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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

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

Pros and cons: What to consider before buying a fixer upper

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

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?

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