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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.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Principal and interest: how to pay off your mortgage faster

Your mortgage’s “principal” refers to the amount you’ve borrowed and will need to repay to the lender in time. Paying off your mortgage principal can not only bring you closer to owning your property outright and getting out of debt, but potentially help you pay less in interest charges over time. There are a few home loan features and options that may be able to help you pay off your home loan faster.

Home Loans

09 Aug, 2022

6 min read

Principal and interest: how to pay off your mortgage faster

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

The pros and cons of negative gearing: how does it affect investors?

Come tax time, investors can reduce their taxable income by claiming negative gearing losses, ultimately lowering the amount of tax they must pay to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Home Loans

04 Aug, 2022

5 min read

The pros and cons of negative gearing: how does it affect investors?

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?

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Shared equity schemes vs guarantor loans

Sharing the burden of home loan costs can expedite the approval process. There are a few different options to consider when deciding who can help you secure the necessary finances to purchase a property.

Home Loans

01 Aug, 2022

9 min read

Shared equity schemes vs guarantor loans

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

Should I move or renovate? What makes more financial sense

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

What are the rules of a home equity loan?

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

When do you need a house valuation for property tax?

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

Can your crypto help you get a home loan?

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