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.
1049 articles written by Mark Bristow
ASIC releases rules for finfluencers
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released information outlining what’s expected from finance influencers (finfluencers) in order to comply with financial services laws and regulations.
Mark Bristow -
21 Mar, 2022 -
3 min read
How to prepare for rising home loan interest rates
With leading banks raising fixed rates and slashing variable rates, many borrowers may be reconsidering variable rate home loans. But with almost one in four new mortgages taking on unsafe debt levels, and banks forecasting that interest rates could start rising as soon as June 2022, what steps can you take to help minimise the risk of bill shock before the next rate rise?
Mark Bristow -
17 Mar, 2022 -
5 min read
Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in March 2022
While Australian property prices have been rising at record levels, there have been signs that some areas may have been reaching peaks. Some banks are even forecasting that property values in certain areas could experience declines by the end of next year.
Mark Bristow -
16 Mar, 2022 -
3 min read
Aussie capitals experience highest property price growth on record
Residential property prices in Australia’s eight capital cities experienced some of their strongest ever growth over the past year. So, how much would a mortgage on an average property cost now?
Mark Bristow -
15 Mar, 2022 -
3 min read
What does it cost to hire an architect for a renovation?
Renovating your house can be a small or a large project. Smaller jobs, like painting walls, updating fixtures, or replacing floors, you may be able to do yourself or with the help of a qualified tradie. But bigger jobs, like adding an extension or an extra floor onto your house, may require additional expertise, such as that offered by an architect.
Mark Bristow -
11 Mar, 2022 -
5 min read
Is now the time to buy an EV?
With petrol prices currently on the high side, some Australians may be considering if now is the best time to bite the bullet and invest in an electric vehicle (EV). But with EV production also being affected by global events, your decision may not be as easy as you’d hoped.
Mark Bristow -
10 Mar, 2022 -
3 min read
Do you need to be married to buy a house together?
The short answer to this question is… no. In Australia, as long as you and your spouse fulfil the mortgage lender’s eligibility criteria, you can buy a property and put both of your names on the title whether you’re married or in a de-facto relationship.
Mark Bristow -
09 Mar, 2022 -
6 min read
What is the average mortgage around Australia?
Australia’s first home buyers have been taking out bigger home loans, with average loan sizes reaching all-time highs in most Australian states and territories.
Mark Bristow -
08 Mar, 2022 -
3 min read
Shopping online can help Aussies save money
Australians looking to save money, whether to build up a house deposit or save for retirement, may be able to shrink their household spending simply by doing their weekly grocery shopping online.
Mark Bristow -
07 Mar, 2022 -
2 min read
House prices reaching possible peak in Sydney and Melbourne
New figures from CoreLogic show that the red-hot property markets of Sydney and Melbourne may have hit their highest prices, but dwelling prices were still found to be increasing in other capitals.
Mark Bristow -
02 Mar, 2022 -
4 min read