing these hikes on to customers as higher interest rates, there are still some relatively low-rate options available. These could potentially help give some eligible borrowers a break from mortgage stress.
Mark Bristow -
10 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read
Kitchen renovation checklist: how to plan your project
Whether you want to make your home more liveable or your investment property more appealing to tenants and future buyers, a kitchen renovation could make a big difference. It’s important to plan ahead and keep your kitchen reno organised and on-track if you want to reap the rewards while minimising the risk of overcapitalising.
Mark Bristow -
10 Feb, 2023 -
6 min read
Buying an apartment in Sydney vs other capital cities
Sydney is renowned for its landmarks, its beaches… and how expensive it can be. This is especially true when it comes to the property market, with Sydney often leading the country in dwelling prices. So, if you have the option, would you be better off buying a unit in Sydney, or a unit in one of Australia’s other capitals?
Mark Bristow -
09 Feb, 2023 -
6 min read
ubank extends refinancing loan term to 35 years – what could this mean for you?
ubank has announced it is extending its loan term for refinances from 30 to 35 years as of 7 February 2023. While this could potentially prove beneficial for homeowners seeking some relief from relentless rate rises, it could also potentially cost these customers more in the long run.
Mark Bristow -
08 Feb, 2023 -
4 min read
Five ways to make money from property in 2023
Property investment is one of Australia’s favourite wealth-building strategies. Compared to some other investment types, real estate is relatively simple to understand and get into, and offers several avenues for aspiring investors to potentially enjoy healthy returns, in both the short and long term.
Mark Bristow -
06 Feb, 2023 -
7 min read
Some of the best home loans in February 2023
Home loan interest rates are expected to rise further this year as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) returns from its January break to meet about monetary policy. But if the cash rate could be approaching its peak, what could that mean for Australia’s home loans?
Mark Bristow -
03 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read
What to expect from the February 2023 RBA meeting
After the customary January break, the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is meeting in February to discuss monetary policy and the national cash rate. A 25-point rate hike is widely anticipated to be the result of the meeting, though economists from Australia’s big four banks have differing opinions on what may happen next.
Mark Bristow -
02 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
Can you get a home loan on a visa?
It is possible to get a home loan in Australia if you’re on a visa, though the process could be more complex than for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Understanding some of the requirements for a mortgage with a visa could help you to compare your options and make a decision that suits your needs.
Mark Bristow -
31 Jan, 2023 -
4 min read
Should you buy or rent your home?
Ask a group of Australians whether it’s better to rent or buy a home and you will get a different opinion from each one of them. Phrases like “safe as houses” and “rent money is dead money” may be thrown around, while others balk at the prospect of decades of housing debt.
Mark Bristow -
31 Jan, 2023 -
9 min read