Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?

Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?

With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling – and how you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas. “Are we there yet?” It’s the catch cry of kids on long...
How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?

How much does LMI really add to a home’s cost?

Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the...
How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed

How to nail a home loan if you’re self-employed

It’s the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your own boss can dish up some unexpected hammer blows. Rightly or wrongly, lenders tend to see self-employed...
What’s going on with negative gearing?

What’s going on with negative gearing?

Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why it’s so popular among investors, and why it’s attracting fresh attention. Australians love property. So much so that more than...
Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?

Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?

Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Here’s why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than later if you’re home loan-ready. September saw the nation’s official cash rate kept on hold once...