News

You’ve seen the perfect piece of land but you’re not quite ready to build. No problem – a land loan can be a handy finance solution. However, it can work a bit differently from a regular home loan. Here’s what you need to know.

Continue reading “Buying land to build on later: what you need to know”

Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So it’s worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties.

Continue reading “Do you really need a building inspection?”

With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling – and how you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas.

Continue reading “Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?”

Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the LMI, not the dog…)

Continue reading “How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?”

It’s the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your own boss can dish up some unexpected hammer blows.

Continue reading “How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed”

Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why it’s so popular among investors, and why it’s attracting fresh attention.

Continue reading “What’s going on with negative gearing?”

Planning to buy your first home? It takes (on average) about five to six years to save a deposit at present. But who’s got the patience to save for six years? Today we’ll look at four ways you could fast-track home ownership.

Continue reading “How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)”

Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Here’s why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than later if you’re home loan-ready.

Continue reading “Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?”

Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? It’s unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out buying your first home can be just as daunting, with 91% of first-home buyers turning to a mortgage broker for guidance.

Continue reading “Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker”

TikTok and Instagram reels are fun, fast and free – but it’s important to be picky about whose content you’re viewing, especially if you’re in the market for a home loan.

Continue reading “TikTok vs talking to your broker? It’s no contest”