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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
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

What is a non-conforming home loan? | RateCity
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

What is positive gearing?
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

What banks look at for a home loan? | RateCity
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Shares vs property: which investment option should you consider?

Two of the most recommended investment options in Australia are property and shares. Both investment options have their advantages and risks, so let's compare which option may be best for you.

Home Loans

30 Aug, 2022

7 min read

Shares vs property: which investment option should you consider?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Getting a mortgage for an international property

There’s an old real estate saying that the three most important factors when buying a property are location, location, location. But what if that location is overseas? Can Australians still get home loans to buy international properties?

Home Loans

30 Aug, 2022

4 min read

Getting a mortgage for an international property
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How to buy a house in a de facto relationship

The process of buying a property is similar for both married couples and couples in de facto relationships. That said, some of the steps involved may require some extra consideration for de facto partners, as they could make a difference to future personal and financial goals.

Home Loans

29 Aug, 2022

5 min read

How to buy a house in a de facto relationship
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
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Do home equity loans require a credit check?

While different lenders may assess home equity loan applications differently, a credit check may be one of the steps involved. If you’re concerned about your credit score affecting your application, it may be worth learning more about exactly what’s required to help improve your application’s chance of approval.

Home Loans

24 Aug, 2022

3 min read

Do home equity loans require a credit check?
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

Can you combine your home equity loan into your mortgage?

If you hold equity in a property, you may be able to use it to access a loan or a line of credit to help you cover the cost of major expenses or household projects. You may be able to choose between managing your home equity loan separately or combining it with your existing mortgage, though there are pros and cons to each approach.

Home Loans

22 Aug, 2022

3 min read

Can you combine your home equity loan into your mortgage?