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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
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
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
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
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
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
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Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
18 Mar, 2024
What is Lender's Mortgage Insurance?
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
18 Mar, 2024
How do you avoid Lender's Mortgage Insurance?
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
05 Mar, 2024
Big banks vs small banks for mortgages
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