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The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

4th September 2024

The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers.

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How much has your home’s value risen by?

28th August 2024

How much has your home’s value risen by?

We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage.

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Property market set to blossom this spring

21st August 2024

Property market set to blossom this spring

The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Here’s how to prepare if you’re planning to buy in the weeks ahead.

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How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

14th August 2024

How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look.

Recent Articles

Image for
The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

4th September 2024

The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on

When it comes to home loan features we’re spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fisherman’s basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers.

Image for
How much has your home’s value risen by?

28th August 2024

How much has your home’s value risen by?

We’ve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage.

Image for
Property market set to blossom this spring

21st August 2024

Property market set to blossom this spring

The sun is out – and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and there’s a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Here’s how to prepare if you’re planning to buy in the weeks ahead.

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How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

14th August 2024

How to buy an investment property using your home’s equity

Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look.

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Does your job come with home loan perks?

7th August 2024

Does your job come with home loan perks?

Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today we’ll look at some of the occupations that can offer up home loan perks.

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Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors

31st July 2024

Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors

A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters – and it’s changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal what’s happening across the rental and investment markets.

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Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders

24th July 2024

Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders

Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the Tasman. Here’s what you need to know.

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Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?

17th July 2024

Is fear of rejection holding you back from your life goals?

Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. We explain what’s driving this fear, and how you can boost your chances of getting approved.

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How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?

10th July 2024

How much could you expect to borrow for a home in 2024?

As property prices hit record highs across a number of cities, it’s no surprise that new home loan balances are also nudging towards fresh peaks. Today we’ll reveal what the ‘average’ new home loan is in your state, and provide you with some handy tips to

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50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents

3rd July 2024

50,000 low-deposit spots open for first home buyers and single parents

The new financial year has kicked off with a bang for first home buyers! A whopping 45,000 more places have opened up for them under the Home Guarantee Scheme, as well as 5,000 more spots for single parents. Here’s how it could help you buy a home sooner.

Image for Will home prices keep rising over the next year?

26th June 2024

Will home prices keep rising over the next year?

Property prices are expected to keep climbing higher through to mid-2025 – though not everywhere, according to a new report. We reveal where prices are tipped to go up, and where prices are expected to fall.

Image for Rate cuts? Pencil them in for 2025

19th June 2024

Rate cuts? Pencil them in for 2025

Put the party pies on ice and postpone those rate-cut celebrations for a while yet. The much-touted rate cuts we’ve been waiting for may not arrive until 2025. Here’s why rates could be staying higher for longer, and how to take action yourself.

Image for Is a tree or sea change on your horizon?

12th June 2024

Is a tree or sea change on your horizon?

Fresh air, no bumper-to-bumper traffic and more affordable home prices. There’s plenty of appeal in regional living, including a chance to potentially reduce your home loan.

Image for Why three-in-four Aussies turn to a broker for home loan help

5th June 2024

Why three-in-four Aussies turn to a broker for home loan help

You might have seen a headline or two about a particular big bank being at war with brokers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our mission is – and always will be – putting you first. That’s why three in every four borrowers now come to us for help

Image for First home buyers turn to Bank of Nan and Pop

29th May 2024

First home buyers turn to Bank of Nan and Pop

Nan and Pop have always been good for birthday money, but one-in-10 grandparents are taking their generosity to the next level: helping their grandkids buy a first home.

Image for What you should know before buying ‘subject to finance’

22nd May 2024

What you should know before buying ‘subject to finance’

Not sure if you’ll get the thumbs up for a home loan? But you really, really like that house that just popped up? Making an offer ‘subject to finance’ could be the right move. Here’s how it works.

Image for Not feeling the budget love? 4 ways you could still get ahead

15th May 2024

Not feeling the budget love? 4 ways you could still get ahead

If the latest federal government budget is leaving you hungry for perks and savings, you’re not alone. We’ve had a brainstorm and here are four ways you could start working towards your property goals now.

Image for Low deposit scheme helps over 150,000 families buy sooner

8th May 2024

Low deposit scheme helps over 150,000 families buy sooner

Whether you’re rat running your local streets, or have a knack for always picking the fast-moving supermarket queue – everyone loves a good time-saving hack. Well, today we’ll let you in on a scheme that could get you into your first home years – yep year

Image for Here’s why your borrowing power might soon get a lift

1st May 2024

Here’s why your borrowing power might soon get a lift

Who doesn’t love a tax cut? Most of us are now only weeks away from saving on our tax bills, with Stage 3 tax cuts to kick in from 1 July. But another key advantage is that the tax cuts could give your borrowing power a nice boost.

