In the wake of COVID-19, banks have changed the way they interact with customers, including how they do lending. A number of key innovations include things like online mortgage applications, video calls instead of face to face meetings, and electronic documentation rather than the usual paper-based option. Find out here how obtaining a mortgage has changed in recent months and what you can expect when you apply for your next home loan.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus is without doubt a human tragedy, affecting millions of people worldwide. But it also has a significant impact on the global economy and the way we do business. Understandably, businesses are having to adapt the way they work, moving towards more online and remote work. In the real estate space, mortgage lenders have been quick to announce specific mortgage relief and hardship policies to support those affected by the outbreak, while real estate agents now offer virtual tours of properties for sale and online auctions are the new norm.

In these uncertain times, many of us are wondering how we’re going to weather the financial implications of COVID-19. Home owners especially may want to consider ways to reduce home loan expenses to help ease their financial burden at this time. Whether it’s refinancing to a lower interest rate or extending your loan term, a home loan deferral or moving to an interest only loan, there’s no better time than right now to review your mortgage and consider these 4 ways you could reduce your home loan expenses.

Buying a home is for many Australians a rite of passage and a significant milestone. But it can also be an overwhelming process and incredibly challenging if you don’t know where to start. So that you can navigate the home buying process from start to finish, and make informed decisions along the way, we’ve compiled 3 useful tips for first home buyers.

There comes a point in most people’s lives when downsizing the family home makes good financial sense. Ongoing maintenance, empty bedrooms and costly monthly bills can make you seriously think about selling your existing home and finding something smaller or easier to maintain. Whether you’re an empty nester or just looking to get into a smaller apartment in the city, here are our tips for making those key downsizing decisions.

There’s no better time than right now to review your home loan structure and mortgage interest rates. Time to tidy up those external debts, refinance to a better interest rate, or refinance to release equity to fund that new car, boat or investment property. If you’re not sure what repayment structure works best for you, here’s a guide to understanding the different types of loans.

When you buy a luxury home, you’re buying more than just a property: you’re investing in a complete lifestyle. Luxury homes are fast becoming the next best thing to gold these days. Given the fact that they’re always in demand, it’s not surprising really that so many buyers are reaping the rewards of better returns in the long term. Take a look at some of the properties featured in Harcourts' Luxury Property Selection. Which one would you pick?

Divorce or separation is an emotional time, made even more stressful at the thought of divvying up the property and other assets. In Australia, there are around 50,000 divorces each year and many people are unsure what to do with the family home or investment properties in this situation. If you’ve recently divorced or separated, it may be time to look at your options.

Australia faces a long and hot summer with the prospect of ongoing bushfires evermore a reality. It will take some time for the people of Australia to rebuild their lives and livelihood. But the outpouring of support from around the world has been simply staggering, with organisations and individuals banding together to help support victims, wildlife and the brave firefighters risking their lives to save ours.

Australia is in the grip of a major crisis, fighting an unprecedented bushfire season. Over 2,000 homes have already been destroyed in some of the worst bushfires ever experienced. Now, several lenders are offering relief for victims of the bushfires with relaxation on payments for loans and credit cards, waiving of fees and emergency credit assistance. If you’ve been victim of the devastating bushfires, it’s vital you reach out to your mortgage broker or banker for assistance or respite.