RBA Decision Looms: Are mortgage prisoners at risk if interest rates rise again
Written by Satwinder Singh Mann, Credit Representative 540065. Last reviewed 29 October 2026. Interest rates have risen again, and some homeowners are finding that moving to a cheaper loan is harder than they expected. Some can switch lenders and secure a better deal. Others struggle to qualify for refinancing even though they have never missed […]
Home Loan Documents: How to Get Your Paperwork Right the First Time
Written by Satwinder Singh Mann, Credit Representative 540065. Last reviewed October 2026. Applying for a home loan is a big step. Missing paperwork or incorrect details can slow it down, which matters most when you are working towards a settlement date. Getting your home loan documents right the first time helps the process run more […]
What Reduces Your Home Loan Borrowing Power? (And What You Can Do About It)
A solid income and a healthy deposit don’t always translate into the borrowing power you expect. Lenders don’t only ask what you earn. They ask what your income already has to cover. A credit card you rarely use can be assessed as if you were repaying it every month. A car loan with a year […]
What a Possible RBA Rate Rise Could Mean for your Mortgage
Published 27 September 2026. This article was written before the RBA’s 29 September decision. We’ll publish an update once the outcome is known. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announces its next cash rate decision on Tuesday 29 September at 2:30pm AEST (2:00pm in Adelaide). The cash rate is currently 4.35%. It has already risen […]
How to Maximise First Home Buyer Schemes in Australia
Buying your first home can feel expensive before you even make an offer. You need a deposit, legal support, inspections, insurance, and settlement funds.However, eligible buyers may have access to valuable support. Federal and state first home buyer schemes can reduce some upfront barriers.This guide explains the South Australian scenario. It covers the 5% Deposit […]
The Lending Market Is Splitting in Two — Here’s What’s Happening Right Now
A Market Moving in Two Different Directions The lending world is changing quickly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year where the gap between major banks and specialist lenders becomes even more obvious. While the big banks are tightening up and investing heavily in their direct, in-branch channels, non-bank lenders are moving in […]
Before You Consolidate Your Debts: A Practical Guide for Home Loan Seekers
When someone comes to me about getting a home loan, one of the first things we go through is their current debts. Car loans, credit cards, personal loans — all of these influence how much you can borrow and how comfortable your repayments will feel. Plenty of people jump straight to:“Should I consolidate everything into […]
WHAT THE NEW 20% DTI RULE MEANS FOR BORROWERS FROM 1 FEBRUARY
APRA has announced a change that will affect how banks assess home loans from 1 February, especially for borrowers stretching their borrowing capacity. If you’re planning to buy, refinance, or invest, this update is worth understanding because it can influence: Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is DTI? DTI stands for Debt-to-Income. It’s […]
Mortgage Outlook for 2026: What Borrowers Need to Know Now
The end of the year has brought a mix of steady and shifting signals across rates, housing affordability, and employment. And while the headlines can feel overwhelming, they all boil down to one simple question most people ask: “What does this mean for my mortgage?” The RBA has held the cash rate at 3.60% again, […]
Credit Reporting and FIRB Approval in Australia: A Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers
Buying property in Australia as a foreign buyer is not just about finding the right home. It comes down to two critical approvals that must work together. First, you need FIRB approval to legally buy property.Next, you must satisfy credit reporting requirements so a lender will fund the purchase. This guide explains how both systems […]