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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

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

Can a government influence your home loan interest rate?

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

What is an off market property sale and should you consider it?

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

What is the difference between a gift of equity and a gifted deposit?

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

Who owns my bank or lender in Australia?

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