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Last Updated: 19th October, 2023Learn how to get mortgage approval and buy a home
We’re constantly updating our website with the latest news, articles and advice to keep you informed about the latest industry developments.
Our articles combine both recent bank and lending information, as well as articles about saving for a home loan, moving house and getting approval.
Our popular articles on home equity loans
What is LVR?
How does it affect your loan application?
What are genuine savings?
Do you need genuine savings to get approved?
How to value a property
Find out how to value properties like a professional!
Bank policy
Are you eligible for a home loan?
How reliable is your pre-approval?
Why on the spot approvals don’t count.
Construction loan tips
Use this guide to avoid the common pitfalls.
The loan application process
How do I apply for a home loan?
The home buying process
The ultimate guide to buying a home.
After you have been pre-approved
What are the next steps to home ownership?
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After Mortgage Pre-Approval
Learn how to find a property & apply for unconditional home loan approval. Avoid the common mistakes after mortgage pre-approval!
Apartment Or House: Which Is Better For First-Home Buyers?
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Avoiding Mortgage Fraud: What Every Homebuyer Should Know
Discover what mortgage fraud is, how it affects your dreams of homeownership, and essential steps to protect yourself against it.
Bank Lending Criteria
What is bank lending criteria? Read their lending guidelines on employment, borrower type, loan structure and discover out how to get approved.
Banking Code of Practice 2019
How does the new 2019 Banking Code of Practice (the code) affect you as a bank customer, a small business owner and a guarantor?
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Costs of Buying a House
What are the upfront costs of buying a house? Find out what costs you need to be aware of before you set your mind on a property.
Best Interests Duty For Mortgage Brokers
Did you know the best interests duty for mortgage brokers doesn’t apply to banks? Find out how your best interests are assessed and its affect.
Blockchain Mortgage
A blockchain mortgage could eliminate the costs and inefficiencies of the banks, giving you a much smoother and cheaper home loan process. How does it work?
Building A House Vs Buying: Which Is Better? | Home Loan Experts
Building or buying a house? Each option has its own benefits and disadvantages. Find out the pros and cons of buying a home and building a home.
Building Inspection
Don’t want any nasty surprises when you’re buying a home - get a building inspection. It can help you detect defects and help your home buying decision.
Building vs Renovating A House
Confused between building or buying a house? Each option has its own benefits and disadvantages. Find out which one best suits your needs.
Buy Now, Pay Later | Does Afterpay Affect Home Loan?
If you have a buy now, pay later account, you might be worried about how these purchases affect your chances of home loan approval. Let’s find out.
Buying A House In December: Should I Do It?
While most of Australia is preoccupied with buying gifts or planning the perfect holiday, you might be able to bag a bargain on your dream home around Christmas.
Buying Out A Partner On A Mortgage
Separation and divorce settlements can be messy affairs, especially when it comes to owning a house. Discover how you can buy out a partner on a mortgage.
Can I Lower My Mortgage Repayments Without Refinancing?
Even without refinancing your home loan, there are many ways you can lower your repayments. Find out what they are.
Can You Afford To Move To A Bigger House?
Buying a house might be easier the second time around, but there are still many things to take into account. Is having sufficient funds enough to be ready to buy a bigger mortgage?
Cancelling Credit Cards
Some banks require you to reduce your credit limit before approving your home loan. Other lenders just want to see your making your repayments on time.
Cash Rate Vs Interest Rate
The cash rate is the interest that banks have to pay on the money they borrow. This strongly influences the mortgage interest rates to go up or down.
Choosing A Builder
Building your own home or renovating can be life-changing but there can be many common pitfalls in choosing a builder. How do you make the right choice?
Christmas Cut-Off Dates Across Lenders (2022)
Find out the Christmas cut-off dates lenders have set and how this will affect your home loan process.
Combining Credit Issues
Did you know that overcomplicating your application can get your home loan declined? Find out why & how to change your situation to get approved.
Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme Mortgage
There are lenders that will use benefits you receive from the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or PSSap.
Conditional vs Unconditional Home Loan Approval
Conditional vs unconditional approval: what's the difference? Getting home loan pre-approval is great but you can still be declined for formal approval!
Construction Loan Documents
If you're building your own home, what construction loan documents do you need to provide to the bank to ensure a smooth loan process?
Construction loan for a half-built house
Have you run out of money halfway through your building project? Has your bank refused to lend you additional funds to complete your home? We can help you.
Construction Loan Tips
Construction loans are often set-up with many errors. The loan amount may be incorrect and problems can arise if you make many variations to the contract.
Construction Progress Payments
With a construction loan, your lender will pay your builder directly. Find out how to request payments & avoid delays.
Contract of Sale
Buying a property? The Contract of Sale spells out your rights as a buyer but getting legal advice from a conveyancer will help you avoid the hidden traps.
Customer-Owned Banking
Mutual banks, credit unions, and building societies claim to offer lower interest rates and better service. Is customer-owned banking really that good?
Deposit Bond
A deposit bond is a substitute used in place of the 10% cash deposit required when buying a property. Learn when and how you can use it.
Different Types of Home Loan in Australia | Choose The Right One For You
There are different types of home loans in Australia. The right one for you depends on your circumstances such as income, credit history, and more.
Downsizing For Retirement
If you are thinking about downsizing for retirement, the government offers the option of adding downsizer contribution to super. Find out all about it.
Finalising A Deceased Estate
Have you thought about the process of finalising a deceased estate? Discover how you can avoid the common traps of a will and secure your estate planning.
Financial Habits To Develop Before Buying A House
Developing good financial habits before buying a home is crucial for sustainable and successful homeownership. Here are some practices to consider.
First Home Owners Grant New South Wales
The First Home Owners Grant NSW is a one-off payment to help first home owners manage the costs of buying a home. Find out how to apply.
Free Copy Of Your Credit File
How do banks decide who to lend to? Find out your credit worthiness with a free Veda credit check.
Green Banking In Australia
Banks are making bold claims about their 'green values' But are they truly green? Ask these questions to know if your bank is green.
Home Loan Application Process
Applying for a home loan can be a long and complicated process. But, with the right brokers involved, it can be a stress-free experience.
What Happens If You Lie On A Loan Application?
Are you wondering if you can present an increased income or hide bad credit on your mortgage application? Here’s why you should avoid it.
Home Loan Declined: What Next?
Your home buying journey should not end when your home loan is declined. There are steps you can take to make sure you can get approved.
Home Loan Fees & Charges
Learn how to avoid paying unnecessary home loan fees and charges. You can save on fees at settlement, during the loan term and when you refinance.
Home Loan Health Check
Are you in need of a home loan health check? Learn how to increase your limit, switch to a fixed interest rate and just simply manage your home loan better.
Home Loan Process
The home loan process starts well before loan application and extends beyond settlement. Find out how to make this process less daunting
Home Loan Refinance Valuation
When you refinance, everything hinges on the valuation. That’s why you should understand why it’s important and how to get the highest value for your home.
Home Loans For Bank Employees
Are you employed by a bank and want to buy a property? You may find better home loan discounts through a mortgage broker, not your employer!
House and Land Package Loan
A house and land package loan or turnkey loan allows you to buy a new home and take advantage of tax and stamp duty concessions. How do these loans work?
House Price VS Interest Rate
What should you focus on when buying a home, interest rate or house price? Make an informed decision while making an expensive purchase.
How Do I Find An Emerging Suburb To Invest In?
Buying into an emerging suburb can pay dividends whether you’re a first home buyer or an investor. Be able to spot one!
How Does Compulsory Acquisition Work?
Government compulsory acquisition of property & land can come as a shock to homeowners but it's important to know your rights and how you'll be compensated.
How HECS Debt Affects Borrowing Power
After finishing tertiary education, you can be left with a huge HECS-HELP debt that can impact your borrowing power. Do you qualify for a mortgage?
