With house prices on the rise along with the cost of living, the great Australian dream of owning your own home seems to be slipping further out of reach. We show you how, with some long-term planning and budgeting, you can still get your foot in your own front door.
Buying
Buying property
First home savers accounts, negative gearing and real estate industry tricks.
Articles
Inquiry overdue into secret payments in strata insurance
A CHOICE investigation last year uncovered glaring conflicts of interest, now highlighted in a recent Four Corners program.
How to deal with home loan delays during your property settlement
What to do if your bank is dragging its heels when trying to finance a new home.
How to move house safely during COVID-19
Coronavirus has made moving more complicated, but you can still do it – if you take the right precautions.
CHOICE calls out Aussie Home Loans' dodgy advertising claims
Complaint to ASIC: promises to find the "best" or a "perfect" home loan are on shaky ground.
Most people don’t get the best deal through a mortgage broker – report
ASIC report highlights the need for strong reform in the mortgage broking industry.
What we learned at mortgage broking school
The bar is set low for becoming a certified mortgage broker, and the emphasis of the course work is sales and marketing.
How to find a good mortgage broker
Navigating the maze of home loan offers.
How to make home loans safe for Australian consumers
Mortgage brokers must be forced to act in the best interests of their customers.
Apartment building defects
Thinking of purchasing an apartment or unit? Make sure you know what you're buying into.
Do I need a buyer's agent to buy a house?
A buyer's agent or advocate should make the process of finding a new home easier and less stressful, but are they worth the money?
Property valuations and price estimates
Figuring out how much your house is worth is no easy feat.
Real estate price underquoting
Looking to buy property? Beware the price guides, which are often lower than the final sale price.
The hidden costs of retirement village contracts
Don't sign on the dotted line until you understand the deal.
Vendor finance and rent-to-buy schemes
Think twice (or thrice) before signing up to these dodgy deals.
Risky financial moves for over-50s
Reverse mortgages, home reversion schemes and SMSFs.
What we found shopping for a mortgage broker
CHOICE sent five home buyers to some of Australia's best known mortgage brokers to test the advice on offer.
Using mortgage brokers
Can a mortgage broker really find you a better deal on your home loan, or are they all just in it for the commission?
Related
Property and real estate
Advice on buying and selling property, home loans, renters' rights and more.
Personal finance and money advice
Unbiased advice on insurance, banking, loans, tax and investments, including independent reviews and comparisons of financial products and institutions.