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Learn more about how to manage your personal finances with RateCity's home loan articles, including how-to-guides on comparing home loan interest rates, fees, features and other benefits.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Causes of inflation

One of the main reasons the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raises interest rates is to bring down high inflation. But what exactly is inflation, what factors push it upwards, and how does raising interest rates push it back down?

Home Loans

23 Jan, 2023

5 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What to expect on settlement day

A property sale is said to “settle” when the property changes hands from one owner to another. While the buyer and seller don’t usually need to do much on settlement day, it’s worth understanding the processes that the solicitors, conveyancers, real estate agents and mortgage lenders are taking care of behind the scenes.

Home Loans

19 Jan, 2023

3 min read

Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What should you know about renting out a property with a mortgage?

You can rent out a newly purchased property, but consider applying for the mortgage as an investor so that you don’t lose out on tax benefits.

Home Loans

18 Jan, 2023

7 min read

What should you know about renting out a property with a mortgage?

Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

Why is it essential to carry out a property title search before purchasing a property?

A property title is a legal document that contains important information about the property you are buying. By checking the property title records, you can find out who owns the property, whether there’s any mortgage secured by it, and more.

Home Loans

17 Jan, 2023

5 min read

Why is it essential to carry out a property title search before purchasing a property?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Does home size matter for a mortgage?

Purchasing a smaller property can often be more affordable than buying a larger property, and may offer different lifestyle benefits to some owner occupiers or to tenants of an investment property. However, it may be harder to successfully apply for a mortgage on some smaller properties due to the potential financial risk involved.

Home Loans

13 Jan, 2023

4 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can mortgage brokers get you a bigger mortgage?

Mortgage brokers can provide valuable support on your home loan journey. By looking closely at your financial situation, a broker may be able to recommend home loan offers that closely suit your needs and goals, which could help increase your borrowing capacity and buying power.

Home Loans

13 Jan, 2023

3 min read

Can mortgage brokers get you a bigger mortgage?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What is build to rent?

Build to rent is a type of commercial property development that can add additional housing to an area. These projects involve building a housing complex - often an apartment tower - whose developer retains ownership, rather than selling off individual units to owner occupiers and investors. The developer then rents out the units to tenants.

Home Loans

11 Jan, 2023

3 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is debt consolidation, and how does it affect mortgage?

Repaying multiple loans and debts can be expensive and confusing. However, debt consolidation may help you better manage your finances. Find out how.

Home Loans

10 Jan, 2023

4 min read

What is debt consolidation, and how does it affect mortgage?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can I get a loan to buy land in Australia?

You can get a land loan in Australia, but lenders may prefer borrowers buying registered land and planning to build a house on it.

Home Loans

09 Jan, 2023

3 min read

Can I get a loan to buy land in Australia?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What should you know about vacant land loans in Australia?

If you’re looking at purchasing a block of land, a vacant land home loan can provide you with the money you need.

Home Loans

09 Jan, 2023

4 min read

What should you know about vacant land loans in Australia?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is a home loan top-up?

Topping up your home loan can be an efficient way to access additional funds. Based on your available home equity and financial situation, you may be able to borrow up to 80 per cent of your property’s value as a top-up loan.

Home Loans

09 Jan, 2023

4 min read

Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What is a home equity conversion mortgage?

A home equity conversion mortgage is a way for homeowners above 60 to borrow money against the equity on their property - usually called reverse mortgages or home reversions.

Home Loans

09 Jan, 2023

4 min read