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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

The pitfalls of no deposit home loans

No deposit home loans are pretty much a thing of the past, though there are still a few ways for selected borrowers to get their foot on to the property ladder with little or no deposit. That said, it’s important to consider whether these options will be the best choices for you and your personal financial situation.

Home Loans

12 May, 2022

4 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Four options to pay off your home loan sooner

Many mortgage holders want to save money on interest payments and slash years off their mortgage terms. Fortunately, there are many home loans offering flexible features that could help you to pay off your property faster.

Home Loans

12 May, 2022

5 min read

Four options to pay off your home loan sooner

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How to plan for an interest rate rise

It’s very unlikely that you’ll be paying the same interest rate on your home loan over its full decades-long term. So how can you plan ahead to keep your household budget under control the next time rates rise?

Home Loans

12 May, 2022

5 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What is an interest only home equity loan?

It’s possible to use any equity you’ve built up in your home to secure a loan or a line of credit to help pay for other household expenses. You may even be able to pay only the interest charged on these loans for a limited time, though you could risk paying more in total over the long run.

Home Loans

12 May, 2022

3 min read

What is an interest only home equity loan?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Are you buying to live in or rent out?

Are you buying a property to live in or to rent out? The purpose of your house purchase is vital to narrowing down your mortgage options when hunting for the most suitable home loan for your situation.

Home Loans

12 May, 2022

3 min read

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

No deposit home loan

Saving up for a deposit is no easy feat. With property values through the roof, home buyers may be wondering if it’s still possible to get a no deposit home loan?

Home Loans

11 May, 2022

4 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What happens to my mortgage if I file for bankruptcy?

You may have several questions in your mind while considering filing for bankruptcy, especially if you’re married. Understanding the legal and financial implications of this decision is important to ensure you take the most appropriate steps to manage your situation.

Home Loans

10 May, 2022

4 min read

What happens to my mortgage if I file for bankruptcy?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What’s the difference between a home appraisal, a market value estimate, and a property valuation?

In Australian property, terms like home appraisal, property valuation and market value estimate are often used interchangeably. But there’s a big difference between what a property is worth and how much it may sell for, which could make a big difference to your home loan.

Home Loans

10 May, 2022

4 min read

What’s the difference between a home appraisal, a market value estimate, and a property valuation?

Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

How to save for a home loan deposit

Saving a home loan deposit is the first step towards owning your own home and a major financial milestone. But in a competitive housing market, it can take a lot of sacrifice and determination to build up the deposit you need.

Home Loans

09 May, 2022

4 min read

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What happens when interest rates rise?

We watch with anticipation as interest rates rise and fall. The impact of which affects everyone who has a home loan, term deposit or other deposit accounts. Let’s have a brief look at how it affect each finance platform.

Home Loans

03 May, 2022

4 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Do I need a home appraisal for a refinance?

Refinancing your home may allow you to save money on your mortgage repayments, pay off your property faster, or access the equity in your home to use elsewhere. But before you start the refinancing process, it may be worth looking into a home appraisal, followed by a formal valuation, to help check if refinancing is the best decision for your needs.

Home Loans

02 May, 2022

5 min read

Do I need a home appraisal for a refinance?

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