While it’s often said you need a 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan, a significant number of borrowers are securing mortgages with smaller deposits, according to the latest data from APRA, the banking regulator. In the March 2024 quarter, 31.0% of new home loans (by value) had deposits of less than 20%, [...]
Despite the rise in inflation and interest rates over the past two years, “nearly all borrowers continue to service their debts on schedule”, according to the latest Financial Stability Review from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). “Households with lower incomes, including many renters, have felt these budget pressures acutely,” the RBA said. [...]
It's so exciting that Christmas is just around the corner. Relaxing, sleeping in, spending time with friends and family - it never gets old. Whatever you've got planned, we hope you have a wonderful break. We wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and New Year!
Seller expectations are high but buyers want low prices – what’s to be done? Two real estate agents detail how to negotiate in a declining market. After years of rapidly rising house prices, the recent slowdown took many people by surprise – not least those with a home to sell. “For a while we [...]
So, you’re thinking of buying your first residential investment property? There are a few things to consider before making the move. Here are our top 10 tips for avoiding potential difficulties and ensuring success. 1. Know your goal Understanding your financial objectives is key to finding the right investment property. The actual property itself [...]
The current Royal Commission into the finance industry has certainly shed some light on the banking system at large. From a lending perspective, it now makes more sense than ever to use a good Mortgage Broker, and not deal directly with the lender. For many years now, I have been heralding the fact that Banks [...]
The real estate market can be tough for young adults, but as a parent you may be able to lend a helping hand. We tell you how. 1.Parent-to-child loan A parent-to-child loan is when a parent lends their child money. This is a formal, legally binding arrangement, administered by an independent third party. At the [...]
The amount you can borrow and the amount you should borrow are sometimes two very different things. Before you apply for a home loan, it makes sense to realistically assess your financial situation. Here’s how to do it. Understand your borrowing capacity Generally speaking, your borrowing capacity – what you can borrow – depends on [...]
