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How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?

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…)

How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed

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.

What’s going on with negative gearing?

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.

How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)

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.

Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?

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.

Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker

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.

TikTok vs talking to your broker? It’s no contest

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.

Fixed rates tumble: a sign of things to come?

When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south.

The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers.

How much has your home’s value risen by?

We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage.

Property market set to blossom this spring

The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Here’s how to prepare if you’re planning to buy in the weeks ahead.

How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look.

Does your job come with home loan perks?

Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today we’ll look at some of the occupations that can offer up home loan perks.

Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors

A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters – and it’s changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal what’s happening across the rental and investment markets.

Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders

Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the Tasman. Here’s what you need to know.

Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?

Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. We explain what’s driving this fear, and how you can boost your chances of getting approved.

How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?

As property prices hit record highs across a number of cities, it’s no surprise that new home loan balances are also nudging towards fresh peaks. Today we’ll reveal what the ‘average’ new home loan is in your state, and provide you with some handy tips to help bring down your balance sooner.

50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents

The new financial year has kicked off with a bang for first home buyers! A whopping 45,000 more places have opened up for them under the Home Guarantee Scheme, as well as 5,000 more spots for single parents. Here’s how it could help you buy a home sooner.

Will home prices keep rising over the next year?

Property prices are expected to keep climbing higher through to mid-2025 – though not everywhere, according to a new report. We reveal where prices are tipped to go up, and where prices are expected to fall.

Rate cuts? Pencil them in for 2025

Put the party pies on ice and postpone those rate-cut celebrations for a while yet. The much-touted rate cuts we’ve been waiting for may not arrive until 2025. Here’s why rates could be staying higher for longer, and how to take action yourself.

Is a tree or sea change on your horizon?

Fresh air, no bumper-to-bumper traffic and more affordable home prices. There’s plenty of appeal in regional living, including a chance to potentially reduce your home loan.

Why three-in-four Aussies turn to a broker for home loan help

You might have seen a headline or two about a particular big bank being at war with brokers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our mission is – and always will be – putting you first. That’s why three in every four borrowers now come to us for help.

First home buyers turn to Bank of Nan and Pop

Nan and Pop have always been good for birthday money, but one-in-10 grandparents are taking their generosity to the next level: helping their grandkids buy a first home.

What you should know before buying ‘subject to finance’

Not sure if you’ll get the thumbs up for a home loan? But you really, really like that house that just popped up? Making an offer ‘subject to finance’ could be the right move. Here’s how it works.

Not feeling the budget love? 4 ways you could still get ahead

If the latest federal government budget is leaving you hungry for perks and savings, you’re not alone. We’ve had a brainstorm and here are four ways you could start working towards your property goals now.

Low deposit scheme helps over 150,000 families buy sooner

Whether you’re rat running your local streets, or have a knack for always picking the fast-moving supermarket queue – everyone loves a good time-saving hack. Well, today we’ll let you in on a scheme that could get you into your first home years – yep years – sooner!

Here’s why your borrowing power might soon get a lift

Who doesn’t love a tax cut? Most of us are now only weeks away from saving on our tax bills, with Stage 3 tax cuts to kick in from 1 July. But another key advantage is that the tax cuts could give your borrowing power a nice boost.

How to know if you’re paying a fair price

We all love the idea of nabbing a bargain property, but for most home buyers the real issue is whether they’re overvaluing a place – and paying too much in the process.

Can you remember your home loan interest rate?

Where you put your car keys, who won the footy premiership three years back, the new prime minister of New Zealand’s name – all very much socially acceptable things to forget. Your home loan rate shouldn’t be on that list.

Plot twist: Millennials are Australia’s most active property investors

When it comes to buying investment properties, younger Australians are punching above their weight, with Millennials taking the title as the nation’s most active generation for property investment.

Homeowners now an extra $71,000 richer (on average!)

You may not feel richer, but if you’re a homeowner, there’s a decent chance your personal wealth has surged over the past 12 months thanks to soaring property values. And it could open up a world of exciting possibilities.

FOMO, FOBO and FOOP – how they can hold you back

Nobody likes missing out on a good thing. But then again, who likes overpaying? So how do you strike the right balance when both fears can work against one another?

Explainer: how construction loans work

There’s something very special about moving into a newly built home or putting the finishing touches on a major renovation. Maybe it’s the look and feel of new paint and fresh flooring, or just knowing you’ve kicked a worthwhile goal.

Why offset accounts are hitting new highs

Spare cash can be tight right now (cost of living crunch, anyone?). But if you’ve still got some savings plus a home loan, there’s a way you could make your surplus funds work harder.

How long does it really take to get a home loan?

Need a home loan in a hurry? You could be in luck. Plenty of lenders are keen to crunch loan approval times at present – but there’s a lot borrowers can do to potentially speed up the process, too.

Where are the bargain homes located in your suburb?

Location may be a big driver of property prices, but in any given suburb a few streets can be all that separates paying top dollar for a home or potentially scoring a bargain. Here’s how to use a tool to find pockets of value in any given neighbourhood.

