Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing or refinancing, there can be a lot to think about when it comes to your home loan. Interest rates, lender policies, borrowing capacity, valuations, paperwork and loan features can all play a part — and what works for one borrower may not necessarily work for another. That’s…
Christmas is a time for catching up with family and friends, summer holidays, celebrations and giving — but all that festive fun can put extra pressure on the household budget. Between presents, food, entertaining, travel and school holiday activities, it’s easy for spending to creep up without really noticing. The good news? You don’t need…
The Monetary Policy Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced that it will hold the official cash rate steady at its current level of 4.35 per cent. The decision, announced on Tuesday afternoon (16 June), was broadly forecast by major bank economists and financial markets, and pauses the current tightening cycle, which first began in…
With the cost of living still biting and property prices holding firm, more Australians are turning to side hustles, second jobs, and additional income streams to boost their borrowing power. But here’s the reality: while extra income can help you borrow more, it’s not always as simple as earning more = borrowing more. Let’s break…
Separation or divorce can feel like hitting reset on every part of life — including your finances. And while buying a home again might feel like a big step, it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance and timing. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to get back into the property market after…
Getting pre-approved is a huge milestone in the home loan journey. It gives you confidence, a clear budget, and the ability to shop with purpose. But here’s the part many borrowers don’t realise… Pre-approval is not a guarantee. And the time between pre-approval and formal approval is where deals most commonly fall over. Let’s break…
If you’ve been comparing home loans lately, you’ve probably come across two features that sound almost identical: offset accounts and redraw facilities. Both promise to reduce your interest and help you pay off your loan faster—but which one actually saves you more? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. First things first: how…
Short answer? Yes—you can. But like most things in lending, it’s not always straightforward. If you’re planning for a growing family and a new home at the same time, you’re not alone. The key is understanding how lenders view your situation—and how to position your application so it stacks up. Why maternity leave can complicate…
If you’re thinking about applying for a home loan in 2026, there’s one big misconception we still hear all the time: “If I earn enough, I’ll get approved.” The reality? Income is only one piece of the puzzle. Today’s lenders take a far more detailed and holistic view of your financial life. They’re not just…
At the May board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its cash rate decision, again lifting the official cash rate by 0.25% to 4.35%. Household budgets are set to be stretched even more after the RBA increased the official cash rate for the 3rd time in 2026. The last time the official…