How Is My Mortgage Interest Calculated?
Ever wondered how to calculate your mortgage interest? You're not alone! Learn how in this article.
How Long Does It Take To Get Home Loan Approval?
There are a number of steps in the mortgage application process. While some banks are faster, home loan approval time comes down to how organised you are.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In 2023?
Ready to take the leap and build your dream home? Check out the average cost of building a house in Australia, ranging from $1,400 to $1,800 per square metre.
How Soon Can I Sell My House After Buying It?
Selling your house soon after buying it can be costly. Knowing the tax implications and other factors can help you cut your losses or even come out ahead.
How To Buy A House In NSW
Get the ultimate guide to buying a house in NSW. Our expert team will help make the process stress-free. Start your home-buying journey now.
How To Challenge The Valuation
Has your property valuation come in low? Is it worth it to challenge the valuation or are you better off getting a better one with another bank?
How To Choose A Home Loan?
We've narrowed it down to five key areas you need to look for when you're looking for a home loan. Find out what tips to follow when you choose a home loan.
How To Choose The Right Investment Loan
Learn about the various features available with investment loans, to help determine which ones are best for you.
How To Find A Home Loan From Ethical Banks?
Are you looking to make an ethical banking choice for your home loans? Here's a guide on how you can choose an ethical home loan provider.
How To Find The Best Bank For A Home Loan | Home Loan Experts
When it comes to funding your dream home, there are many options available – from the major banks to small lenders. Which is the best for a home loan?
How To Get A Home Loan | Home Loan Guide 2021
Ask the right questions and you’ll get the best deal on your home loan.
How To Look For A Property Online (2022)
Want to search for a house from the comfort of your home but don’t know where to start? Here are five tips for searching for a property online.
How To Make An Offer On A House
What to do to make an offer on a house Making a great offer on a house by following these steps.
How To Prepare For An Interest Rate Rise
How can you prepare for an interest rate rise? You could refinance to a lower rate or make extra home loan repayments. Which option is right for you?
How To Profit In A Falling Property Market
Can you profit in a falling property market? The fundamentals of location and choosing the right property still apply in a market downturn. Here's why.
How To Save Money On Your Home Loan
Want to learn how to save money on your home loan? Read on to find out about some sure-shot methods that can help you do so.
How To Spot A Property Bargain And Buy For Less
The pre-approval process helps you estimate how much you can borrow, which can help you negotiate and get the best deal.
How To Value A Property
Can you work out the property value of a house or unit without paying for a valuation? Discover how to value a property using comparable sales!
How Will New Development Affect Home Value
Worried about how new developments like bus stations, railway stations or road expansions affect the value of your house? Learn the intricacies.
Inflation And Mortgage
Inflation affects interest rates and mortgage repayments. Knowing how inflation works is key to understanding your mortgage costs.
Interest Rate Rise FAQs
We answered a list of frequently asked questions about the cash rate rise and how it affects homebuyers and homeowners.
Is Your Home Loan Pre-Approval Reliable?
Have you found a property? Your home loan pre approval can still be withdrawn. Find out how to make sure you get the finance you need to purchase a home.
Joint Tenants Vs Tenants In Common: Which Is Better?
Are you buying a property with someone else? You can buy as either joint tenants or tenants in common – but which option is right for you?
Kerbside Valuation
A kerbside valuation is used to check the condition of a property usually in tandem with a desktop valuation. When is it used and how much does it cost?
Loan Portability
Want to avoid the time and cost of refinancing when buying a new home? A loan portability is a convenient home loan solution but what are the drawbacks?
Low LVR Home Loans
Find out how to get the best interest rate on low LVR home loans. Learn the numerous benefits and one key disadvantage of a low loan to value ratio loan.
Loyalty Tax
Loyalty tax refers to the higher interest rate paid by existing home loan customers compared to new customers. How much are you paying?
