Mark Bristow

How to prepare for rising home loan interest rates

With leading banks raising fixed rates and slashing variable rates, many borrowers may be reconsidering variable rate home loans. But with almost one in four new mortgages taking on unsafe debt levels, and banks forecasting that interest rates could start rising as soon as June 2022, what steps can you take to help minimise the risk of bill shock before the next rate rise?

Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in March 2022

While Australian property prices have been rising at record levels, there have been signs that some areas may have been reaching peaks. Some banks are even forecasting that property values in certain areas could experience declines by the end of next year.

Aussie capitals experience highest property price growth on record

Residential property prices in Australia’s eight capital cities experienced some of their strongest ever growth over the past year. So, how much would a mortgage on an average property cost now?  

What does it cost to hire an architect for a renovation?

Renovating your house can be a small or a large project. Smaller jobs, like painting walls, updating fixtures, or replacing floors, you may be able to do yourself or with the help of a qualified tradie. But bigger jobs, like adding an extension or an extra floor onto your house, may require additional expertise, such as that offered by an architect.

Is now the time to buy an EV?

With petrol prices currently on the high side, some Australians may be considering if now is the best time to bite the bullet and invest in an electric vehicle (EV). But with EV production also being affected by global events, your decision may not be as easy as you’d hoped.

Do you need to be married to buy a house together?

The short answer to this question is… no. In Australia, as long as you and your spouse fulfil the mortgage lender’s eligibility criteria, you can buy a property and put both of your names on the title whether you’re married or in a de-facto relationship.

Average Mortgage Australia - What is it in each state? | RateCity

Australia’s first home buyers have been taking out bigger home loans, with average loan sizes reaching all-time highs in most Australian states and territories.

Shopping online can help Aussies save money

Australians looking to save money, whether to build up a house deposit or save for retirement, may be able to shrink their household spending simply by doing their weekly grocery shopping online.

House prices reaching possible peak in Sydney and Melbourne

New figures from CoreLogic show that the red-hot property markets of Sydney and Melbourne may have hit their highest prices, but dwelling prices were still found to be increasing in other capitals.

Some of the best home loans in March 2022

While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold this month, some lenders are forecasting that a rate hike could be on the cards as soon as June.