Soaring house prices and rents propel inflation higher

The price of new dwelling purchases, owing to increased labour and material expenses, rose sharply in the year to November. Fewer government construction grants and rising rents also contributed to the hike in housing costs.

How can I check if my car insurance policy is active?

Driving a car with an expired insurance policy can result in hefty fines. Consider checking the expiry date on your car registration details or policy documents and comparing new car insurance quotes.

Can I qualify for a joint home loan if my partner has bad credit?

If you or your partner have bad credit, lenders could potentially reject your joint application on the basis that both applicants are equally liable for the debt, so the overall level of risk must be assessed.

Do first-time home loan applicants qualify for tax benefits?

If you’re a first-time home buyer applying for a home loan, you could qualify for some tax deductions. For example, in some states and territories may be entitled to full exemptions or concessions on stamp duty. Read on to find out what else you might be eligible to receive.

Can I get a discounted student car loan?

Banks don't offer student car loans. Given that you're unlikely to have built up enough of a credit history to warrant an excellent credit score, you may be able to secure a low interest car loan if you apply for a guarantor loan.

Can you sign up to multiple BNPL platforms?

Given the lack of regulation surrounding BNPL, you may be able to open multiple accounts with different providers. However, this may not be a sensible practice as it might be difficult to keep track of all your debts and you could miss payments, potentially resulting in late fees and charges.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

The advent of technology means you could have a new bank account up and running in just a few minutes. However, it may take days to receive your bank card in the mail. Additionally, some accounts require a lengthier processing time before they're activated.

Can I get car insurance after an accident?

You are able to get car insurance after an accident. However, the policy you purchase will  only cover you for future accidents, not for the accident you were just involved in. In this instance, if you were the at-fault driver you'll be responsible for all related damages.

Do mortgage brokers need a consumer credit license?

In Australia, mortgage brokers do need a credit licence to operate as they are defined by law as being credit service or assistance providers, meaning that they help borrowers connect with lenders.

Can foreigners open a bank account in Australia?

Opening a bank account in Australia is a relatively simple process which can be started by comparing the different types of bank accounts foreigners can open in Australia. Once you’ve found a bank account that suits your needs, you can start the application process.