Master Your Repayments: Expert Tips for Success
Managing Loan Repayments - Tips From Brokers Learn proven strategies to master your payments and secure a brighter financial future today. GET A FREE ASSESSMENT
Mortgage Broker Vs Financial Advisor: What Is The Difference?
Confused about whether to hire a mortgage broker or a financial adviser? Read on as we define each role and differentiate between them.
Mortgage Exit Strategy
Banks don't accept just any mortgage exit strategy. Find out when and why you need one & how to avoid an exit strategy that most banks won't accept.
Mortgage Exposure Limits
Do you have an existing mortgage, credit cards and a personal loan? You may have hit your bank's mortgage exposure limit but you can still get a home loan!
Mortgage Payment Deferral
As mortgage deferrals come to an end in September, homeowners need to go over their options now rather than waiting. What options are available?
Moving House Checklist
Moving to a new home can be easy with careful planning and the right timing. Use this checklist & timeline to plan your move
NCCP Act
The National Consumer Credit Protection Act ensures ethical lending practices in the mortgage industry. Find out which loans are or aren't NCCP regulated.
New vs Old Properties
Debating on new vs old properties? There's no one answer. Here we look at the pros and cons of both new and old properties and some real-life case studies.
NSW Property Tax
Find out more about the NSW property tax scheme or the stamp duty tax reform and how it helps first-home buyers.
Offset Account Vs Redraw Facility: Which one is better?
Is offset account or redraw better? What are the similarities and differences? Can you use both at the same time? Read to find out more.
One Borrower, Two Owners
Can you or your partner borrow against a property that is jointly owned with someone else? How does one borrower, two owners work and can you get approved?
Online Home Loan
What are the pros and cons of online home loans? Cheaper interest rates and lower mortgage fees are tempting but are you missing out as a borrower?
Pest Inspection Checklist
Whether you’re buying or selling, getting a pest inspection is recommended before you make an offer. A pest inspection checklist is useful here.
Pre-Settlement Inspection Checklist
Be fully prepared for the final inspection before settlement with our Pre-Settlement Inspection Checklist as well as key questions to ask your vendor.
Preparing To Apply For A Loan
Applying for a home loan? Read our tips on how to get approved at the lowest interest rate and find out what documents are required for a home loan application
Private Banking
Did you know that Private Bank Clients pay higher interest rates on their mortgages? Find out how to get a better deal.
Pros And Cons Of Using A Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers help borrowers compare home loan options and apply with a bank. Find out the advantages and disadvantages to working with them.
Protect Yourself When Buying A Home
From not getting pre-approval to massive bank delays leading up to settlement, learn how to avoid the big mistakes and protect yourself when buying a home.
Real Estate Terms
Looking to buy your first home or investment property? Check out our A-Z list of real estate terms and jargon explained in plain English.
Reduce Credit Card Limits For A Home Loan
Did you know that banks assume your credit card is fully drawn even when it's not? Reduce your credit card limit to borrow more for your home loan.
Rent vs Buy: Should I Buy A Home Or Keep Renting?
Should I buy or should I rent? Find out the pros and cons of buying a home or renting to help you with your decision.
Rent-To-Own Homes | Home Loan Experts
Rent-to-own agreements give tenants the option to buy a home at the end of a pre-determined renting period. Find out if this is good for you!
Retirement Age Home Loan
Can I get a mortgage at 50? Many banks restrict lending to mature age borrowers but some lenders offer retirement age home loans.
Rezoning Property
Rezoning property can be highly-profitable for savvy investors and residential property developers. What are the steps to property rezoning?
Risky Loans
Are low doc & no deposit home loans still available? The sub-prime crisis has affected riskier loans in Australia. Find out which lenders still offer them
Save Even More
Find out how you can save even more off your home loan by maintaining your old repayments when interest rates fall
Saving A Deposit
Saving for a deposit to buy a house? Learn the secrets that will help you get a mortgage, buy a home & get out of the rental market.
Selling & Buying A New Home
Buying a new home and selling the old one. Which first? Should you get a bridging loan? How to avoid the juggling act of a simultaneous settlement.
Settlement Risk
A home loan can have many setbacks from loan approval to settlement. Here’s how settlement risks can affect you and how you can avoid it.
Seven Deadly Property Location Sins
From understanding high-risk locations to the importance of property inspections, this comprehensive guide sheds light on the seven mistakes.
Seven Ways To Get A Home Loan With Bad Credit
Having a bad credit history doesn’t always mean rejection. Here’s how a borrower with a bad credit history can secure a home loan.
Should I Make A Pre-Auction Offer
Are you thinking of making a pre-auction offer? Consider these pros and cons and find out how to give yourself leverage.
Should I Use A Private Mortgage Lender? | Home Loan Experts
Private mortgage lenders have flexible policies. However, are they a good option for borrowers? Let’s explore.
Should You Choose A Non-bank Lender For Your Home Loan?
Australia’s non-bank lenders are making a comeback. What makes them different from traditional banks? Should you choose them for your next home loan?
Should You Pay Off Your Home Loan Or Invest?
Making extra mortgage repayments is a smart decision when you start to pay off your loan, but when should you take the leap into property investment?
Sub-Prime Crisis
The Australian Government has arranged a funding line for non-bank home loan lenders in Australia which enables these mortgage providers to continue to lend.
Super Or Mortgage?
There are tax benefits in making additional superannuation contributions but also pros with extra home loan repayments. Super or mortgage: which is better?
Taking Over Your Parents’ Mortgage
You may have considered taking over your parents' mortgage if they’re struggling to meet their home loan repayments. Discover how to assume a home loan.
The Colorful History of Australian Home Loan
The Australian home loan timeline started from the 1880s. What followed are a series of historical events defining mortgages in Australia today. Learn more!
The Costs Of Selling A Property
Selling a property can be more expensive than you think. What are the actual costs of selling a property? Try the costs of selling a house calculator!
The Home Buying Process
Find out how to apply for a home loan, find a property, make an offer and secure the home of your dreams.
The Mortgage Cliff
Many are heading for the mortgage cliff, also known as fixed rate cliff in 2023. Find out what it is and how to prepare for it.
The Stages Of Construction
A construction loan can help you achieve your home-building goals. It allows you to structure your repayments throughout the stages of construction.
Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Broker
Are you confused about which home loan option is right for you? We have collected 10 questions to ask your mortgage broker when buying a house.
Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Broker When Refinancing
Confused about when to refinance your home loan and how you can benefit from it? Check out these 10 questions that you can ask your mortgage broker.
Top 5 Lenders For Bad Credit in Australia
A bad credit score instantly makes you a high-risk borrower. Our Experts pick 5 best lenders for you to apply with if you have a bad credit history.
Two Borrowers, One Owner
Lenders are more willing to accept a two borrower one owner structure if there’s a clear benefit for both borrowers to own a home. It boils down to presenting a strong case to get approved.
Unconventional Building Materials
Eco-friendly and sustainable homes made of unconventional building materials may be all the rage now but can you actually get a loan to buy or build one?
Upsizing Your Home: Is it a good or a bad idea?
Upsizing is about a lot more than just fulfilling the need for a bigger space. Considering your mortgage situation, should upsizing be your next move?
Using Your Land Equity To Build
Find out how you can use the equity you’ve built up in your vacant land for the construction of your dream home.
What Are The Alternatives To Refinancing?
Don't let refinancing obstacles hold you back! Discover alternative options and unleash your refinancing potential with Home Loan Experts.
What Happens If Your Mortgage Lender Goes Bankrupt?
Ever thought about what happens to your mortgage if your lender goes bankrupt? Read on to find out your options if it happens.
What Happens To Your Mortgage When You Die?
Find out what happens if you die before your mortgage is paid off and what you can do about it now. We have tips for you to stay prepared.
