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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.

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you should know about historical mortgage rates

Studying historical home loan interest rates can help prepare for future trends, which can be useful for homebuyers in deciding when to apply for a mortgage.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2021

3 min read

What you should know about historical mortgage rates

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How do banks approve home loan applications?

Knowing how banks approve home loans will help you prepare correctly and maximise your chances of getting your application approved.

Home Loans

17 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How do banks approve home loan applications?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can I take out a second mortgage on my home?

You may take out a second mortgage on your home if your first mortgage lender allows it. Consider checking the pros and cons before applying for a second mortgage.

Home Loans

17 Mar, 2021

3 min read

Can I take out a second mortgage on my home?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you need to know before converting your home into a rental property

There are many reasons why you might want to move house. Perhaps you found a job in a different city, or your family has grown and the house or apartment no longer fits your needs. Whatever may be the reason for the change, you don’t need to give up the home you own when you move to another.

Home Loans

16 Mar, 2021

5 min read

Changing from owner occupier to investment property | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can stamp duty be added to your mortgage?

Stamp duty is an upfront cost associated with buying property. It can be costly, and you may wonder if a lender will let you add this amount to your mortgage.

Home Loans

15 Mar, 2021

3 min read

Can stamp duty be added to your mortgage? | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How can mortgage reduction strategies improve my financial situation?

Few of us want to hang onto the mortgage for longer than we have to. Luckily there are several strategies you can use to pay down your home loan faster.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How can mortgage reduction strategies improve my financial situation?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is a rate lock and what happens if it expires before your home loan closes?

Some Aussies opt for a rate lock to ensure they are not hit with an unexpected interest rate hike while their home loan is being processed. Learn more about how you can lock in your mortgage rate.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read

What is a rate lock and what happens if it expires before your home loan closes?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How to apply for a home loan with bad credit

Even if you have a poor history of repaying money, you may still be able to get approval for a home loan in some circumstances. Learn more about the different options and if you may be eligible for a home loan with very bad credit.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How to apply for a home loan with bad credit

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What are the tax benefits available to first-time homebuyers renting out their property?

Homeowners may qualify for tax deductions when they rent out the home and make improvements. They can also claim a deduction for loss in any equipment’s value.

Home Loans

04 Mar, 2021

4 min read

What are the tax benefits available to first-time homebuyers renting out their property?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you should know about using super for home loan repayments

You can sometimes use super for mortgage repayments if you risk defaulting and losing your home or if you qualify for the First Home Super Saver Scheme.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

3 min read

What you should know about using super for home loan repayments

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What factors can affect your mortgage rate?

You may have seen mortgage interest rates advertised on lenders websites or sites like RateCity and wondered how they are set and how you can get a better deal.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

8 min read