Image for How to know if you’re paying a fair price

24th April 2024

How to know if you’re paying a fair price

We all love the idea of nabbing a bargain property, but for most home buyers the real issue is whether they’re overvaluing a place – and paying too much in the process.

Image for Can you remember your home loan interest rate?

17th April 2024

Can you remember your home loan interest rate?

Where you put your car keys, who won the footy premiership three years back, the new prime minister of New Zealand’s name – all very much socially acceptable things to forget. Your home loan rate shouldn’t be on that list.

Image for Plot twist: Millennials are Australia’s most active property investors

10th April 2024

Plot twist: Millennials are Australia’s most active property investors

When it comes to buying investment properties, younger Australians are punching above their weight, with Millennials taking the title as the nation’s most active generation for property investment.

Image for Homeowners now an extra $71,000 richer (on average!)

3rd April 2024

Homeowners now an extra $71,000 richer (on average!)

You may not feel richer, but if you’re a homeowner, there’s a decent chance your personal wealth has surged over the past 12 months thanks to soaring property values. And it could open up a world of exciting possibilities.

Image for FOMO, FOBO and FOOP – how they can hold you back

27th March 2024

FOMO, FOBO and FOOP – how they can hold you back

Nobody likes missing out on a good thing. But then again, who likes overpaying? So how do you strike the right balance when both fears can work against one another?

Image for Explainer: how construction loans work

20th March 2024

Explainer: how construction loans work

There’s something very special about moving into a newly built home or putting the finishing touches on a major renovation. Maybe it’s the look and feel of new paint and fresh flooring, or just knowing you’ve kicked a worthwhile goal.

Image for Why offset accounts are hitting new highs

13th March 2024

Why offset accounts are hitting new highs

Spare cash can be tight right now (cost of living crunch, anyone?). But if you’ve still got some savings plus a home loan, there’s a way you could make your surplus funds work harder.

Image for How long does it really take to get a home loan?

6th March 2024

How long does it really take to get a home loan?

Need a home loan in a hurry? You could be in luck. Plenty of lenders are keen to crunch loan approval times at present – but there’s a lot borrowers can do to potentially speed up the process, too.

Image for Where are the bargain homes located in your suburb?

28th February 2024

Where are the bargain homes located in your suburb?

Location may be a big driver of property prices, but in any given suburb a few streets can be all that separates paying top dollar for a home or potentially scoring a bargain. Here’s how to use a tool to find pockets of value in any given neighbourhood.

Image for Home buyers rejoice! More listings are hitting the market

21st February 2024

Home buyers rejoice! More listings are hitting the market

Great news for home buyers! After an extended run of low listings, the number of homes coming onto the market is skyrocketing. So could this have an impact on the property market? Let’s take a look.

Image for They’re back! Why property investors account for one-in-three new home loans

14th February 2024

They’re back! Why property investors account for one-in-three new home loans

Lending to property investors is soaring once again. We lift the lid on what’s driving investor interest – and what it could mean for the property market throughout 2024.

Image for When will the next RBA cash rate call be made?

7th February 2024

When will the next RBA cash rate call be made?

Happy days! The Reserve Bank kept rates steady in February. But a shake-up in the number of times our central bank meets each year is raising questions about how long the rate pause will last. Here’s what we could expect.

Image for 4 tips for self-employed home loan applications

31st January 2024

4 tips for self-employed home loan applications

Applying for a mortgage when you’re self-employed may have you jumping through more hoops. But it needn’t deter you from getting into the property market. Here are 4 tips to help you apply for a mortgage like a boss.

Image for First home buyers charge back into the market

24th January 2024

First home buyers charge back into the market

Hats off to Australia’s first home buyers! The latest lending data shows they’re refusing to let last year’s rate hikes and rising property values dampen their goal of buying a home. Here are five tips to help you buy your first home in 2024.

Image for How your deposit size can shape the rate you pay

17th January 2024

How your deposit size can shape the rate you pay

It’s commonly known that the bigger your deposit, the smaller your home loan, and thus, the lower your monthly repayments. But today we’ll look into another way your deposit size could reduce your repayments: by potentially reducing your interest rate.