What Income Is Needed To Buy A House? | Home Loan Experts
Find out how much you need to earn to buy a house in each state and what you can do to get approved with your salary.
What Is A Cooling Off Period?
Thinking of withdrawing from an offer? Learn how a cooling off period can help you withdraw an offer on a house without facing major penalties.
What Is A Debt-To-Income Ratio?
Some lenders apply a debt-to-income (DTI) or loan to income (LTI) ratio cap to home loan borrowers. Discover how it can affect your chances of approval.
What is A Desktop Valuation?
A desktop valuation is an electronic valuation done using property data, comparable sales and listings. It is instant, cheap and used for low-risk loans.
What Is A Green Home Loan?
Ever wanted to know what benefits you get from a green home loan? How do you build or design a green home? Get the answers to these questions.
What is a hobby farm?
Hobby farms or lifestyle blocks are a great way to escape the rat race. Find out what to look for in a property, in livestock care and for growing crops.
What Is A Mortgage Prisoner?
Stuck in a high-interest rate mortgage and unable to refinance? You might be a mortgage prisoner. We have narrowed down some helpful tips.
What Is A Neobank?
Digital neobanks are all set to mark their mark in Australia. What makes these banks different from traditional banks? Should you try them?
What Is A Pre-Approval?
Wondering what a mortgage pre-approval is? Learn how banks assess your property loan, and offer conditional approval before you buy real estate.
What Is A Subject To Finance Clause?
It's a powerful legal protection in the homebuyer's arsenal but what is a subject to finance clause and how does it differ from a cooling off period?
What Is An Appraisal Gap And How Does It Affect Your Mortgage?
The appraised value of your home may not always match the valuation. Discover what happens to your home loan if there is an appraisal gap.
What Is An Assessment Rate?
When banks assess your loan application, they apply what is known as an assessment rate or floor rate. This can have a major impact on your borrowing power.
What Is Mortgage Stress?
When borrowers find it difficult to make mortgage repayments in full and on time, they’re under mortgage stress. If you’re one of the growing number of Aussies under this threat, here’s what you can do about it.
What Is My Loan To Value Ratio (LVR)?
Your Loan-To-Value Ratio (LVR) is the amount of your home loan represented as a percentage of the value of the property. Find out how it can affect your chances of home loan approval.
What Is Negative Equity?
Understand negative equity and learn how to navigate through it. You aren't in financial trouble unless you sell or refinance the property.
What Is Open Banking?
Open banking in Australia has already begun. Can open banking help you get a better deal on your home loan? Find out what is it and how does it work?
What Is Property Valuation?
Are you new to property valuation? Continue reading to learn all there is to know about the most trusted property pricing approach.
What is the average home loan amount in Australia in 2021?
As of June 2021, the average home loan for existing home buyers was over $500,000. Learn what factors determine how much people can typically borrow.
What Makes The Interest Rate Move?
Learn what factors cause the interest rate to move and how it can affect your home loan.
What Not To Do Before Applying For A Mortgage
You have a deposit saved and a house selected, you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. Where can things go wrong? Read what the Experts have to say.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A House?
Find the perfect time to buy a house. Get tips on the best seasons, market conditions, and financial strategies to secure your ideal home.
Who Is Involved In Buying A House? | Home Buying Team
Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes one to buy a home, too. Find out who needs to be on your home buying team.
Why Is Getting A Home Loan So Much Harder Now?
The home loan application and approval process used to be simple but things have changed since the introduction of responsible lending measures by APRA.
Why Is Location Important When Buying A House?
What are the factors that influence the value of the house? And is the location the most important? Read to find out!
Why Use A Buyers Agency?
Should you use a buyers agency? A buyers advocate can potentially save you time and thousands off the purchase price but are they just for investors?
Why You Shouldn't Lie On Your FHOG Application
No one wants to miss out on the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG). It can be tempting to lie on your FHOG application to get approved but why is it a bad idea?
