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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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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