Image for The pros of having a mortgage broker on your side

10th January 2024

The pros of having a mortgage broker on your side

What exactly can a mortgage broker do for you? Well, we don’t mean to toot our own horn, but we can make your home loan journey a whole lot easier, letting you focus on the fun part: planning for your new home!

Image for 5 New Year’s resolutions for your home loan

3rd January 2024

5 New Year’s resolutions for your home loan

Thought of a New Year’s resolution yet? Or perhaps you’ve broken one already? Either way, check out our list of possible mortgage goals for 2024 – try one, or have a go at them all – to save a bundle in the year ahead.

Image for Merry Christmas! Season’s greetings from all of us to you

20th December 2023

Merry Christmas! Season’s greetings from all of us to you

The year has flown past, and as our thoughts turn to trees, tinsel and turkey, we’d like to thank all our fantastic clients for your support throughout 2023.

Image for Ho ho ho! The smart move that has 1 in 10 borrowers feeling jolly

13th December 2023

Ho ho ho! The smart move that has 1 in 10 borrowers feeling jolly

Home owners have been battling rising interest rates for over a year and a half now. But a new report reveals the important step some savvy borrowers are taking to rein in higher rates and swap “oh no!” for “ho, ho, ho!”.

Image for What’s tipped for house prices in 2024?

6th December 2023

What’s tipped for house prices in 2024?

If buying a home is at the top of your wish list for 2024, don’t miss our rundown on how the property market has fared in 2023 – and why the new year is shaping up as potentially another big year for real estate.

Image for More lenders sign up to low deposit first home buyer scheme

29th November 2023

More lenders sign up to low deposit first home buyer scheme

First home buyers with a small deposit now have an even wider range of lenders to choose from. We reveal the latest banks to join the 5% deposit scheme that’s helping more buyers get into the market sooner.

Image for How to manage your home loan over Christmas

22nd November 2023

How to manage your home loan over Christmas

It may be called the silly season but a few smart strategies could help you enjoy the festive season this year without missing a beat on your home loan. Check out our tips to share the Christmas cheer this year without breaking the bank.

Image for The big stretch: should you extend your loan term?

15th November 2023

The big stretch: should you extend your loan term?

If the November rate hike will seriously stretch your finances, one potential solution may be to extend your loan term. It can ease the hip pocket pain by lowering monthly repayments. But taking more time to pay off your mortgage can come with hidden down

Image for RBA increases the cash rate by 25 basis points, up to 4.35%

7th November 2023

RBA increases the cash rate by 25 basis points, up to 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points, taking it to 4.35%. So just how much will this year’s Melbourne Cup day rate hike increase your monthly repayments?

Image for Brokers help settle a record 7-in-10 new mortgages

1st November 2023

Brokers help settle a record 7-in-10 new mortgages

Mortgage brokers have notched up a new personal best, with seven out of every 10 new mortgages settled thanks to their help! It’s a sure sign that mortgage brokers are delivering the goods when it comes to helping Australians move into their dream homes.

Image for Revealed: the four cities tipped to be future property hotspots

25th October 2023

Revealed: the four cities tipped to be future property hotspots

No matter whether you’re in the market for a home or an investment property, it makes financial sense to buy in an area where values are tipped to rise. But where to look? Today we’ll unveil the Australian cities where population growth is tipped to turbo

Image for How much can you really save by refinancing?

18th October 2023

How much can you really save by refinancing?

Not sure what refinancing is all about? You’re not alone. Our quick explainer lets you master the basics and helps you work out how much you could save.

Image for One-in-three first home buyers use guarantee schemes

11th October 2023

One-in-three first home buyers use guarantee schemes

Know anyone who wants to buy their first home? A new report confirms that low deposit schemes are getting younger buyers into a place of their own sooner.

Image for The one big factor pushing house prices up

4th October 2023

The one big factor pushing house prices up

Property prices have soared almost 7% this year alone. With the upswing predicted to continue, we unpack what’s driving national housing values higher – and why it could pay to get into the market sooner.

Image for Flat chat: why units could soon become hot property

27th September 2023

Flat chat: why units could soon become hot property

Apartments stand out as an affordable choice when it comes to cracking the property market, not to mention downsizing. But a looming shortage may soon push unit values higher.

