The government's first home buyer loan deposit scheme finally kicked off this week. Under the scheme, 10,000 Australians will receive a government-backed home loan with as little as a 5% deposit, and no requirement to pay lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). Here's what you need to know.

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first Ratehacker round-up for 2020! Here are all the latest credit card deals, plus the best savings accounts and home loans that you need to know about in January 2020.

The government has finally unveiled all the institutions involved in its first home loan deposit scheme. The approved 27 lenders will be able to approve first homebuyers who have saved just a 5% deposit, instead of the regular 20%, without charging lenders mortgage insurance.

One quick Google of 'home loans' turns up a seemingly unending list of results. So how are you supposed to narrow down your options and pick the best one, let alone do it before anyone else tries to apply for the house you want?

The implementation of Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR) last year gave Australians a new opportunity to significantly improve their credit score. Previously, credit scores in Australia were calculated based on negative activity only. So if you missed a bill payment or applied for multiple credit applications your score would be impacted and it would be difficult to reverse.

Things are looking pretty sweet in the home loan market right now.

After the latest Reserve Bank cash rate cut, home loan rates are at their lowest on record. With banks cutting rates left right and centre, it can seem impossible to keep track of which bank has the lowest.

Wading through financial jargon and checking the fine print is annoying and time consuming. That's why we've translated it into plain English for you.

Following the recent RBA cash rate cuts, banks have been reducing their advertised rates on home loan products – but don’t be fooled. If you're in the market for a new home, the lowest advertised rate does not always mean the lowest cost. Here are four 'hidden' fees to watch out for.

Everyone can appreciate a better deal that offers more value for money. Many of us compare prices when choosing where to shop, how to travel, or what entertainment to enjoy. So why is it that when it comes to home loans, many of us accept the first offer that comes along, and stick with it even after better options that could save us thousands become available?

While millions of mortgage-holding Aussies wait with bated breath over the next Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate decision, some lenders are taking action and cutting rates early.

Traditional wisdom in the Australian mortgage industry is that when you’re comparing home loans, you should always choose one with an offset account – a savings or transaction account linked to your home loan. Any money deposited in this account is used to “offset” your mortgage when calculating your interest charges.

Many of us get hung up on interest rates when comparing different home loans. But as any savvy mortgage broker will tell you, there's much more to a home loan than its rate. To find a home loan that may be right for you, you need to compare the unique features and benefits of different options.

Australia’s finance market has never been more competitive, with plenty of great deals available in the lead-up to Christmas. If you shop around, you’ll find an array of products and prices, offered by more than 100 banks, credit unions, building societies, non-bank lenders and online providers.

Here are some of the best-value home loans, credit cards and savings accounts in Australia right now. (But you'll need to hurry - most are available for one week only!)

The changing credit landscape in Australia is creating additional uncertainty for homeowners.

Online mortgage broker uno Home Loans has found a few key barriers are holding people back from getting their best deal as they navigate the home loan process.

Do you pay your bills on time? Are you responsible with money? If so, you might qualify for the lowest ongoing variable home loan rate in Australia, thanks to a limited-time offer. For one week only, Reduce Home Loans is offering home loans from just 3.39%. Here are the details!

A successful home loan application generally requires a steady job. However, there are a range of additional factors that can seriously hamper your borrowing power with banks, even if your salary is higher than average. This superhero-themed infographic outlines the various occupational pitfalls that can trip up applicants.

In our monthly Ratehacker round-up, Bessie Hassan from comparison site finder.com.au highlights the latest credit card deals, plus the best savings accounts and home loans. This month's deals include Qantas bonus points, 26-month balance transfers and low-rate home loans.

In our monthly Ratehacker round-up, Bessie Hassan from comparison site finder.com.au highlights the latest credit card deals, plus the best savings accounts and home loans. This month's deals include 70,000 bonus frequent flyer points, super-cheap home loans and

In our monthly Ratehacker round-up, Bessie Hassan from comparison site finder.com.au highlights the latest credit card deals, plus the best savings accounts and home loans. This month's deals include a 25-month balance transfer offer, 60,000 bonus Velocity Points and a 3.59% per annum home loan.