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Finance

The big stretch: should you extend your loan term?

If the November rate hike will seriously stretch your finances, one potential solution may be to extend your loan term. It can ease the hip pocket pain by lowering monthly repayments. But taking more time to pay off your mortgage can come with hidden downsides. Here’s what to weigh up. Will the RBA’s latest 0.25% […]

Finance

RBA increases the cash rate by 25 basis points, up to 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points, taking it to 4.35%. So just how much will this year’s Melbourne Cup day rate hike increase your monthly repayments? Some more tough news for mortgage holders around the country today. Despite the official cash rate being on hold […]

Finance

Brokers help settle a record 7-in-10 new mortgages

Mortgage brokers have notched up a new personal best, with seven out of every 10 new mortgages settled thanks to their help! It’s a sure sign that mortgage brokers are delivering the goods when it comes to helping Australians move into their dream homes. In the nine months to 31 March 2023 (while interest rates […]

Finance

Revealed: the four cities tipped to be future property hotspots

No matter whether you’re in the market for a home or an investment property, it makes financial sense to buy in an area where values are tipped to rise. But where to look? Today we’ll unveil the Australian cities where population growth is tipped to turbo-charge the property market. One of the biggest drivers of […]

Finance

How much can you really save by refinancing?

Not sure what refinancing is all about? You’re not alone. Our quick explainer lets you master the basics and helps you work out how much you could save. Home loan refinancing is a hot topic right now. Ever since interest rates hit an upward trajectory in May 2022, skyrocketing numbers of homeowners – as many as […]

Finance

One-in-three first home buyers use guarantee schemes

Know anyone who wants to buy their first home? A new report confirms that low deposit schemes are getting younger buyers into a place of their own sooner. First home buyers are ignoring headlines warning that it can take years to save a deposit. Instead, they’re flocking to guarantee schemes that allow them to get […]

Finance

The one big factor pushing house prices up

Property prices have soared almost 7% this year alone. With the upswing predicted to continue, we unpack what’s driving national housing values higher – and why it could pay to get into the market sooner. Another month, another round of price upticks. September marked the eighth consecutive month of home price growth, with CoreLogic saying property values […]

Finance

Flat chat: why units could soon become hot property

Apartments stand out as an affordable choice when it comes to cracking the property market, not to mention downsizing. But a looming shortage may soon push unit values higher. For many of us, buying a house on its own block of land is the ‘great Australian dream’. While plenty of people achieve this goal, our […]

Finance

3 ways pre-approval can give buyers an edge

There’s a lot to be said for having your home loan pre-approved. But does pre-approval mean you’re putting the cart before the horse? Definitely not. Here are three ways pre-approval can help you get ahead of the competition. Here’s a handy tip: you don’t have to wait until you’ve found a home you’d like to […]

Finance

Property market climbs towards new peak

The property market has thumbed its nose at higher interest rates, with values rising almost 5% since March. Here’s why national housing prices are climbing higher. Australia’s housing market is making a bigger comeback than Barbie. Despite interest rates rising 4% in a year and a cost of living crunch, home values have skyrocketed with prices soaring […]