Mark Bristow

20 suburbs where fixed-rate borrowers could save by refinancing

Australians who fixed their home loan interest rates when the cash rate was low may be at risk of ‘mortgage prison’ when their loans revert to higher variable rates, according to Reduce Home Loans. New research has revealed some of the locations where borrowers could potentially save money by refinancing.

Pros and cons: What to consider before buying a fixer upper

If home improvement is your passion, you may feel tempted to snap up “the worst house in the best street” at a bargain basement price and fix it up yourself. While you could “flip” a fixer-upper house to sell at an auction, you could also transform it into an investment property to rent out, or a home you’d be happy to live in.

What home insurance do I need for an apartment?

If you’re one of the 10 per cent of Australians who live in apartments, home insurance can help provide valuable peace of mind.  Many apartments are already covered by strata insurance, meaning you may not need a traditional home insurance policy to cover damage to the property. However, because strata insurance may not cover everything you want, it could be worth also looking into options for contents insurance or landlord insurance.

How to get a property report

A property report can give you an estimate of a property’s value, which can be important to know whether you’re buying or selling. Free property reports are available from RateCity to provide the information you need to make smarter financial decisions.

What does it cost to build a deck?

Adding a deck to your home can be a relatively simple way to enhance your property, giving you an outdoor space for entertaining or just for relaxation. But like any other renovation project, it’s important to consider your budget when building a deck, to help ensure you enjoy the best value.

Do the big four banks control the Australian mortgage lending market?

Australia’s four biggest banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac – hold more than 90 per cent of Australia’s mortgage market… but they aren’t the only game in town. Before choosing a home loan, it’s important to compare a variety of options and consider which mortgage deals may best suit your financial situation.

Some of the best home loans in July 2022

Following back-to-back 50-point hikes to the national cash rate from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), first home buyers and other owner occupiers could be facing a delicate balancing act. While higher rates could make securing finance for your property purchase more challenging, they could also lead to property prices falling in some areas.

2.5 million live in apartments: what the Census reveals about housing in Australia

While the classic image of the Australian Dream is a freestanding house in the suburbs, recently released figures from the 2021 Census show that around 10 per cent of Australians now live in apartments. 

Why are used cars so expensive right now?

If you’ve been looking for a used car and have been shocked by how high prices have risen, you’re not alone. While there are several factors that may have pushed used car prices upward, there are also several car financing options available for Australians in the market for a used car.

Can a credit card help build your credit file and credit score?

Building up your credit score from scratch can make a big difference to your financial future. While you may not need to borrow money to start your credit history, successfully applying for a credit card and managing its payments could potentially make a big difference to your credit score in a relatively short length of time.