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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.

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How to prepare for an interest rate rise

As the interest rate is arguably the biggest ongoing cost that can influence a home loan, preparing your budget for a rate rise may be useful in reducing potential financial stress.

Home Loans

07 Nov, 2023

5 min read

How to prepare for an interest rate rise

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How much does a house depreciate in value?

You may not think of houses as depreciating in value – after all, don’t house prices keep going up and up? But property investors know that houses and apartments also experience wear and tear over time, which requires upkeep and maintenance. While this depreciation can eat into the rental yield from an investment property, the costs can often be claimed as an expense on your taxes.

Home Loans

07 Nov, 2023

3 min read

How much does a house depreciate in value?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Everything home buyers need to know about stamp duty

There are many costs associated with buying a home, and stamp duty is one of the biggest. Stamp duty is a tax charged by states and territories on property purchases. This not only includes real estate, but business assets, vehicles, and some gifts and insurance policies.

Home Loans

07 Nov, 2023

11 min read

Everything home buyers need to know about stamp duty

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can you use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?

If you own an investment property and are thinking of buying another one, you may want to use the rental income you receive from your tenants to help pay for your next mortgage. However, not all mortgage lenders will take all of your rental income into account when assessing your mortgage application.

Home Loans

02 Nov, 2023

3 min read

Can you use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Tax deductions for your investment property

To make the most from your investment property, it helps to better understand its tax deductions. Find out more.

Home Loans

01 Nov, 2023

4 min read

Tax deductions for your investment property

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How to increase the value of your home

Whether you are considering selling your property, or trying to maximise your return on investment through lifting your rental income, increasing the value of your home is a worthwhile endeavour.

Home Loans

24 Oct, 2023

3 min read

Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

The fixed versus variable home loan debate

Learn the difference between fixed and variable rate home loans. Make an informed choice regarding what’s better for your situation.

Home Loans

23 Oct, 2023

6 min read

The fixed versus variable home loan debate

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?

What is a property actually worth? The answer may depend on if you were to ask a real estate agent or a valuer working for a mortgage lender.

Home Loans

17 Oct, 2023

6 min read

House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Heritage home renovations explained

Buying and renovating an older property can be an affordable and satisfying way to improve your quality of life at home, or to add more value to an investment. However, renovating a home old enough to qualify for heritage listing can bring with it a whole set of new complications. Be prepared for extra work and hassle, but also extra satisfaction!

Home Loans

17 Oct, 2023

4 min read