Image for 3 ways pre-approval can give buyers an edge

20th September 2023

3 ways pre-approval can give buyers an edge

There’s a lot to be said for having your home loan pre-approved. But does pre-approval mean you’re putting the cart before the horse? Definitely not. Here are three ways pre-approval can help you get ahead of the competition.

Image for Property market climbs towards new peak

13th September 2023

Property market climbs towards new peak

The property market has thumbed its nose at higher interest rates, with values rising almost 5% since March. Here’s why national housing prices are climbing higher.

Image for How does your home loan compare?

6th September 2023

How does your home loan compare?

No change to the cash rate again this month, but lenders’ mortgage rates have been jumping around more than a bunch of toddlers at a Wiggles concert. We reveal the current average rates to see how your loan compares.

Image for Low deposit first home buyers now have $82,000 in equity

30th August 2023

Low deposit first home buyers now have $82,000 in equity

First home buyers who bought into the market using the federal government’s 5% deposit scheme have racked up $82,000 in home equity on average, new data shows.

Image for Help to Buy Scheme set to kick off in 2024

23rd August 2023

Help to Buy Scheme set to kick off in 2024

The highly anticipated Help to Buy Scheme will kick off next year, giving more Aussies a chance to score their dream home. Today we’ll unpack how the new federal government scheme will work, who it’ll benefit, and the fine print you need to know.

Image for More Aussies turn to mortgage brokers for a hand managing hikes

16th August 2023

More Aussies turn to mortgage brokers for a hand managing hikes

An avalanche of rate hikes over the past 18 months has supersized home loan repayments. But savvy homeowners aren’t panicking. In fact, more mortgage holders than ever before are reaching out to brokers for expert help.

Image for Sneaky rate hikes – is your lender behind them?

9th August 2023

Sneaky rate hikes – is your lender behind them?

The Reserve Bank (RBA) may have kept the cash rate on hold but that hasn’t stopped some lenders from hiking their variable home loan rates. Here’s how borrowers are fighting back.

Image for Has the tide turned? What the RBA rate pause means for homeowners

2nd August 2023

Has the tide turned? What the RBA rate pause means for homeowners

Mortgage holders rejoice – the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold in August for the second month in a row. So have we finally reached calmer waters? Or is there one last rate rise wave headed our way?

Image for Why are fixed rates still rising? And when might they drop again?

26th July 2023

Why are fixed rates still rising? And when might they drop again?

With plenty of pundits tipping interest rates will start to fall in the next 12 months, we look at why the big banks are hiking their fixed rates – and unpack what it means for the rate outlook.

Image for Where homeowners are spending $1 billion a month

19th July 2023

Where homeowners are spending $1 billion a month

Australians are showering their homes with $1 billion worth of love each month as home improvement spending ramps up. We look at the cost of popular renovations – and how to foot the bill.

Image for Could apartment living help you dive into the property market sooner?

12th July 2023

Could apartment living help you dive into the property market sooner?

Buying a home for the first time can be challenging, especially with house prices soaring in recent years. So could switching from house hunting to unit searching be the way forward for you?

Image for Mortgage holders breathe a sigh of relief as RBA puts cash rate on hold

4th July 2023

Mortgage holders breathe a sigh of relief as RBA puts cash rate on hold

Phew! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. So is the end of this rate hike cycle finally in sight?

Image for Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

28th June 2023

Breaking out of mortgage prison: can easing serviceability buffers help?

Have you been keen to refinance but told you can’t? You’re not alone. Many Australian households are currently locked into their home loans due to rising interest rates. But some banks have recently started to lower their serviceability thresholds.

Image for Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

21st June 2023

Homebuying intentions climb as Aussies untie themselves from rental crunch

Despite the soaring cost of living and successive interest rate hikes, homebuying intentions have climbed, latest data shows. So why are so many people still chasing the great Australian dream? And what can you do to make your own dream a reality?

Image for Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

14th June 2023

Mortgage serviceability: how to jump through the hoops

Mortgage serviceability can feel like a frustrating hurdle to clear. But it’s an important safeguard against borrowing too much, particularly in the current interest rate landscape.

Image for RBA attempts to beat back inflation with another rate hike, up to 4.10%

6th June 2023

RBA attempts to beat back inflation with another rate hike, up to 4.10%

Drumroll … The RBA has hiked the official cash rate for the 12th time since April 2022, increasing it to 4.10%. How much will this increase your monthly repayments? And how long does Philip Lowe plan to keep marching to this beat?

