Mark Bristow

How much equity do I need for a home loan?

Buying your first home involves paying a deposit on the property. Saving up this deposit can be a challenge, but once you have a mortgage, you can start building up equity in the property. This equity could eventually be used to refinance your home loan, access a line or credit, or even to take out a mortgage on a second property. So how much equity would you need to start building your property portfolio?

Some of the best home loans in February 2022

While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold at the start of February, economists with several leading banks are predicting that rates will start rising in the second half of 2022. With over 1.1 million Australian households having never previously experienced a rate rise, these changes could potentially affect many household budgets.

The hidden costs of buying a home

Most first homebuyers know that the two main costs of their first mortgage are the upfront cost of the deposit on the property, and the ongoing expense of mortgage repayments. But what other costs will you need to budget for when you apply for your first home loan?

How to find (and pay for) your first mortgage by yourself

Where do you start looking for your first mortgage? Many budding first homebuyers go straight to their current bank to see if they can get a loan. This may be one of the simplest options, but it may not be the most affordable choice or the best option to suit your financial situation.

How does a mortgage repayment calculator work?

Mortgage repayment calculators are great tools for working out exactly how much your home loan may cost you. This can not only help you plan your household budget, but allow you to estimate the total cost of interest charges and the overall value of your home loan. 

20 suburbs for buyers and sellers to watch

A new report has found 20 suburbs around Australia where home buyers, sellers and investors can expect to see prices rise in the near future.

What is an interest-only home loan?

Interest-only home loans are a type of mortgage where the borrower only has to pay the interest charged on the principal balance. Because they are only required to pay interest, the monthly repayments are lower. This leaves borrowers with more money available in their monthly household budgets for use elsewhere.

Back to school expenses putting more pressure on post-holiday budgets

Australian parents are set to spend 9 per cent more on back to school supplies this year than they did last year, with three in five saying they plan to cover this cost using buy now pay later (BNPL) or credit cards.

How to apply for a home loan

The exact process of applying for a home loan may depend on the mortgage lender you choose, as well as your own personal and financial situation.

How to start saving a house deposit this year

Could this be the year when you finally sign on the dotted line and become a home owner? To do that, you’ll need to save a deposit, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. But there are savings strategies to consider and support options available that may be able to help you make real progress towards your goal this year.