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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.
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Should I move or renovate? What makes more financial sense
It’s a decision that many an Australian homeowner has had to make – should you sink the time and money into fixing up your home, or pull up stumps and move elsewhere? The answer could depend on your plans for the property, your financial situation, and the personal goals you want to achieve.
Home Loans
01 Aug, 2022
4 min read
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
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
Georgia Brown
Personal Finance Editor
Should you buy or build your home?
For many, the idea of building a home from scratch is an exciting prospect. But what factors should first be considered and how does it compare to buying an existing dwelling?
Home Loans
22 Jul, 2022
6 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
When do you need a house valuation for property tax?
Becoming a property owner can have its advantages, but it can also mean paying taxes you may never have considered before. Getting a property valuation can help to make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax for your property.
Home Loans
22 Jul, 2022
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can your crypto help you get a home loan?
Many Australians have chosen to build their wealth through investment in digital assets such as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But could your crypto help you invest in in bricks and mortar assets such as real estate by helping you secure a home loan?
Home Loans
15 Jul, 2022
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How to shop for a home equity loan
A home equity loan lets you put the value of a property to work, whether you want to renovate your home or buy another property. Understanding how to compare home equity loans and knowing what you’ll need to apply can help make your experience smoother.
Home Loans
14 Jul, 2022
6 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Pros and cons: What to consider before buying a fixer upper
If home improvement is your passion, you may feel tempted to snap up “the worst house in the best street” at a bargain basement price and fix it up yourself. While you could “flip” a fixer-upper house to sell at an auction, you could also transform it into an investment property to rent out, or a home you’d be happy to live in.
Home Loans
13 Jul, 2022
6 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How to get a property report
A property report can give you an estimate of a property’s value, which can be important to know whether you’re buying or selling. Free property reports are available from RateCity to provide the information you need to make smarter financial decisions.
Home Loans
12 Jul, 2022
4 min read
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
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
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What is the difference between a full doc and a low-doc loan?
Non-standard borrowers like those who are self-employed may not qualify for a traditional full doc home loan, but there are lenders who offer low-doc home loans that don’t require standard income documentation like payslips for approval.
Home Loans
06 Jul, 2022
5 min read
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Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
18 Sep, 2024
What is lending criteria? The factors that may impact eligibility criteria
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
10 Sep, 2024
The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early vs buying an investment property
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
10 Sep, 2024
What do house valuers look for?
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