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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

Understanding mortgage borrowing limits

Mortgage borrowing limits are set by banks to reduce their risk exposure. Lenders calculate them based on your current financial situation and how much you can afford to repay.

Home Loans

19 Sep, 2022

5 min read

Understanding mortgage borrowing limits | RateCity
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

A guide to paying off your home equity loan

Accessing the equity in your home can provide extra financial flexibility, which can be useful for managing major purchases and household expenses. But how will you go paying down your loan until your debt is cleared?

Home Loans

25 Aug, 2022

3 min read

A guide to paying off your home equity loan
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a reverse mortgage?

Accessing the equity in your home can be done via a home equity loan or reverse mortgage, but what are they? Understand what they are and how they work.

Home Loans

23 Aug, 2022

6 min read

Difference between a home equity loan and a reverse mortgage? | RateCity
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Applying for a mortgage on a bridging visa: what you need to know

Bridging visas may be granted for temporary residence depending on your specific circumstances. It can allow you to stay in Australia lawfully while an immigration status is finalised.

Home Loans

23 Aug, 2022

5 min read

Applying for a mortgage on a bridging visa: what you need to know
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Do I need a house valuation for probate? What you to know about deceased estates

Becoming the executor for a deceased estate can be daunting. While you’re dealing with your grief for the departed, you’re also taking responsibility for the will they left behind. Understanding some of the requirements and responsibilities involved when dealing with a deceased estate can help to ensure that everybody is well looked after, financially and emotionally.

Home Loans

16 Aug, 2022

3 min read

Do I need a house valuation for probate? What you to know about deceased estates
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What is a revolving credit mortgage?

A revolving credit mortgage is another name for a home equity line of credit, often used in countries such as New Zealand. A revolving line of credit lets you borrow up to a maximum limit based on your equity in property, and enjoy the flexibility to make repayments when you choose.

Home Loans

11 Aug, 2022

3 min read

What is a revolving credit mortgage?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What to know before buying a house with your parents or anybody else

Buying a house with your family members or others can make the purchase more affordable for everyone but there are some important things to consider.

Home Loans

10 Aug, 2022

5 min read

What to know before buying a house with your parents or anybody else
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?

Getting a home loan approved could be a short and simple or lengthy and complex process, depending on your application and your financial situation. While the average time from home loan application to formal approval and settlement can take between four and six weeks, some mortgage lenders advertise that they can approve a home loan in as little as 10 minutes.

Home Loans

03 Aug, 2022

5 min read

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Buying a house when you’re unmarried

When it comes to getting a home loan and buying property in Australia, there is usually no real difference between a married couple and a couple in a de facto relationship. That said, it’s still worth considering whether buying property when you’re unmarried is the best choice for your personal finances and your relationship.

Home Loans

28 Jul, 2022

4 min read

Buying a house when you’re unmarried
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What are the rules of a home equity loan?

Accessing your equity can help you make the value of your property work for you, allowing you to enjoy more financial flexibility and reach your goals. But there may be rules and regulations to consider before applying for a home equity loan, which could affect your decisions.

Home Loans

26 Jul, 2022

4 min read

What are the rules of a home equity loan?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Refinancing a mortgage to pay for renovations

Whether you’re planning to knock down some walls or touch up your bathroom or kitchen, you may need to borrow some money to pay for the material and labour costs. One of the options is to refinance your home loan and free up some cash to pay for the renovations. 

Home Loans

07 Jul, 2022

5 min read

Refinancing a mortgage to pay for renovations
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Do the big four banks control the Australian mortgage lending market?

Australia’s four biggest banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac – hold more than 90 per cent of Australia’s mortgage market… but they aren’t the only game in town. Before choosing a home loan, it’s important to compare a variety of options and consider which mortgage deals may best suit your financial situation.

Home Loans

06 Jul, 2022

5 min read

Do the big four banks control the Australian mortgage lending market?