Home Loans Articles

Tax deductions for your investment property

To make the most from your investment property, it helps to better understand its tax deductions. Find out more. 

Can I add someone to my home loan?

A joint application is one of the simplest and most common methods for two people to end up with their names on a mortgage. Adding a second person to a mortgage that’s already in place can be more complex.

What is a property history report, and how can it help you?

If you’re in the early stages of purchasing a property you may be curious to the history of the home you’re considering buying. After all, how can you move forward with a property if you don’t know its past, including rental yields and growth of its market value?

Can I get out of a fixed rate mortgage?

Many borrowers love fixed rate mortgages, as they let you lock in a low rate for one to five years. Even if variable rates increase, you’ll keep making the same repayments for the rest of the fixed term. But is it possible to refinance a fixed rate mortgage and switch to a lender offering a lower interest rate?

Can you change your home loan to an investment loan?

Mortgage lenders offer different types of home loans to owner occupiers and to property investors. After all, buying a home to live in is a different type of transaction to buying an investment property, and comes with a different type of risk for the lender. So, what steps would you need to take to turn your owner occupied home loan into an investment loan?

How to get a home loan interest rate under 2% 

There are currently several home loans with interest rates below 2 per cent available to both investors and owner-occupiers from lenders big and small. 

What are reverse mortgage tax obligations?

If you’re over 60 and looking for an additional line of credit, you may want to consider a reverse mortgage. But what are your reverse mortgage tax implications? 

What adds value to a house appraisal?

Thinking about selling your property? By making a few changes to enhance your property’s appeal to potential buyers, you may be able to maximise the house value at your real estate agent’s appraisal. This could help to set buyer expectations, leading to a higher sale price.

How do you avoid Lender's Mortgage Insurance?

Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is an insurance policy that covers the financial risk of a borrower defaulting on their home loan repayments. However, LMI doesn’t protect the borrower, but instead protects the mortgage lender that provides the home loan. Additionally, most mortgage lenders pass the cost of LMI on to borrowers.

Things to do before a house appraisal

If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you’ll likely need to have it appraised.

Can a student get a home loan?

It is possible for students in Australia to get home loans, provided they can fulfil a mortgage lender’s eligibility requirements. This may not be easy for many students, who already have significant study commitments.

How to pay off your mortgage faster

Not a fan of being in debt? Here are a few tips that could help you get your home loan paid off sooner, so you can own your home or investment property outright, without a mortgage hanging over your head.

House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?

What is a property actually worth? The answer may depend on if you were to ask a real estate agent or a valuer working for a mortgage lender.

Can parents pay off a child's mortgage?

The bank of mum and dad has become one of the most common ways young Australians are able to get a foot on the property ladder. Here are three main ways a parent may be able to pay off a child’s mortgage.

Tips for a house valuation

Taking the time to properly prepare and set up your home for valuation is crucial to ensure it is valued at the most optimal price. Here is how to prepare your home for valuation.

How to value a property for insurance

Home insurance can provide much-needed peace of mind by covering your property in case of accidents, damage, or other disasters. Plus, it’s often a necessary requirement when applying for a home loan with many lenders.

How do banks value property?

Different banks use different methods to calculate the value of a property. Also known as a “bank property valuation”, the method your mortgage lender chooses may depend on their own internal policies, and other reasons, too.

How do you pay back a reverse mortgage loan?

A reverse mortgage is a popular option for retirees who own homes. Keep reading to learn how to pay back a reverse mortgage loan.