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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.
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
LMI waiver for professionals
When calculating your upfront costs for purchasing property, you may need to pay costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if your deposit is low. However, some professions and high-income earners may qualify for LMI waivers, which could save them thousands of dollars.
Home Loans
08 Aug, 2024
6 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
How does raising interest rates curb inflation?
Raising interest rates on credit products means consumers and businesses are less likely to borrow money, and existing loans become more expensive to service. This means consumers and businesses now have less money to spend. When spending decreases, theoretically this should slow down economic growth and in turn, reduce prices.
Home Loans
31 Jul, 2024
5 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
What is the smallest home loan you can get?
If you’re shopping around for a home loan, you may be surprised to learn that borrowing a small amount can be just as challenging as trying to take out a massive mortgage. This is because mortgage lenders typically have minimum amounts they are willing to lend.
Home Loans
25 Jul, 2024
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can you make an offer without pre-approval?
You can make an offer to buy a property by private treaty without having pre-approval from a mortgage lender. However, nothing is final until the contracts are exchanged and signed, so you could miss out on your dream property if you can’t get your home loan organised and approved fast enough.
Home Loans
22 Jul, 2024
5 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
What are the tax deductions available for homeowners?
If you’re buying a house to live in or already own an owner-occupied home, you may not be eligible for any tax deductions. However, if you’re earning an income by renting out your investment property, or are using part of your home for running a business, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for some of the costs you incur.
Home Loans
19 Jul, 2024
4 min read
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
Can I get a tax deduction for interest on a home loan?
Own a property you rent out, either partially or as a whole? You may be able to claim a tax deduction for interest on your home loan when you file your tax return.
Home Loans
13 Jun, 2024
4 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How do you avoid Lender's Mortgage Insurance?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can make a big impact on your mortgage budget if you plan to borrow with a low deposit. Whilethere are several options available to avoid LMI, some may better suit some borrowers more than others.
Home Loans
18 Mar, 2024
6 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Big banks vs small banks for mortgages
Choosing your mortgage provider can sometimes involve as much research as locating your ideal property. After all, you wouldn’t purchase the first property you saw without looking inside, so why would you treat your mortgage this way?
Home Loans
05 Mar, 2024
6 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How to apply for a home loan
Getting your first home loan doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds. With just a little preparation, you can confidently calculate how much you can afford to borrow, what support you may be able to get, and how to make an application that’s more likely to be approved by the bank.
Home Loans
29 Feb, 2024
11 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How to get started in property investing
Owning an investment property could potentially offer a path to building wealth and ensuring a more comfortable retirement. However, not all borrowers will successfully invest in property, with many selling within the first five years and giving up on their property dreams.
Home Loans
21 Dec, 2023
5 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Can foreigners buy property in Australia? Everything you need to know
Yes, foreign residents can buy property in Australia. However, there are generally more hoops to jump through than if you were a citizen or permanent resident looking to buy.
Home Loans
19 Dec, 2023
5 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can you change your home loan to an investment loan?
Mortgage lenders offer different types of home loans to owner occupiers and to property investors. Buying a home to live in is different from buying an investment property, and comes with a different type of risk for the lender.
Home Loans
15 Dec, 2023
4 min read
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Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
03 Feb, 2025
How does a lump sum payment on a home loan help you?
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
28 Jan, 2025
Can you use the equity in your home to set up a business?
Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer
28 Jan, 2025
Can you change your mortgage broker, and is it a good idea?
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