Deciding on a fixed rate home loan

When you’re comparing fixed rate home loans, working out the best options to suit your financial needs can be tricky. Learning more about how fixed rates work, as well as variable rates and split rates, may be able to help you make your decision. 

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

With many banks and other mortgage lenders passing on the recent cash rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), many mortgage holders may soon start feeling the pinch in their budget. And with more rate hikes expected to come in the future, it may be worth comparing alternative home loan options to get a better idea of which choice could offer more value.

The pitfalls of no deposit home loans

No deposit home loans are pretty much a thing of the past, though there are still a few ways for selected borrowers to get their foot on to the property ladder with little or no deposit. That said, it’s important to consider whether these options will be the best choices for you and your personal financial situation.

Four options to pay off your home loan sooner

Many mortgage holders want to save money on interest payments and slash years off their mortgage terms. Fortunately, there are many home loans offering flexible features that could help you to pay off your property faster.

How to plan for an interest rate rise

It’s very unlikely that you’ll be paying the same interest rate on your home loan over its full decades-long term. So how can you plan ahead to keep your household budget under control the next time rates rise?

What is an interest only home equity loan?

It’s possible to use any equity you’ve built up in your home to secure a loan or a line of credit to help pay for other household expenses. You may even be able to pay only the interest charged on these loans for a limited time, though you could risk paying more in total over the long run.

Are you buying to live in or rent out?

Are you buying a property to live in or to rent out? The purpose of your house purchase is vital to narrowing down your mortgage options when hunting for the most suitable home loan for your situation.

What’s the difference between a home appraisal, a market value estimate, and a property valuation?

In Australian property, terms like home appraisal, property valuation and market value estimate are often used interchangeably. But there’s a big difference between what a property is worth and how much it may sell for, which could make a big difference to your home loan.  

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the RBA raised rates?

In the week since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the national cash rate, banks and mortgage lenders have been passing on the hike by raising variable home loan interest rates. So where can you still find a low-interest home loan, and would it be worth the effort and expense of refinancing?

Voting with your wallet - which party will put you in a better financial position?

A federal election has been called for 21 May 2022. While a diverse array of social and political issues at home and abroad may be on the minds of many voters, so are everyday concerns such as the cost of living, getting and keeping a job, and earning enough income to feed a family.