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Home Loans Articles

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.

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How does a house get valued?

A house valuation typically occurs when you apply to mortgage a property you already own or for a mortgage for a property you’re looking to purchase.

Home Loans

19 Dec, 2022

4 min read

How does a house get valued?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

When should I get a survey done on my property?

While you don’t legally need to undertake a property survey, you can do so to learn about the home you are about to buy and prepare for any eventualities.

Home Loans

19 Dec, 2022

3 min read

When should I get a survey done on my property?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What is the average length of a home loan?

Many Australians start out with a 30-year mortgage, though shorter and longer home loan terms are also available from some lenders. The length of your home loan can affect the cost of your repayments, as well as how much interest you’ll pay.

Home Loans

19 Dec, 2022

4 min read

What is the average length of a home loan?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Is a mortgage a secured or unsecured loan?

A mortgage typically uses the property you are purchasing as collateral against the loan. In the worst-case scenario where you default on your mortgage, the lender may seize the property and sell it to reclaim its lost funds.

Home Loans

19 Dec, 2022

4 min read

Is a mortgage a secured or unsecured loan?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Can you afford home loan repayments?

Before you consider applying for your first or next home loan, it’s crucial that you crunch the numbers to discover if you can comfortably afford the repayments.

Home Loans

14 Dec, 2022

4 min read

Can you afford home loan repayments?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How to get a higher home loan?

You've found your dream property, but on checking your borrowing capacity, you come up short. There are some ways to strengthen your financial position and enhance your borrowing capacity to help you purchase your dream home.

Home Loans

13 Dec, 2022

4 min read

How to get a higher home loan?
Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Do mortgage brokers need a consumer credit license?

Anyone who engages in credit activities will generally need an Australian credit licence or authorisation from a credit licensee before starting business, including mortgage brokers.

Home Loans

12 Dec, 2022

3 min read

Do mortgage brokers need a consumer credit license?
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can mortgage arrears affect my credit rating?

Mortgage arrears could impact your credit rating and appear on your credit file even without a full default. Discuss your financial situation with your lender before defaulting.

Home Loans

05 Dec, 2022

4 min read

Can mortgage arrears affect my credit rating?
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can you stop paying the mortgage after a divorce?

If you’re going through a divorce, or have just finalised your separation, you and your former spouse may still be liable to pay your mortgage, so it’s best to discuss this before separating.

Home Loans

05 Dec, 2022

4 min read

Can you stop paying the mortgage after a divorce?
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can you transfer a property to a family member for free?

If you’re looking to transfer property ownership between family members, you may wonder if it’s something you can do for free. Certain fees and charges may apply even if you gift the property.

Home Loans

05 Dec, 2022

4 min read

Can you transfer a property to a family member for free?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

Is it possible to get a personal loan using your home equity?

The equity you build in your house can be used as collateral to borrow money from a home loan lender at a potentially lower rate than a personal loan

Home Loans

30 Nov, 2022

5 min read

Is it possible to get a personal loan using your home equity?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

How do banks fund mortgages?

Curious as to how banks can afford to fund mortgages? The answer lies with the funds in your humble bank and savings accounts.

Home Loans

30 Nov, 2022

3 min read

How do banks fund mortgages?