Which Sydney areas are at the highest risk of mortgage stress?

With home loan interest rates having risen significantly following multiple hikes to the national cash rate, some Australian mortgage holders may be under increasing financial pressure. This includes homeowners in parts of Sydney; a city that has struggled with housing affordability.

Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in July 2022

Multiple back-to-back hikes to the national cash rate from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may be putting pressure on the budgets of many Australian mortgage holders, leading to more discussions of refinancing. But as lenders keep passing on the RBA rate hikes (which are forecast to continue), how can you be confident that you’re getting a home loan that will suit your needs?

Can your crypto help you get a home loan?

Many Australians have chosen to build their wealth through investment in digital assets such as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But could your crypto help you invest in in bricks and mortar assets such as real estate by helping you secure a home loan?

How to shop for a home equity loan

A home equity loan lets you put the value of a property to work, whether you want to renovate your home or buy another property. Understanding how to compare home equity loans and knowing what you’ll need to apply can help make your experience smoother.

20 suburbs where fixed-rate borrowers could save by refinancing

Australians who fixed their home loan interest rates when the cash rate was low may be at risk of ‘mortgage prison’ when their loans revert to higher variable rates, according to Reduce Home Loans. New research has revealed some of the locations where borrowers could potentially save money by refinancing.

Pros and cons: What to consider before buying a fixer upper

If home improvement is your passion, you may feel tempted to snap up “the worst house in the best street” at a bargain basement price and fix it up yourself. While you could “flip” a fixer-upper house to sell at an auction, you could also transform it into an investment property to rent out, or a home you’d be happy to live in.

How to get a property report

A property report can give you an estimate of a property’s value, which can be important to know whether you’re buying or selling. Free property reports are available from RateCity to provide the information you need to make smarter financial decisions.

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the July 2022 rate hike?

Many of Australia’s mortgage holders may be feeling the pinch after three months of back-to-back interest rate rises. But even though home loan interest rates are trending upwards, there are still some lenders offering low-rate home loan deals that may be worth considering for some buyers.

What does it cost to build a deck?

Adding a deck to your home can be a relatively simple way to enhance your property, giving you an outdoor space for entertaining or just for relaxation. But like any other renovation project, it’s important to consider your budget when building a deck, to help ensure you enjoy the best value.

Do the big four banks control the Australian mortgage lending market?

Australia’s four biggest banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac – hold more than 90 per cent of Australia’s mortgage market… but they aren’t the only game in town. Before choosing a home loan, it’s important to compare a variety of options and consider which mortgage deals may best suit your financial situation.