Home buyers rejoice! More listings are hitting the market

Great news for home buyers! After an extended run of low listings, the number of homes coming onto the market is skyrocketing. So could this have an impact on the property market? Let’s take a look.

They’re back! Why property investors account for one-in-three new home loans

Lending to property investors is soaring once again. We lift the lid on what’s driving investor interest – and what it could mean for the property market throughout 2024.

When will the next RBA cash rate call be made?

Happy days! The Reserve Bank kept rates steady in February. But a shake-up in the number of times our central bank meets each year is raising questions about how long the rate pause will last. Here’s what we could expect.

4 tips for self-employed home loan applications

Applying for a mortgage when you’re self-employed may have you jumping through more hoops. But it needn’t deter you from getting into the property market. Here are 4 tips to help you apply for a mortgage like a boss.

First home buyers charge back into the market

Hats off to Australia’s first home buyers! The latest lending data shows they’re refusing to let last year’s rate hikes and rising property values dampen their goal of buying a home. Here are five tips to help you buy your first home in 2024.

How your deposit size can shape the rate you pay

It’s commonly known that the bigger your deposit, the smaller your home loan, and thus, the lower your monthly repayments. But today we’ll look into another way your deposit size could reduce your repayments: by potentially reducing your interest rate.

The pros of having a mortgage broker on your side

What exactly can a mortgage broker do for you? Well, we don’t mean to toot our own horn, but we can make your home loan journey a whole lot easier, letting you focus on the fun part: planning for your new home!

5 New Year’s resolutions for your home loan

Thought of a New Year’s resolution yet? Or perhaps you’ve broken one already? Either way, check out our list of possible mortgage goals for 2024 – try one, or have a go at them all – to save a bundle in the year ahead.

Merry Christmas! Season’s greetings from all of us to you

The year has flown past, and as our thoughts turn to trees, tinsel and turkey, we’d like to thank all our fantastic clients for your support throughout 2023.

Ho ho ho! The smart move that has 1 in 10 borrowers feeling jolly

Home owners have been battling rising interest rates for over a year and a half now. But a new report reveals the important step some savvy borrowers are taking to rein in higher rates and swap “oh no!” for “ho, ho, ho!”.

What’s tipped for house prices in 2024?

If buying a home is at the top of your wish list for 2024, don’t miss our rundown on how the property market has fared in 2023 – and why the new year is shaping up as potentially another big year for real estate.

More lenders sign up to low deposit first home buyer scheme

First home buyers with a small deposit now have an even wider range of lenders to choose from. We reveal the latest banks to join the 5% deposit scheme that’s helping more buyers get into the market sooner.

How to manage your home loan over Christmas

It may be called the silly season but a few smart strategies could help you enjoy the festive season this year without missing a beat on your home loan. Check out our tips to share the Christmas cheer this year without breaking the bank.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How does your home loan compare?

No change to the cash rate again this month, but lenders’ mortgage rates have been jumping around more than a bunch of toddlers at a Wiggles concert. We reveal the current average rates to see how your loan compares.

Low deposit first home buyers now have $82,000 in equity

First home buyers who bought into the market using the federal government’s 5% deposit scheme have racked up $82,000 in home equity on average, new data shows.

Help to Buy Scheme set to kick off in 2024

The highly anticipated Help to Buy Scheme will kick off next year, giving more Aussies a chance to score their dream home. Today we’ll unpack how the new federal government scheme will work, who it’ll benefit, and the fine print you need to know.

More Aussies turn to mortgage brokers for a hand managing hikes

An avalanche of rate hikes over the past 18 months has supersized home loan repayments. But savvy homeowners aren’t panicking. In fact, more mortgage holders than ever before are reaching out to brokers for expert help.

Sneaky rate hikes – is your lender behind them?

The Reserve Bank (RBA) may have kept the cash rate on hold but that hasn’t stopped some lenders from hiking their variable home loan rates. Here’s how borrowers are fighting back.

Has the tide turned? What the RBA rate pause means for homeowners

Mortgage holders rejoice – the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold in August for the second month in a row. So have we finally reached calmer waters? Or is there one last rate rise wave headed our way?

Why are fixed rates still rising? And when might they drop again?

With plenty of pundits tipping interest rates will start to fall in the next 12 months, we look at why the big banks are hiking their fixed rates – and unpack what it means for the rate outlook.

Where homeowners are spending $1 billion a month

Australians are showering their homes with $1 billion worth of love each month as home improvement spending ramps up. We look at the cost of popular renovations – and how to foot the bill.

Could apartment living help you dive into the property market sooner?

Buying a home for the first time can be challenging, especially with house prices soaring in recent years. So could switching from house hunting to unit searching be the way forward for you?

Mortgage holders breathe a sigh of relief as RBA puts cash rate on hold

Phew! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. So is the end of this rate hike cycle finally in sight?

Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

Have you been keen to refinance but told you can’t? You’re not alone. Many Australian households are currently locked into their home loans due to rising interest rates. But some banks have recently started to lower their serviceability thresholds.

Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

Despite the soaring cost of living and successive interest rate hikes, homebuying intentions have climbed, latest data shows. So why are so many people still chasing the great Australian dream? And what can you do to make your own dream a reality?

Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

Mortgage serviceability can feel like a frustrating hurdle to clear. But it’s an important safeguard against borrowing too much, particularly in the current interest rate landscape.

Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion

Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little wonder why.

RBA attempts to beat back inflation with another rate hike, up to 4.10%

Drumroll … The RBA has hiked the official cash rate for the 12th time since April 2022, increasing it to 4.10%. How much will this increase your monthly repayments? And how long does Philip Lowe plan to keep marching to this beat?

International Women’s Day Spotlight

We are shining a light on one of our clients who has achieved exceptional success. Trisha is an outstanding woman who excels in multiple roles as a mother, wife, business owner and investor.

Property Investing Checklist

To ensure you have considered what is required before making the big purchase, we’ve outlined steps you need to take in that process.

Three things you need to ask your partner before you apply for a home loan together

Before you apply for a home loan with your partner, there are a few discussions that you need to have that go a little beyond what you may know already.

Top tips for negotiating a property price

Here are our top tips to tactfully negotiate the price without ruining your chances of securing the property.

Can your profession save you on your home loan?

When it comes to saving on your mortgage, some of you may not have to look further than your job.

Is a Family guarantee right for you

Thinking of being a guarantor? Before taking the plunge however, ask these three questions first...

What is the best time of year to buy a house?

While spring is renowned as the time that sellers dust off their properties and place them on the market, this doesn’t mean it is necessarily the best time for buyers to go shopping.

Should you manage your own investment property?

While managing your own investment property can seem like a simple way to keep more of the rent flowing towards the mortgage, there’s a little more to it than making sure the house is standing and collecting the money.

What comes first: The property or the loan?

It’s easy to get carried away with the fun part of buying a property – looking at houses – but delaying the less compelling task of arranging finance will weaken your negotiating position on both the property and the loan.

Can you make extra home loan repayments?

Making extra repayments on your home loan can be a clever financial strategy. However, care must be taken to ensure that extra repayments are planned and the right type of loan taken out to allow for them.

News & Resources

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Want to know more? Subscribe to our Newsletter

More Articles

How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?

How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed

What’s going on with negative gearing?

How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)

Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?

Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker

TikTok vs talking to your broker? It’s no contest

Fixed rates tumble: a sign of things to come?

The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

How much has your home’s value risen by?

Property market set to blossom this spring

How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

Does your job come with home loan perks?

Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors

Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders

Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?

How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?

50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents

Will home prices keep rising over the next year?

Rate cuts? Pencil them in for 2025

Is a tree or sea change on your horizon?

Why three-in-four Aussies turn to a broker for home loan help

First home buyers turn to Bank of Nan and Pop

What you should know before buying ‘subject to finance’

Not feeling the budget love? 4 ways you could still get ahead

Low deposit scheme helps over 150,000 families buy sooner

Here’s why your borrowing power might soon get a lift

How to know if you’re paying a fair price

Can you remember your home loan interest rate?

Plot twist: Millennials are Australia’s most active property investors

Homeowners now an extra $71,000 richer (on average!)

FOMO, FOBO and FOOP – how they can hold you back

Explainer: how construction loans work

Why offset accounts are hitting new highs

How long does it really take to get a home loan?

Where are the bargain homes located in your suburb?

Home buyers rejoice! More listings are hitting the market

They’re back! Why property investors account for one-in-three new home loans

When will the next RBA cash rate call be made?

4 tips for self-employed home loan applications

First home buyers charge back into the market

How your deposit size can shape the rate you pay

The pros of having a mortgage broker on your side

5 New Year’s resolutions for your home loan

Merry Christmas! Season’s greetings from all of us to you

Ho ho ho! The smart move that has 1 in 10 borrowers feeling jolly

What’s tipped for house prices in 2024?

More lenders sign up to low deposit first home buyer scheme

How to manage your home loan over Christmas

The big stretch: should you extend your loan term?

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

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

Revealed: the four cities tipped to be future property hotspots

How much can you really save by refinancing?

One-in-three first home buyers use guarantee schemes

The one big factor pushing house prices up

Flat chat: why units could soon become hot property

3 ways pre-approval can give buyers an edge

Property market climbs towards new peak

How does your home loan compare?

Low deposit first home buyers now have $82,000 in equity

Help to Buy Scheme set to kick off in 2024

More Aussies turn to mortgage brokers for a hand managing hikes

Sneaky rate hikes – is your lender behind them?

Has the tide turned? What the RBA rate pause means for homeowners

Why are fixed rates still rising? And when might they drop again?

Where homeowners are spending $1 billion a month

Could apartment living help you dive into the property market sooner?

Mortgage holders breathe a sigh of relief as RBA puts cash rate on hold

Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion