Borrowing to invest, particularly in property, has been a very popular investment strategy in Australia. A mortgage is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. If you use mortgages properly, in a risk adverse way, it can be a very powerful wealth accumulation tool. However, if used poorly, it has the power to destroy more …
Most investors and some homeowners have interest only loans. However, the option to repay interest only doesn’t last forever. Most mortgages have a term of 30 years. Typically, the first 5 years is interest only. After that term has expired, repayments automatically convert to principal plus interest. If you have an interest only loan that …
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, first homeowner activity has increased by 51% since March 2016. First home buyers now account for just short of 20% of all new home loans. Whilst housing affordability has improved slightly recently, it is still tough for first home buyers to get onto the property ladder. However, the …
You would be excused for thinking that developed economies all over the world are gradually making their way to a zero interest rate environment. Long term fixed mortgage rates in the United States are less than 3% p.a. In the UK, rates are under 2% and even lower in Europe (circa 0.50% p.a. in France …
Borrowing to invest (in property or shares) is typically a good wealth accumulation strategy as long as you do it prudently and adopt a proven methodology to select quality investments. If used wisely, debt can be a very effective tool. However, whilst your investment strategy might require you to get into debt, the strategy must …
Two weeks ago, APRA told the banks that it no longer expects them to use a benchmark interest rate of 7.25% when testing an applicant’s borrowing capacity. Instead, they must add a buffer of at least 2.50% onto the loan’s interest rate. Given most home loan interest rates are in the 3’s, that could substantially …
Over the past two years, I have highlighted how tight the credit (mortgage) market has become a couple of times. In the past, borrowing was simple. The bank would always offer you more than you wanted to borrow. You only had to provide a few documents and the money was yours! Things have changed dramatically. …
For many Australian’s, their home loan is their largest expense. And property investors should seek to minimise their borrowing costs (interest) as it’s one of the top three factors that directly impacts investment success as outlined in this blog. With this in mind, I thought it was timely to look at the current opportunities in …
There has been a lot of commentary in the media about the “credit crunch” that we are in at the moment. Why is the credit crunch going to impact you and your plans? And what can you do about it? Why has credit tightened? Over the past year I have written (here and here) about …
Some interesting information and data has been released this week which I would like to discuss with you. Variable mortgage rates will probably rise soon Interest rates that apply to interbank lending have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. These benchmark rates are used to set the banks borrowing costs. This benchmark rate …
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