Home Loans
News, research & advice about home loans on Domain
How 'FOMOA' is driving up house prices
Stephen Corby|May 6, 2021
Unlike investing in shares, buying a home involves a high level of emotional involvement that can cause FOMOA – the Fear Of Missing Out Again.
![How 'FOMOA' is driving up house prices](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1618635169/Auction_-_438_Lygon_St_Carlton_6_b1jeff.jpg)
The unenviable outlook for home buyers as property investors return
Elizabeth Redman|May 5, 2021
Either house prices keep rising as the RBA lets the market run in a bid to boost the economy, or regulators worry about risky investors and make it harder to get a loan. Not much of a choice?
![The unenviable outlook for home buyers as property investors return](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1620110381/210504_Redfern_jemtbp.jpg)
Australia's first green home loan records double the expected uptake
Tawar Razaghi|Apr 23, 2021
There is appetite from households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Now the big banks are being asked to follow.
![Australia's first green home loan records double the expected uptake](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1579588109/The_10_Star_Home_by_The_Sociable_Weaver_photo_by_Dan_Hocking_dump9c.jpg)
Refinance, upgrade or both? What to do while rates are still low
Daniel Butkovich|May 6, 2021
A booming market makes upgrading challenging, but buying a bigger and better home isn't the only thing owners can do to take advantage of current conditions.
![Refinance, upgrade or both? What to do while rates are still low](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1615876660/Neighborhood_-_ElanoraHights-2_hjx4or.jpg)
'Steady as she goes': RBA resists calls to cool red-hot market
Sue Williams|Apr 6, 2021
Despite the most rapid surge in home prices in 32 years, the Reserve Bank of Australia will hold the official interest rate at its record low.
!['Steady as she goes': RBA resists calls to cool red-hot market](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1594080148/Reserve_Bank_Of_Australia_21_gg34zz.jpg)
How do home-buyers manage to go to auction with such big budgets?
Elizabeth Redman|Apr 1, 2021
Property prices are soaring and strong auction results have left underbidders stunned. Buyers are turning to a boom-era strategy to beat the competition.
![How do home-buyers manage to go to auction with such big budgets?](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1617172862/210331_Strathfield_p2afga.jpg)
Why your mortgage rate could rise sooner than expected
Kate Burke|Mar 31, 2021
The run of record-low mortgage rates is set to come to an end, with experts warning buyers and homeowners to expect fixed-rate rises in the coming months.
![Why your mortgage rate could rise sooner than expected](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1559711056/Generic_image_of_person_working_on_their_finances_Photo_iStock_vbhyqn.jpg)
How much more will sky-high house prices rise before regulators step in?
Elizabeth Redman|Mar 16, 2021
Frustrated buyers getting outbid at auctions might wonder how much higher housing prices can soar. The nation's regulators are paying attention, but they're watching more than what you might think.
![How much more will sky-high house prices rise before regulators step in?](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1615874140/210316_Haberfield_pnipvs.jpg)
Even more fuel set to be added to the house price fire as loan change looms
Elizabeth Redman|Mar 15, 2021
Property prices are soaring and a new change could make it even quicker and easier to get a home loan, prompting expert warnings of risk to borrowers and further price rises.
![Even more fuel set to be added to the house price fire as loan change looms](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1615626856/210313_Paddington_auj5h8.jpg)
EXPLAINER
Is lenders mortgage insurance really that bad?
Kate Farrelly|Mar 16, 2021
It has an almost evil reputation and many borrowers will move heaven and earth to avoid paying it, but there may be situations where buyers can use it to their advantage.
![Is lenders mortgage insurance really that bad?](http://web.archive.org./web/20210511142750im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_403,h_269/v1597294062/55_Reed_106C_r4zho0.jpg)