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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

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

How to get a property report
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

What is the difference between a full doc and a low-doc loan? | RateCity
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Why do lenders ask for payslips when you apply for a home loan?

Lenders use your payslips to verify your income to make sure you earn enough before approving you for a mortgage loan.

Home Loans

04 Jul, 2022

3 min read

Why do lenders ask for payslips when you apply for a home loan? | RateCity
Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

Five important things to consider when buying a new home

Are you looking to build your dream home? If you are making the plunge into new home ownership it's important to track down the perfect home loan. Whether you’re looking for a new home to live in or invest in, you can find the lowest rates just by comparing online.

Home Loans

01 Jul, 2022

4 min read

Five important things to consider when buying a new home
Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

Two great reasons to fix your investment loan

Investment home loans have just as many options these days as owner-occupied home loans. This is perhaps because of the increased commonality for investment home loans as more Australians opt for property investment as opposed to other vehicles such as stock and shares.

Home Loans

01 Jul, 2022

3 min read

Two great reasons to fix your investment loan
Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

Are you buying your first home?

Buying your first home can be one of life’s biggest and most exciting milestones. But it’s important to have an understanding of the basics of home loans before you decide on one that’s right for you.

Home Loans

01 Jul, 2022

4 min read

Are you buying your first home?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

When to consider a home equity loan instead of a mortgage

If you own a property and are considering purchasing a second, you may assume that you must save up a new deposit. However, you may want to consider how a home equity loan can help you achieve your goals.

Home Loans

30 Jun, 2022

4 min read

When to consider a home equity loan instead of a mortgage
Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

How to find the best mortgage offers in Australia

The size of Australia’s mortgage market can have you feeling spoilt for choice. But what are some ways to narrow down your search and find the best mortgage offers for you?

Home Loans

29 Jun, 2022

3 min read

How to find the best mortgage offers in Australia
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How big is the home loan market in Australia?

One problem Australian home buyers don't face is a lack of home loan choices, in fact there is an overwhelming amount of competitive home loans in the Australian market today.

Home Loans

29 Jun, 2022

5 min read

How big is the home loan market in Australia?
Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

Five ways to pay off your home loan early

There’s a good chance your mortgage will be your biggest financial liability in life. So, it’s worth considering ways that could help you pay it off earlier to enjoy freedom from your mortgage sooner.

Home Loans

28 Jun, 2022

4 min read

Five ways to pay off your home loan early