Home Loans Articles

5 main home loan features you should consider

When you begin your search for a home loan there is a lot to take into consideration. It's not simply about finding the cheapest home loan rate, although this will play into your final decision. We've put together a list of the most important home loan factors to help you choose the right home loan for you.

What makes a good home loan?

Finding the perfect home loan is no easy feat but a search worth investing in. Knowing what rates and features make a good home loan will help steer you down the right path.

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. 

Asking for a rate cut: how to negotiate a better home loan rate

If you don't ask you don't get. If you are unhappy with your current home loan it's perfectly acceptable to approach your lender and ask for a better rate.

What is a honeymoon rate and honeymoon period?

Confused by the term ‘honeymoon rate’ when searching around for a home loan? Let’s break down what a honeymoon rate is and what you can expect if you get one.

Can I take a second mortgage for home improvements?

A second mortgage may be handy if you’re looking for extra cash to start renovating. However, there are a raft of pros and cons to consider and a number of alternative financing options may also be available.

Three mistakes that home buyers make

Buying a home is arguably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It pays to do your research beforehand so you can make well-informed choices you’re confident in, and don’t find yourself regretting any decisions down the track.

How often should you review your home loan?

Got a home loan that you haven’t looked at since you took it out? This is your friendly reminder that it might be time to dust off the paperwork and dig into the details to make sure it’s still serving you as it should.

How to find a home loan that suits you

Finding the right home loan is just as important as finding the right home, and a crucial element in securing it. It needs to meet your budget, needs and preferences.

Are home loan packages a good deal?

Similar to bundling your home telephone, mobile, and pay TV with one company, bundling your financial products with your home loan could save you money off your mortgage.

How do home loan repayment calculators work?

Before you take out a home loan, you’re going to want to have a really good handle on how much it’s going to cost you.

What is cash-out refinancing, and how does it help you?

Whether you want to renovate a home, pay for a wedding or make some new investments, if you need some extra cash you may have considered leveraging the equity in your home. This is also known as cash-out refinancing

How to get a home loan while self-employed

Getting a home loan while self-employed isn’t usually difficult, but you’ll need to make sure you have the right documents to prove that you can repay the loan.

How to build wealth through home equity loans

Building wealth and property portfolios is becoming more common practice in Australia. Home equity is one such way that home owners can build on their current wealth and add to their property portfolio.

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.

How to survive a mortgage if you're going through financial hardship

Every now and then, an unexpected event may occur in our lives that causes financial hardships where making repayments on a home loan is impossible. Make sure you know your rights and the cover available.

Can you use your home equity loan to buy another house?

Whether you want to purchase a second property for holidaying, investment purposes, or as a place for you (or your family members) to live in the future, a home equity loan may be a way to secure those keys.

Why you should consider the value of your home before you refinance

No matter why you want to refinance, it’s important to consider the value of your home when you’re weighing up your options.