Housing guides

A shorter fix costs less today and asks you to roll the dice sooner. Here is the arithmetic behind that trade, and the question worth asking before you pick.

Three separate tests sit between you and a mortgage, and the one people talk about is not always the one that limits the borrowing.

Changing frequency recalculates the payment. Paying half the monthly amount each fortnight adds extra payments. The calculator example separates the two.

Three years of membership opens the door. What you can withdraw, what must stay, and whose letter you need if you have owned before.

Sell within two years of buying and the profit may be taxable. Here is how the dates work, and what the main-home exclusion does.

The Reserve Bank limits banks' high-DTI lending, using total debt and gross income, with different thresholds for owner-occupiers and investors.

An offset mortgage keeps linked cash available while reducing the loan balance on which interest is charged; account rules and variable rates still matter.

The Reserve Bank limits the share of high-LVR mortgage lending banks can make, with separate settings for owner-occupiers and investors.

Interest deductions have been fully restored, while private-use exclusions, general deductibility and residential excess-deduction rules still matter.

First Home Grant stopped accepting new applications in 2024; First Home Partner is fully subscribed and now supports its existing customers.

Rates rebates reduce qualifying homeowners' rates bills, with annual council assessment and different income limits for SuperGold households.