Do I need a home appraisal for a refinance?

Refinancing your home may allow you to save money on your mortgage repayments, pay off your property faster, or access the equity in your home to use elsewhere. But before you start the refinancing process, it may be worth looking into a home appraisal, followed by a formal valuation, to help check if refinancing is the best decision for your needs.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

The exact cost of adding a driveway to your home may vary depending on a range of factors, from the materials being used to the size and shape of the area where it will be installed. Here are some of the factors that you may need to consider when budgeting for a driveway, before working out finance options.

Will they or won't they? Here's what the experts say about rates increasing

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is meeting to decide what to do about the national cash rate. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the RBA board will stick to their guns and keep rates on hold this month, or if runaway inflation will force them towards an early rate hike.

Who owns my bank or lender in Australia?

Did you know that even if you’ve chosen to become a customer of one of Australia’s alternative banks, you could still be banking with the big four? Learning more about which banks own other banks and lenders can help you get a more complete picture of Australia’s banking landscape, which could be helpful when making financial decisions.

What cryptocurrencies can you buy in Australia?

Dreaming of making it big by trading cryptocurrency, but aren’t sure where to start? There are many, MANY different cryptocurrency options available on the market, with more entering the market all the time. For example, at the time of writing, several digital currency exchanges have over 240 different cryptocurrencies available to buy, sell or trade in Australia.

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

While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold at its April 2022 meeting, economists from Australia’s big banks are now forecasting that interest rates could start rising as soon as June 2022. This could not only raise the cost of mortgage repayments, but potentially affect property values, which could present new challenges for property investors and homeowners planning to refinance.

How home loan calculators can help you

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your mortgage, or looking to buy an investment property, it’s usually a good idea to make some calculations to work out if you’re making the best choice for your financial situation.

Why are rents so high right now?

Median asking rents are reaching record highs in several capital cities across Australia. So what is causing this pain for renters?

What is a basic home loan?

A basic home loan does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s where you borrow money to buy a property. Basic home loans are popular with some borrowers as they often have lower interest rates and fees than other options. However, basic home loans may not offer the popular features and benefits that could deliver extra value to some mortgage holders.

Can you lock in a fixed home loan rate if you're still looking for a house?

So you decided to lock in a fixed rate home loan while the rates are hot? But what happens if you haven't settled on your new home yet? While you would be inclined to panic every time there was talk of an interest rate rise, there is a way to avoid this and lock in your fixed rate before you're approved.