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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.
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
Everything you need to know about a Lenders Mortgage Insurance refund
You may get an LMI refund if you repay your home loan within 12 to 24 months, provided you fulfil the other eligibility criteria. In some cases, you can get a refund of up to 50 per cent of your LMI fee.
Home Loans
18 Oct, 2022
3 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
What is a drawdown?
Transferring money from a lending institution to a borrower is also known as “drawing down”. In a typical home loan, the funds are drawn down all at once to buy the property. In a construction loan, the money is drawn down in several stages to pay the builders as they progress through each phase of the project. In a line of credit loan, you can draw down money, up to a limit, based on your loan’s available equity.
Home Loans
14 Oct, 2022
3 min read
Peter Terlato
Personal Finance Editor
Can you get a home loan if you owe taxes?
During the mortgage approval process, lenders gather information that may uncover tax debts. If you owe money to the ATO, there are lenders that may be willing to approve your home loan application.
Home Loans
14 Oct, 2022
5 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can you borrow extra on your mortgage for furniture?
It may be possible to borrow extra money on your home loan to help pay for furniture. However, this could mean paying more interest on your mortgage, potentially blowing out the cost of furnishing your home.
Home Loans
13 Oct, 2022
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can I change jobs while I am applying for a home loan?
Many lenders require you to be in a permanent job with the same employer for at least six months before applying for a home loan. If your work situation changes for any reason while you’re applying for a mortgage, this could reduce your application’s chances of approval. But contacting the lender as soon as you know your employment situation is changing may allow you to come to an agreement.
Home Loans
12 Oct, 2022
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
The benefits of downsizing your home
Senior Australians may find that the family home is bigger than they know what to do with, and may be costing a lot to maintain. Downsizing to a smaller property may not only better suit your changing lifestyle but come with financial benefits for your household budget.
Home Loans
05 Oct, 2022
4 min read
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
Is home equity release the right option for you?
Home equity release loans can help you access some of the money you’ve paid into your home without taking on additional debt.
Home Loans
22 Sep, 2022
7 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
Mortgage protection insurance vs life insurance
Have you planned what will happen to your mortgage and other financial responsibilities after you die? Mortgage protection and life insurance are two options that can help.
Home Loans
19 Sep, 2022
3 min read
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
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
What is a non-conforming home loan?
A non-conforming home loan is offered to borrowers who don’t meet the standard lending criteria set out by major lenders.
Home Loans
19 Sep, 2022
4 min read
Peter Terlato
Personal Finance Editor
What is positive gearing?
The proportion of positively geared properties in Australia is on the rise, but is it the right strategy for you? Understanding more about this niche investment approach may help you to make better decisions when it comes to acquiring a loan.
Home Loans
12 Sep, 2022
5 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What banks look at for a home loan?
When you apply for a home loan, lenders will want to survey your financial track record and look at your spending habits. You should be prepared to supply everything banks require for a home loan.
Home Loans
09 Sep, 2022
3 min read
Trending articles
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
17 Jan, 2025
What happens to a home loan when someone dies?
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
17 Jan, 2025
Five ways to make money from property in 2025
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
16 Jan, 2025
Applying for a mortgage with a new job
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