With many state capitals becoming a hive of construction activity, even more properties are being sold off-the-plan. It’s a purchase option that gives buyers a range of valuable advantages, like saving on price, the option to customise and stamp duty concessions. But splashing out on plans alone may not be the best choice for every…
It’s the million-dollar question for all aspiring homeowners. How do you buy your first home when saving 20% is so hard, even impossible for some (not to mention stamp duty and other costs)? Well, the good news is there is a lifeline that gives you the option to buy with a 5% deposit – enough to make anyone…
Want to plan a chic kitchen renovation that works for everyone in the house? We called in an expert to take us through what makes the most family-friendly, modern kitchens. The kitchen is the hub of the family home and if it’s ugly, cramped, chaotic and splattered with gunk 24/7, then it’s going to get…
Choosing between a fixed or variable rate home loan is a common dilemma for many borrowers. With interest rates at historical lows you may now be considering fixing in your home loan rate. But this may come with a catch. We look at what they are and outline some of the key advantages and disadvantages of…
Small changes now can mean big differences later to how much of your home loan you end up repaying – and how long it takes. If you’ve recently had a home loan approved or are already some way into your repayments, you may be thinking about how you can pay it off sooner rather than…
Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums are payable in two ways, an upfront fee, or by capitalisation. Capitalising your LMI premium essentially means adding it to the total loan amount, and paying it off in regular instalments with your home loan. For most home purchasers saving a 20% deposit can be hard – and takes time.…
Your property is likely to be your largest investment so it’s a good idea to protect it. There are many different types of insurance you may want to consider when you are buying a property. Home insurance Home insurance (also known as home building insurance) can cover you for damage to your home in the…
Much like ordering everything off the menu at a Michelin star restaurant without checking your wallet, searching for properties without understanding your true borrowing power can leave you with a bill that you can’t afford (or get out of). Whether you’re a first-home buyer or looking to upsize or downsize, speaking to a lending specialist…
We answer five of the most popular questions every prospective buyer Googles at the beginning of their home-ownership journey. When you’re looking to break into the property market as a first home owner, there’s plenty to wrap your head around. It’s absolutely understandable that you’ll head over to Google to start your desk research on…
Most home buyers have probably heard about needing a 20% deposit to buy property. But that is not necessarily true as there are other types of loan options that can be taken advantage of. Did you know that there are a limited number of lenders that allow you to borrow up to 98% of a…