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Learn more about how to manage your personal finances with RateCity's home loan articles, including how-to-guides on comparing home loan interest rates, fees, features and other benefits.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How much equity do I need to refinance?

There are many reasons why you might want to refinance your mortgage - to get a better interest rate, access your equity to fund a project, consolidate debt, or change your loan terms to better suit your changing personal and financial circumstances.

Home Loans

05 Apr, 2023

6 min read

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Are you at risk of mortgage stress when rates rise?

Interest rates are rising at a rapid pace, leaving many Australian homeowners at risk of mortgage stress. Calculate if the latest hikes have put you at risk, and discover steps you can take to overcome mortgage stress.

Home Loans

03 Apr, 2023

4 min read

Are you at risk of mortgage stress when rates rise?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Ten tips to know before refinancing your home loan

It’s relatively rare to stick with the same home loan for the entire loan term in Australia. Considering that refinancing is such an essential part of the mortgage process, it’s important to be aware of some of the common issues that could arise, as well as ways to help the process proceed more smoothly.

Home Loans

31 Mar, 2023

7 min read

Ten tips to know before refinancing your home loan

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How often should you refinance your home loan?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should refinance your home loan, though many Australian borrowers switch loans after five or six years. There are also certain events that could trigger a desire to shop around for a better mortgage deal.

Home Loans

31 Mar, 2023

8 min read

How often should you refinance your home loan?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Does refinancing really save you money?

In a time when every dollar counts for household budgets, it’s no surprise so many Australians are looking to get a little breathing room from their mortgage repayments. But can refinancing your home loan really make a difference to an everyday household budget?

Home Loans

28 Mar, 2023

5 min read

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Five steps towards a financially secure future

There are simple steps you can take to start managing your money early and take control of your financial security.

Home Loans

28 Mar, 2023

7 min read

Five steps towards a financially secure future

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Should you refinance your home loan?

There are many different reasons why people choose to refinance their home loans, with each person’s decision being based on their own unique circumstances. Here are a few popular reasons why some people choose to refinance, to help you work out if one or more may apply to you at this time:

Home Loans

28 Mar, 2023

8 min read

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Why should I choose a joint mortgage?

A joint mortgage may enable you to borrow more and reduce your risk, but it's important to have a clear arrangement with the person/s taking on the loan with you.

Home Loans

28 Mar, 2023

6 min read

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Which bank should you choose for a home loan

While this does mean there is no one best bank for all home loans, you can still research and compare your options carefully to find the best home loan for you.

Home Loans

27 Mar, 2023

5 min read

Which bank should you choose for a home loan

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

What is the mortgage loyalty tax?

The term “mortgage loyalty tax” refers to the difference in interest rate costs that existing borrowers pay as a result of lenders offering new customers lower rates on home loans. Here's how to avoid it.

Home Loans

27 Mar, 2023

5 min read

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How long does it take to refinance?

Refinancing your home loan can help you enjoy a range of benefits, from lower interest rates to flexible features and benefits. However, the process of refinancing will require some time and effort. Depending on the lender and your financial situation, the refinancing process could take anywhere from a few weeks to just three days.

Home Loans

27 Mar, 2023

7 min read

Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

How long can I lock in Australia's lowest rates for?

The ability to lock in low fixed interest rates may offer borrowers protection against rate rises and provide more time to compare the market and secure the most favourable home loan.

Home Loans

27 Mar, 2023

4 min read