Home Loans Articles

The pros and cons of investment property

Property is a popular investment choice for Australians but deciding if it is the right place to invest your hard-earned money can be a difficult one. Consider the pros and cons before you dive head-first into a long-term investment.

Standard variable credit card rates

The average standard variable rate can be described as the average of the standard variable rates of the major four banks. What are the benefits of a standard variable rate home loan?

Do you have to pay home loan exit fees?

In July 2011 home loan exit fees were abolished, except for any home loans that were signed prior to this date. To find out if your home loan has any exit fees contact your mortgage lender.

The strong Australian home loan market

The home loan market in Australia is very competitive and because of the size of the home loan market and the competition from lenders, you are more likely to have a better chance of finding a home loan with a lower interest rate and a type of mortgage that will suit your budget and lifestyle.

Save $17,000 on your mortgage with non bank lenders

Mortgages are a big deal to lenders and RateCity investigates the growing competition between banks and non-banks to find how you can save $17,000 off your mortgage.

ASIC to crack down on early exit mortgage fees

RateCity looks into the Australian Securities and Investment Commission's planned crackdown on early exit fees for mortgages and what this new proposal means for you.

In the market for an investment property?

Buying a property to rent out is a popular form of investment in Australia. If you like the idea of being able to physically see and touch your investment then this might your preferred choice of investment but make sure you find a suitable investment home loan that's going to suit your specific needs.

Take advantage of falling Australian bank fees

There is no way of avoiding bank fees but you can certainly keep them at a minimum if you spend, save and pay smart.

Find a high LVR lender for home loan deposits under 20%

Are you eager to get into the Australian housing market but don't have the required 20% deposit? If so, you will need find a lender offering a high loan-to-value ratio mortgage when applying for a home loan.

Save money by accelerating your home loan repayments

Has that pay rise got you stumped? For homeowners, there is a huge incentive to accelerate your repayments on your home loan because it could save you thousands in interest but there are a few things to consider before doing so, namely do you have any other outstanding debts?

Avoid the sting Banks take $5billion a year from home owners

RateCity investigates just how much income banks earn from your home loan fees and how you can lessen the sting. Do you currently have a home loan and always seem to be paying fees? Well, the banks aren\\\'t complaining as they profit from your money.

Save over $34,000 on your home loan

RateCity shows you how to save on your home loan and why you shouldn't give up on your dream of owning your own home while the housing market plummets.

The Australian housing market explained

The Australian housing market is one of the most topical aspects of the economy and is continually in the headlines. Those wishing to enter the housing market should do their research on both property prices and home loans so you can make better informed decisions about your financial situation.

Residential mortgage lenders for individuals

Residential mortgage lenders are financial institutions that lend money to an individual and not a company. Most mortgage lenders today can provide home loans for individuals purchasing their own home or an investment property.

What is a loan-to-value ratio?

The Loan-to-value ratio is the percentage amount of the value of a property that a financial institution will allow you to borrow for your home loan. An LVR of 80% or below is considered to be low risk for standard conforming loans while an LVR over 80-90% are considered a very high risk.

Investors set to heat up property market

RateCity looks at the surprise investment boom in the property market as higher rates push home owners out. An increase in the size of home loans taken on by Australians is a concern, especially for first home buyers who generally earn less money, and will have a harder time affording any increased mortgage repayments.

Quitting smoking can save you $100,000 off your mortgage

RateCity investigates the huge savings smokers can make by quitting and paying down their mortgage. The latest interest rate rises have put pressure on most households with a mortgage. And if you’re a smoker, the federal government’s new 25 percent tax hike on packs of cigarettes will be sure to put an extra sting on your finances.

Playing scrooge beating banks at their own home loans game

Australian home buyers are facing some of the strictest lending requirements in recent years, as financial institutions demand more genuine savings before securing a home loan. But are Australians getting a raw deal, or are these the necessary precautions that every lender must make?