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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.

Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

How do mortgage brokers get paid?

How mortgage brokers get paid? Can this affect which home loans the broker recommends? Let’s explore how mortgage brokers operate and receive commissions.

Home Loans

22 Aug, 2024

5 min read

How do mortgage brokers get paid?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

Own your house outright and want another loan?

If you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria and have sufficient usable equity, you could use your current home’s value to help finance the purchase of a second property,

Home Loans

20 Aug, 2024

7 min read

Own your house outright and want another loan?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What is cash-out refinancing, and how does it help you?

Whether you want to renovate a home, pay for a wedding or make some new investments, if you need some extra cash, you could consider leveraging the equity in your home. This is also known as cash-out refinancing, and it’s a competitive option for some homeowners to consider.

Home Loans

15 Aug, 2024

7 min read

What is cash-out refinancing, and how does it help you?
Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

What is the difference between an offset account and redraw facility?

The main difference between an offset account and a redraw facility is that an offset account operates as a transaction account that can be accessed whenever you need it, while a redraw facility is more like an “emergency fund” that you can draw on if necessary, but isn’t intended to be used for everyday expenses.

Home Loans

14 Aug, 2024

6 min read

What is the difference between an offset account and redraw facility?
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How to purchase property as a couple but keep one name on the property title

Some couples may want to buy a property together, but keep one borrower’s name off the property title to protect assets or reduce taxes. Although it may seem an uncommon structure, several lenders allow you to jointly apply for a mortgage with only one name on the title.

Home Loans

13 Aug, 2024

4 min read

How to purchase property as a couple but keep one name on the property title
Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Can I use my super to buy a house?

Saving up for a home loan deposit can be stressful, especially if you’re juggling household expenses and other debts. The good news is that many first homebuyers can utilise voluntary super contributions towards their deposit.

Home Loans

12 Aug, 2024

6 min read

Can I use my super to buy a house?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What is the average mortgage on a million-dollar home?

The average mortgage repayments on a million-dollar home will depend on the amount of money you’ve saved for a deposit, as well as the interest rate offered on the home loan.

Home Loans

12 Aug, 2024

3 min read

What is the average mortgage on a million-dollar home?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

LMI waiver for professionals

When calculating your upfront costs for purchasing property, you may need to pay costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if your deposit is low. However, some professions and high-income earners may qualify for LMI waivers, which could save them thousands of dollars.

Home Loans

08 Aug, 2024

6 min read

LMI waiver for professionals
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How does raising interest rates curb inflation?

Raising interest rates on credit products means consumers and businesses are less likely to borrow money, and existing loans become more expensive to service. This means consumers and businesses now have less money to spend. When spending decreases, theoretically this should slow down economic growth and in turn, reduce prices.

Home Loans

31 Jul, 2024

5 min read

How does raising interest rates curb inflation?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What is the smallest home loan you can get?

If you’re shopping around for a home loan, you may be surprised to learn that borrowing a small amount can be just as challenging as trying to take out a massive mortgage. This is because mortgage lenders typically have minimum amounts they are willing to lend.

Home Loans

25 Jul, 2024

4 min read

What is the smallest home loan you can get?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can you make an offer without pre-approval?

You can make an offer to buy a property by private treaty without having pre-approval from a mortgage lender. However, nothing is final until the contracts are exchanged and signed, so you could miss out on your dream property if you can’t get your home loan organised and approved fast enough.

Home Loans

22 Jul, 2024

5 min read

Can you make an offer without pre-approval?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What are the tax deductions available for homeowners?

If you’re buying a house to live in or already own an owner-occupied home, you may not be eligible for any tax deductions. However, if you’re earning an income by renting out your investment property, or are using part of your home for running a business, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for some of the costs you incur.

Home Loans

19 Jul, 2024

4 min read

Owner occupied home loan tax deductions: What's available?