Image for Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion

31st May 2023

Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion

Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little wonder why.

Image for Is the property market starting to rebound?

24th May 2023

Is the property market starting to rebound?

Navigating the Australian property market over the past year has felt like standing on shifting sands. But is the market starting to regain stability? And if so, what can you do now to make sure you’re ready to buy?

Image for Property valuation: what you need to know when buying a home

17th May 2023

Property valuation: what you need to know when buying a home

When buying property, it’s good to know the market value. After all, you want to know you’re paying a fair amount. But the property’s value is an important consideration for your lender too. And their valuation may be quite different.

Image for Heads up business owners: the asset write-off deadline is looming!

10th May 2023

Heads up business owners: the asset write-off deadline is looming!

Business owners wanting to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the full cost have just over a month to act.

Image for More home buyers set to benefit from low deposit, no LMI schemes

10th May 2023

More home buyers set to benefit from low deposit, no LMI schemes

More Australians (and permanent residents!) will soon be eligible for a leg up into the property market under an expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. Today we’ll run you through all the upcoming changes to the low deposit, no lenders mortgage insurance scheme.

Image for Homeowners brace as RBA raises cash rate to 3.85%

2nd May 2023

Homeowners brace as RBA raises cash rate to 3.85%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for the 11th time in the past year, taking it to 3.85%. Have we finally reached the peak of this cycle? And how much will this latest rate hike increase your monthly repayments?

Image for Tips to help stay on top amidst the rate hike cycle

26th April 2023

Tips to help stay on top amidst the rate hike cycle

With every RBA rate rise announcement, mortgage holders brace themselves for impending repayment increases. Here’s how to stay on top of your mortgage and feel financially secure.

Image for Property listings and prices are bouncing back

19th April 2023

Property listings and prices are bouncing back

As property prices start to climb, listings are following suit. So if you’re hunting for a home, what does this mean for you?

Image for What is the fixed-rate cliff and how can refinancing help?

12th April 2023

What is the fixed-rate cliff and how can refinancing help?

You’ve probably heard the term “fixed-rate cliff” bandied about in finance news feeds. But what is it? And if you’re about to head over it, how can you prepare for a soft landing?

Image for Mortgage holders granted a reprieve as RBA puts interest rates on hold

4th April 2023

Mortgage holders granted a reprieve as RBA puts interest rates on hold

And … exhale. After 10 straight rate hikes the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today decided to put the official cash rate on hold. But for how long?

Image for Money habits that may raise lenders’ eyebrows

29th March 2023

Money habits that may raise lenders’ eyebrows

We all know being on our monetary best behaviour can help to land a home loan. But did you know there are common spending habits you may have that are red flags to lenders?

Image for Time to jump in? First home buyer deposit saving times plunge

22nd March 2023

Time to jump in? First home buyer deposit saving times plunge

Home loan headlines have been, let’s face it, a bit of a downer of late. But the good news is that first-home buyers are now reaching their 20% deposit goal faster.

Image for Got an eagle eye on house prices? Rate rises are only part of the story

15th March 2023

Got an eagle eye on house prices? Rate rises are only part of the story

Rate rises can affect the property market, as we’ve all seen of late. But there are other factors that appear to hold longer-term sway over national house prices.

Image for Homeowners feel the pinch as RBA lifts cash rate to 3.60%

7th March 2023

Homeowners feel the pinch as RBA lifts cash rate to 3.60%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate for a tenth straight meeting, taking it to 3.60%. How much will this rate hike increase your monthly mortgage repayments, and how many more rate rises are expected to come?

Image for The latest twist in the tale of national property prices: explained

1st March 2023

The latest twist in the tale of national property prices: explained

The property market has had more plot twists than a daytime soap opera in recent years. So getting the skinny on current trends is helpful when you’re planning to buy. Here’s the lowdown on the latest surprising bit of data.

Image for Take the heat off rate hike fears with these 4 tips for buyers

22nd February 2023

Take the heat off rate hike fears with these 4 tips for buyers

Have recent rate hikes made you nervous about taking the plunge into the property market? You’re not alone; it’s a buyer’s market for a reason. Here’s how to stay cool and calm when buying your next property.

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Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Names & Locations of users have been changed to protect their privacy and are illustrative only.