The RBA’s September announcement that the interest rate remains unchanged comes as no surprise. Low rates have long-term implications, but in the meantime, let’s go ‘around the grounds’ and look at how low interest rates and a global pandemic have impacted property markets so far this year. Feeling the pressure According to NAB’s Residential Property…
2020 has seen a serious slowdown in city property markets, but some rural real estate agents say they’re busier than ever. So, is this simply a result of the pandemic? Or a trend that’s set to keep growing after COVID-19 is gone? The fact is, most of us have spent a lot more time indoors…
The promise of open banking is big; a new, simpler way to share your personal financial data between banks, lenders and financial companies. It started on July 1. Here’s how it works and what it means to take back control of your data to get the best rates and offers. Switching banks has long been…
First home buyers looking at the current low interest rates as well as government stimulus incentives, and a property market whose rise has been curtailed by COVID-19, may well be thinking the time is right to enter the market. Of course, making the call on home ownership should be based on personal financial circumstances as…
In May, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg made an important announcement to the country as we began to seriously batten down the hatches in the face of the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The government was deferring its implementation of recommendations from the royal commission findings. “This announcement today balances the need to implement the recommendations of the royal…
Come July 1 the annual tax window opens again. Property investors may have access to a wide range of tax benefits, but tax is a complicated matter. It pays to be across the details. Here’s how you could maximise your return, and what to watch out for. When it’s time to lodge tax returns, investors…
Australia’s cash rate is now the lowest it has been in 23 years. As the uncharted negative interest rate zone looms, is it worth fixing your rate? Here’s what to weigh up when making your decision. The RBA has stood by its promise to keep the current rate of 0.25%, which still represents a historic…
Managing multiple loans can be difficult – and stressful. One way to simplify your financial situation and save yourself time, effort and money is to centralise your debt. But it’s not always the right answer, so here’s what to consider before you consolidate. When you borrow money, the most important thing is being able to…
Taking a short-term break from paying off your mortgage isn’t a new idea, but as the bite of the COVID-19 pandemic grips harder and harder, more Australians are applying to do so. With the RBA’s cash rate held at a record low of 0.25%, what are the implications of pushing pause on your repayments? In…
Building a new home – or making big changes to the place you live – is a goal for many. But it can be a more complicated process and a very different experience to buying an existing property. And it can require a specific type of financing – a construction loan. Maybe you already know…
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to Own Home Loans for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, your mortgage broker stands ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number…
As people become more aware about sustainable living, becoming sustainable goes to all facets of life. Questioning the ethical standards of their lending institutions is becoming more commonplace by the day. They need to understand what ethical lenders are and whether they are the right choice for them. An ethical lender is concerned with the…