Laine Gordon

Buy this year to save over $17,000

From January 1, 2012, first homebuyers in NSW will have to fork out an extra $17,770 when buying a property valued under $500,000, thanks to the scrapping of the First Home Plus Scheme.

Has your lender passed on the savings?

Even if they didn't back a winning horse in the race that stops a nation, Australian homeowners still scored a victory on Melbourne Cup Day, with news that the Reserve Bank dropped the official cash interest rate by 0.25 percent, to 4.50 percent.

Top real estate bargains in Australia

Ever wondered where the best real estate bargains can be found in the country? You probably guessed it; they aren't in our big cities! In fact, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney all ranked in the top 10 most unaffordable metropolitan cities of the world, according to Demograhia's latest International Housing Affordability Survey.

First home buyer's guide for singles

Buying a home can be laborious, stressful and confusing. This is never truer than when you have to do it alone, without the extra emotional and financial support provided by a partner.

Get set for a rate cut

While most of the nation punts their hard-earned cash on Australia's biggest horse race tomorrow, the Reserve Bank of Australia is tipped to announce an interest rate cut.

Hate paying fees? Here's how to avoid them

Bank fees are one of the certainties of life. They come under various names and guises, across pretty much every aspect of banking, so it's no wonder Aussies often cite fees as the primary reason for their mistrust of banks.

Pay off your home loan in record time

Unless you're one of the country's richest people, you will need a bit of help from a bank to buy your home. A mortgage, however, doesn't have to rule your life forever - there are smart ways to ensure you pay it off in record time.

Moving house? Take your home loan with you

Most home loans are set for 25 or 30-year periods, but you would be hard-pressed to find someone who lives in the same house for the entire lifespan of their mortgage.

Home ownership harder for Gen Y?

One of the defining trends of our time may be loss of the Australian dream of owning a home, according to new studies. But before we despair, we should understand why the younger generation has the bad luck, and what would-be Gen Y home owners can do to improve their chances of getting a foot on the property ladder.

Home loan rate battle, how low can they go?

Spring is notorious for being a busy time for house hunters and therefore home loan applicants. So it's little wonder that the banks are competing heavily for mortgage business at the moment.