Mark Bristow

Is now the time to renovate your home?

Renovating a property could potentially greatly improve your lifestyle at home, or increase the value of your investment. But when is the best time to consider undertaking a renovation project, and are there any risks or hazards to avoid?

What's the minimum deposit for a home loan in Australia?

How much a bank may be willing to lend you to buy a property will depend on a range of factors, including your income, household expenses, savings, other debts, credit score, and the size of your deposit. In most cases, a lender will offer an 80 per cent LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) home loan, meaning they’ll lend 80 per cent of your home’s value, and you need to pay the remaining deposit of 20 per cent. 

Some of the best home loans for refinancers and investors in February 2023

The most recent meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board brought us a 25-point hike to the national cash rate, along with assurances that more rate rises are coming. Australians looking to refinance the mortgage on their home or investment property may need to carefully compare their available options to make sure they’re getting a deal that suits their needs.

Which banks have hiked term deposits and savings accounts in February 2023?

The ninth consecutive increase to Australia’s national cash rate was revealed last week, making this the fastest hiking cycle in decades. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has indicated that more rate hikes may be necessary in 2023 to help bring down Australia’s high inflation. This may mean more pain for mortgage holders, savers could potentially benefit from rising rates.

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the February 2023 rate hike?

February 2023’s meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board saw a ninth straight hike to the national cash rate. The 25-point increase took the cash rate to its highest point since 2012. While several banks have already announced they will be passing these hikes on to customers as higher interest rates, there are still some relatively low-rate options available. These could potentially help give some eligible borrowers a break from mortgage stress.

Kitchen renovation checklist: how to plan your project

Whether you want to make your home more liveable or your investment property more appealing to tenants and future buyers, a kitchen renovation could make a big difference. It’s important to plan ahead and keep your kitchen reno organised and on-track if you want to reap the rewards while minimising the risk of overcapitalising.

Buying an apartment in Sydney vs other capital cities

Sydney is renowned for its landmarks, its beaches… and how expensive it can be. This is especially true when it comes to the property market, with Sydney often leading the country in dwelling prices. So, if you have the option, would you be better off buying a unit in Sydney, or a unit in one of Australia’s other capitals? 

ubank extends refinancing loan term to 35 years – what could this mean for you?

ubank has announced it is extending its loan term for refinances from 30 to 35 years as of 7 February 2023. While this could potentially prove beneficial for homeowners seeking some relief from relentless rate rises, it could also potentially cost these customers more in the long run.

Five ways to make money from property in 2023

Property investment is one of Australia’s favourite wealth-building strategies. Compared to some other investment types, real estate is relatively simple to understand and get into, and offers several avenues for aspiring investors to potentially enjoy healthy returns, in both the short and long term.

Some of the best home loans in February 2023

Home loan interest rates are expected to rise further this year as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) returns from its January break to meet about monetary policy. But if the cash rate could be approaching its peak, what could that mean for Australia’s home loans?