Cultivating an eye for growth

Peter Cerexhe And so the cash rate fell on Melbourne Cup day. Summer is fast approaching, the great race was exciting and, after a year of interest rate stasis, the gates opened at last for the Cup and the cut.

Packages deliver

Lesley Parker Discounts on ''package'' home loans have topped 1 per cent for the first time and such products have made a strong showing in Canstar Cannex's latest mortgage survey.

Choosing the right contract

Barbara Drury Buying a family home or investment property is a significant financial commitment, so it makes sense to share the burden with some form of joint ownership.

Reading the tea leaves on rates

These are tricky times for both investors and borrowers, writes Bina Brown.

Insured at a high price

I Can Do That The strategy: to work out whether I need mortgage insurance on my home loan.

Home buyers to benefit from bank battles

Home buyers can continue to expect mortgage discounts next year as big banks battle each other for a bigger share of a sluggish lending market, a new report says.

Interest rate pressure cooker

Lesley Parker If interest rates rise any further, borrowers with only average-size mortgages in Sydney and Melbourne will be on the verge of ''mortgage stress''.

Get your foot on the first rung

Housing affordability has hit first-home buyers hard but with a pull back in interest rates and a slowing of property price growth, now is a good time to put a plan in place to get your foot in the...

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Bespoke banking: making the most of private banking

Lesley Parker Those with at least $1 million in investable assets can opt for tailor-made financial services, writes Lesley Parker.

Bank exec questions negative gearing

Eric Johnston One of Australia's most senior bankers takes aim at the negative gearing millions of property owners use.