Money for nothing
The best things in life are free, especially when money is up for grabs. From government benefits to special grants and shopping rewards, there is plenty of funding available if you know where to look. Here’s our guide to help you cash in. Additional rules and restrictions apply in all cases (and are subject to […]
Masterplan – Guide to sell off the plan
New home sales are back on the rise, fueled in part by many investors and owner-occupiers buying off the plan.The concept is straightforward: put up a deposit (usually 10 per cent) to help the developer fund construction and pay the balance when the build is complete. Apartments are now springing up at a rapid rate […]
Fixing for the future – making the most out of a fixed rate
One in five Australians taking out a home loan is now opting to fix their interest rate, according to a recent AFG Mortgage Index. Not only are fixed rates proving popular in the midst of global economic uncertainty, many borrowers are cashing in on unprecedented, increased competition around fixed rate loans. Traditionally, lenders have set […]
Bidder up!
A record 101,000 properties – or around one in five of those put on the market in Australia last year – went to auction 1. And while clearance rates vary between markets, there is no denying plenty of buyers are willing to go head-to-head with the hammer. Onsite or in a room, auctions can be both exhilarating […]
First home buyers have the first mover advantage
Low-interest rates, flat property prices and government grants continue to entice plenty of first-time buyers into the home market. In fact, one in seven home loans last year was for first homes, according to the latest AFG Mortgage Index. While home is where the heart is, savvy first home buyers are also using their heads. […]
Home loan terms
Gone are the days when the only home loan on offer was a principal and interest arrangement, paid by the month over 25 years. Now, home buyers face a bounty of borrowing options, designed for different needs. Choosing the right one for your situation starts with understanding the jargon. Here’s our guide to what all […]
To buy or build? Guide for first home buyers
Many buyers struggling to find the right home are going back to the drawing board and building rather than buying an existing home. There are obvious benefits to a brand new home: you can build exactly what you want and enjoy shiny new surrounds, with no wear and tear costs for years to come. But […]
Home loan industry insights
Competition among lenders for a home loan remains steep but borrowers may still be missing out on great deals and important information that could save them thousands of dollars. YOU HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE Most lenders will pitch one or two loan products to customers. But that’s a tiny fraction of the number of loans […]
