Home Loans Articles

Top five refinancing home loans that could save you money in the long run

Refinancing isn’t free, but it can save you money in the long run if you switch to a home loan with a lower interest rate, such as these home loan choices.

What is a cooling off period, and how do they work?

A cooling off period is a length of time that follows signing a contract to purchase property, during which a buyer can choose to terminate the agreement without being in breach of contract and losing their deposit. This gives you a window of opportunity to change your mind about a property purchase if your circumstances change, or you decide it’s not right for you.

Stuck with a bank you don't like? There may be a psychological reason

Consumer inertia may be the reason why millions of Aussies choose to stay with their bank, even if it refuses to pass on a full RBA-led rate cut or charges higher than average fees.

Handy tips for buying a home at auction

Forget The Block, auctions are a lot less glamorous and much more stressful when you're the one holding the bidding paddle. If you are organised, have your home loan pre-approved, know what you are looking for and know your budget and won't go over it, then perhaps an auction could be the place you land your dream home.

CQU property expert reveals home truths on housing affordability

It’s never been harder for younger Australians to enter the property market, we regularly hear.

How I cut my home loan by 1.45 percentage points

I’ve just refinanced my home loan from one of the biggest mortgage lenders in Australia to one of the smallest. Why? I now have a much lower interest rate.

First Home Owners Grant

Learn more about the First Home Owners Grants available around Australia with our interactive map.

Sydney a "tenant's market", but not every city

Renter vacancy is shifting across the country, and depending on where you live, that may mean good or bad things for rental prices.

What is mortgage insurance?

The idea of mortgage insurance is a fairly simple one – if circumstances mean a borrower can’t afford their mortgage repayments, an insurance policy can be used to help cover the costs.

Why it's now more important than ever to pay your debts on time

In 2014, the government introduced comprehensive credit reporting to Australia. This type of credit reporting has been used in the US and UK for many years.

Warning: Part 9 Debt Agreements have serious consequences

With Australia’s household debt-to-income ratio being one of the highest in the world, individuals and families are finding it harder than ever to keep up with their repayments.

10 questions to ask your mortgage broker

Getting a home loan can be a highly stressful experience, what with all the jargon and paperwork, not to mention the big dollars at stake.

What is the Pension Loans Scheme?

The Pension Loans Scheme allows people who are at the age pension age to apply for a loan from the government to supplement their retirement, effectively functioning as a reverse mortgage.

Three mistakes home buyers make

Steady house prices and low interest rates are encouraging would-be buyers into the property market.

How to fix credit problems

Credit problems – who has them? If you’re reading this article, chances are you have, or you know someone who has.

How to speak finance

Why do banks bombard us with incomprehensible jargon? And what’s with all those annoying acronyms?

Fast track your way to mortgage freedom

Paying off your home loan early doesn’t just free up valuable cash and provide the security of outright home ownership. It will also save you a bundle in interest.

How to take out a home loan

There are three ways to take out a mortgage in Australia, whether you’re an owner-occupier who wants a principal-and-interest loan or an investor who wants an interest-only loan.