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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

How to calculate home loan repayments

Most Australians dream of buying their own home but it can be confronting when you sit down and work out what you can actually afford. Suddenly your dream of owning a three bedroom home with a large garden and entertaining space has become a small two bedroom unit.

Home Loans

25 Mar, 2022

3 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you should know before buying a property below market value

You may get lucky when buying a house and be able to make a favourable purchase, buying the property below market value. But how do lenders look at such deals?

Home Loans

25 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What you should know before buying a property below market value

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Can you claim house renovations on tax?

For property investors, understanding what home repairs, maintenance or improvements are tax deductible is crucial come tax time. But it’s not uncommon for investors to make simple mistakes when determining what can or cannot be lodged as a deduction.

Home Loans

25 Mar, 2022

4 min read

Can you claim house renovations on tax? | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Understanding family guarantee home loans

A family deposit mortgage allows your parents or close relatives to act as your guarantor to secure a home loan. The family guarantee home loan can work both ways, meaning your parents can become your guarantor, or you can become a guarantor for your parents.

Home Loans

25 Mar, 2022

3 min read

Understanding family guarantee home loans

Georgia Brown

Personal Finance Editor

What does LVR mean?

LVR stands for loan-to-value ratio which is the ratio that tells you how much of the total purchase price you can actually borrow.

Home Loans

24 Mar, 2022

3 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What rights and responsibilities does a mortgage guarantor have?

Before you agree to become a guarantor on a home loan, be sure to check the loan terms and the borrower’s financial circumstances to avoid potential pitfalls.

Home Loans

24 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What rights and responsibilities does a mortgage guarantor have?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a personal loan?

Which is the better choice between a home equity loan and a personal loan in the case of a financial emergency? Let us help you decide.

Home Loans

24 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a personal loan?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How much does it cost to add a granny flat to your property?

Installing a granny flat on your property can provide additional space for family and friends while potentially boosting your property value. But just how expensive and extensive is the process of adding a granny flat?

Home Loans

23 Mar, 2022

3 min read

How much does it cost to add a granny flat to your property?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How does a bank charge interest on your home loan?

Interest rates are one of the most significant costs associated with a home loan, so you may be curious exactly how interest is calculated and charged to you.

Home Loans

23 Mar, 2022

4 min read

How does a bank charge interest on your home loan?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Does paying extra on a mortgage reduce your interest?

By making extra home loan repayments and shrinking your home loan principal, you can reduce the interest you are charged on your mortgage. This could give you the choice between taking steps to pay off your property sooner, or adding some breathing room to your household budget.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2022

3 min read

Does paying extra on a mortgage reduce your interest?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Which credit report is used for home loans?

When reviewing your home loan application, lenders may request your credit report from one of three credit reporting bureaus, but only with your permission.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2022

4 min read