Mark Bristow

What is Best Interest Duty, and why is it important to you?

From 1 January 2021, new Best Interest Duty (BID) laws came into effect for mortgage brokers and financial advisers. This could change the way that Australians search for home loans, and how finance professionals offer their advice.

Some of the best investor home loans for January 2021

While much of the record levels of borrowing activity at the end of last year came from owner occupiers, including first home buyers, interest rates have also fallen for investor loans.

Aussies buying more cars and caravans for holidays at home

Australians are spending more on motor vehicles, with caravans and motorhomes growing in popularity as more of us choose domestic travel over international travel for our holidays.

Australia sees highest number of first home buyers since the GFC

In November 2020, Australia saw its highest number of owner occupier first home buyer loan commitments since October 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Fintech WLTH launches home loan offering

Brisbane-based fintech startup, WLTH, has entered the home loan market, offering Australians a digital-only application process and low-rate launch offer.

Some of the best home loans for owner occupiers in January 2021

Could 2021 be the year you buy your first home? Or are you overdue to refinance the mortgage on your home? In any case, you’ll want a home loan that suits your needs.

More affordable home insurance required across northern Australia says ACCC

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) report into insurance in northern Australia has revealed that unaffordable home and contents insurance is affecting the prosperity of communities across the region, though there are actions that could help address this.

JobKeeper payments reduced from today

Payments from the Australian government’s JobKeeper subsidy are being slashed from today, and are scheduled to disappear altogether at the end of March. This could see pay packets shrinking for some Australians, affecting their ability to apply for new loans or make the repayments of existing loans.

Tips for renovating your home this new year

Taking some time off over the Christmas and new year holidays? Maybe you could use this time to actually follow through on those plans you’ve had for ages to renovate or fix up your home. Whether you’re looking to increase your property’s value, or improve your own quality of life, here are a few general tips to consider when you’re looking into renovating.

Start 2021 with a financial checkup

New year, new you, new focus on financial health. Here are a few ways you could look into getting your finances in order in 2021, or in the years to come.