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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.
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Can a government influence your home loan interest rate?
In the run up to the election, Clive Palmer has pledged to cap home loan interest rates at a maximum of 3%. But is it possible to cap home loan rates? And can a government actually influence interest rates in Australia?
Home Loans
02 May, 2022
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
The exact cost of adding a driveway to your home may vary depending on a range of factors, from the materials being used to the size and shape of the area where it will be installed. Here are some of the factors that you may need to consider when budgeting for a driveway, before working out finance options.
Home Loans
02 May, 2022
3 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What is mortgage protection insurance?
Your home mortgage is typically your biggest debt obligation, so if you’re worried about how you’ll manage repayments if your income stops, you might want to consider buying mortgage protection insurance.
Home Loans
29 Apr, 2022
4 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What is an off market property sale and should you consider it?
There are a number of ways to buy a property, and each method has its pros and cons. While most people are aware of private treaty sales and auctions, not many know about unlisted or off market properties that might offer the benefit of exclusivity or reduced competition.
Home Loans
29 Apr, 2022
5 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What is the difference between a gift of equity and a gifted deposit?
A gifted deposit and a gift of equity are based on similar concepts, but different regulations govern them. See which one is best suited for which situations.
Home Loans
29 Apr, 2022
3 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Who owns my bank or lender in Australia?
Did you know that even if you’ve chosen to become a customer of one of Australia’s alternative banks, you could still be banking with the big four? Learning more about which banks own other banks and lenders can help you get a more complete picture of Australia’s banking landscape, which could be helpful when making financial decisions.
Home Loans
28 Apr, 2022
2 min read
Georgia Brown
Personal Finance Editor
How does buying a home with a 5% deposit compare to a 20% deposit?
Government initiatives are helping Australians buy their first home sooner with a smaller deposit. But is it better to enter the market as soon as you can, or hold off until you’ve saved at least 20%?
Home Loans
28 Apr, 2022
5 min read
Mia Steiber
Is property still a good investment?
Investing in real estate could be a great long-term strategy for some Australians but is not usually a get rich quick scheme. So, where do you start?
Home Loans
27 Apr, 2022
6 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Is every mortgage calculator the same?
Taking on a home loan may seem like a massive long-term financial commitment, which it can be. But by following a few simple tips you could ease the burden and save yourself tens of thousands of dollars in the process.
Home Loans
27 Apr, 2022
3 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
How do I buy someone out of a house?
Buying your partner out of a joint mortgage can depend on whether you are joint tenants or tenants in common, and on whether you can afford the house on your own.
Home Loans
25 Apr, 2022
4 min read
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
What is mortgage restructuring?
Mortgage restructuring can help you keep up with your mortgage in difficult times by changing the terms of your mortgage. But if you only want a lower interest rate, you may consider refinancing your home loan.
Home Loans
22 Apr, 2022
5 min read
Georgia Brown
Personal Finance Editor
What are mortgage exit fees?
In July 2011 the government abolished home loan exit fees so that borrowers would no longer be discouraged from switching home loans to a more competitive lender. While this has created a healthier and more competitive home loan market it is still important to take note of the other fees and charges associated with home loans.
Home Loans
21 Apr, 2022
3 min read
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Personal Finance Editor
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