Buying an investment property can be an excellent way to grow your long-term wealth. It can also offer some welcome tax benefits. But as with any investment, buying real estate comes with its fair share of risk. That’s why we’ve put together our top 10 tips for setting yourself up for property investment success.   Know your budget   Calculate how much you can afford to borrow before starting your property search. Besides fortnightly or monthly mortgage repayments, consider upfront costs including stamp duty, legal costs and immediate property improvements. And any ongoing expenses such as property maintenance, rates, utilities, […]

In today’s competitive and ever changing mortgage market, its pays to review your home loan regularly to work out if you’re getting the best deal for your needs. And with Australia’s recent interest rate hikes, now is a good time to assess whether to stick with your existing mortgage or refinance. Here we look at 5 reasons why refinancing your mortgage could be the way to go. 1. Pay a lower interest rate Locking in a lower interest rate is why many people opt to refinance their mortgage. And with so many lenders and products to choose from, there’s a […]

If you’re looking to build your dream home or renovate an existing home, chances are you’ll need some help paying for the construction. The good news is you may be able to secure a special type of home loan known as a construction loan to help you achieve your goals. What is a construction loan? A construction loan is a specialised loan that covers the cost of building a new home, renovating an existing home or knocking down and rebuilding a home. How do construction loans work? A construction loan is different to a standard home loan, where you generally […]

Saving for a deposit and finding your dream property are only part of the journey to securing a mortgage and buying a home. There are plenty of other things you’ll need to consider, and navigating the home loan landscape can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first home buyer. To make the process of buying your new home as stress-free as possible, we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about getting a home loan and buying a property. Should I use a mortgage broker or a bank? Mortgage brokers or home loan brokers […]

So, you need a loan to buy the house of your dreams. And you’ve decided to hire a qualified mortgage broker to find the right loan for you. (Learn about the benefits of working with a mortgage broker over a bank). But how do you choose the best home loan broker for you? And how should you prepare for a successful first meeting?   Step 1 – Finding the right Mortgage broker As with many services, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family or colleagues can be a great way of finding a quality broker. But if you don’t receive any recommendations […]

What will it cost to refinance my home loan? It’s a good idea to review your home loan each year to assess whether it continues to meet your needs and offers the best value for money. You might find refinancing your mortgage will save you money, help you streamline debt, achieve other financial goals such as purchasing an investment property using the equity or give you access to improved loan features. To help you decide whether refinancing your home loan is right for you, take a look at our handy guide about the costs to consider. Exit fee You might […]