MyStart

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 7 May 2024

Building inspections and why they are an essential step in the home buying process.

We often get a lot of questions surrounding Building and pest inspections. So we spoke to Noel Flounders from Adelaide Property Inspections to answer some of his most common questions about building and pest checks. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Terms you need to know when buying your home

Without knowing the basic terms, you could be caught out with unexpected costs and extra stress. Your first home may end up being the biggest investment of your life, so we wanted to clear up the confusion around some of the more common terms you nee ... | Read More

Budgeting Building a Home Home Loans Owning a Home

Monday, 19 February 2024

New 2% deposit loan unlocks property market for more first home buyers

South Australian first home buyers building a home will save thousands with a new 2 per cent deposit home loan available through HomeStart. A Labor election commitment, it's the latest in a suite of measures to help more South Australians enter th ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Saving Tips

Thursday, 8 February 2024

How to recover unclaimed money

Whilst there's no such thing as free money, it can be just as exciting to find that there is some owed to you when you aren't expecting it. According to ASIC, there's about $1.5 billion in lost money that hasn't been claimed in Australia. But how can ... | Read More

MyStart

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Opening the door to our new look – and your new home.

Opening the door to our new look - and your new home. At HomeStart, we believe in the power of home ownership, the freedom that comes with it - and that anyone who wants to own their own home should have the opportunity. Our purpose is to make th ... | Read More

Budgeting Home Loans Managing Credit Saving Tips

Monday, 6 November 2023

Strategies to pay down debt

Debt can come in many forms. From a small AfterPay repayment, to HECS or HELP payments, personal loans and a Mortgage, nearly everyone has some form of debt. We're here to help you tackle your debt and potentially pave the way to a more financial ... | Read More

Budgeting Owning a Home Saving Tips

Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Cost of living: how much can you really cut back on?

With the current cost of living crisis, a lot of us will then look for ways to cut back. But sometimes it's on things we might need in the future, like health insurance or medical appointments. So what can we cut back on? We have pulled together a li ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Monday, 10 July 2023

Getting your tax return ready

While for businesses across the country the new financial year means extra reporting, for many Australians there's only one thing that comes to mind - it's tax return time! Some simple preparation now will help a lot when it's time to do your tax ret ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Wednesday, 4 January 2023

School Holiday activities on a budget

Feeling the pressure to constantly entertain your children these school holidays? With the cost of living increasing over the last few months, most people have less disposable income to spend on entertaining and family activities. To help out, we hav ... | Read More

Owning a Home Saving Tips

Sunday, 6 November 2022

Styling your home on a budget

Styling your home can be a costly exercise, but that shouldn't stop you from giving your home décor a lift! There are so many fun and affordable ways you can completely transform your space on a budget. We've listed below some of the best tips to gi ... | Read More

Building a Home

Monday, 24 October 2022

Building Contracts and what they are all about

So, you've found a builder, negotiated on the home you want, and now they've offered you a contract to sign. But what does it all mean? To help you navigate the process of signing your building contract, we have put together some must dos to ensure ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Starting in September: Saving for Summer

Summer brings with it many events to look forward to. Think Christmas, New Year's Eve, end of year parties, beach holidays and numerous gatherings with friends and family. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Tips for a successful spring clean

After months of cold weather and not wanting to head outside, your home may be in need of some tender loving care. To help, we have outlined some tips that will help you go from zero to cleaning hero in no time. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Friday, 15 July 2022

Questions to ask your broker

Many people turn to brokers during their home buying journey as they have a wealth of knowledge that can assist with a range of situations. To ensure that you are armed with the right questions for your broker, we have put together a list of the esse ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Teaching your kids the value of money

Teaching your children the value of money and the importance of budgeting is an essential part of becoming an adult, particularly if they have just started earning for themselves. We have some tips that can help you impart to your kids the the value ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Home Loans

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

How could these product changes help you?

The times are definitely changing. And that means that HomeStart is changing too! HomeStart has ensured that we have a wide range of innovative products so that we can continue with our sole aim - making home ownership possible for more South Austral ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Home Loans

Monday, 11 July 2022

All your questions about HomeStart's Shared Equity answered

With the current housing market environment, there has been significant talk lately about shared equity loans, and how lenders can help more Australians enter the property market. HomeStart has been offering its Shared Equity Option (SEO) since 2007 ... | Read More

Budgeting Building a Home

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Budgeting for building a home

Building a home can be a cost effective way of getting in to your own place. With realistic expectations and a careful approach to managing your budget, getting a brand new place exactly as you'd like it could be within reach. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

How to save and still have a life

Just because you're saving doesn't mean you have to stop socialising or become boring. There are plenty of ways you can save money without sacrificing either the every day essentials, or the fun things in life! ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Smart steps to managing debt

In this age of credit cards, retail store interest-free offers and buy now pay later schemes, it's easy to leave payments until later, without a second thought. But many people aren't aware of just how much you might 'pay later' if yo ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Building contracts: what it all means

So you've found a builder and negotiated on the home you want, and now they've offered you a contract to sign. But what does it all mean? HomeStart CEO Andrew Mills offers some insight into what to look out for. ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Choosing a builder

Choosing a builder is one of the most important aspects of building a home. HomeStart CEO Andrew Mills recommends asking a few questions before you sign on the dotted line ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Owning a Home

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

How to cut small expenses for big savings!

Have you ever looked at your bank statements and noticed a tally of little expenses spread throughout? Whilst $4 here and $15 there doesn't sound like bank-breaking amounts, these small purchases quickly add up. That's why we have compiled a list ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Insurance

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

Home Insurance why is it important?

Most people don't think about insurance until they have to — and by then, it could be too late. With natural disasters seemingly on the rise, it has highlighted the devastating impact of being underinsured. Unfortunately, as the cost of buil ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

Questions to ask real estate agents when buying a home

When it comes to buying a house, knowledge is power, which is why it is essential that you are asking the real estate agents all the right questions. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips Home Loans

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

How to buy a home on a smaller salary

We have some handy tips on how to buy a home on a smaller salary. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Saving Tips

Monday, 20 December 2021

Homemade Gifts they will love

Stay on top of your savings this festive season by gifting some homemade presents to your loved ones. For those that are crafty, or simply want to add a personalised touch, we have put together some handcrafted present ideas. ... | Read More

Budgeting Building a Home Saving Tips

Monday, 20 December 2021

Backyard blitz on a budget

With many spending a lot of time working on the insides of their homes, combined with more time indoors recently, it's no surprise that our gardens and outdoor areas may have become a little neglected over the colder months. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Home Loans Owning a Home

Wednesday, 8 September 2021

Is it time for a Financial Health Check?

With the new financial year underway, now is a good opportunity to check in on your finances, and revisit financial goals to ensure you're still on the right track. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 7 September 2021

Upfront costs explained

Imagine this: You work so hard to save a deposit, only to fall just short due to some unexpected upfront costs. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Friday, 27 August 2021

Wellbeing begins at home

The current lockdowns across Australia may have left many feeling overwhelmed as we rebalance work, family, and other life responsibilities. So, here are a few changes that you can make straight away in your own home to improve your mental health and ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 28 July 2021

Lending for love

If you were asked who the top 10 lenders in Australia are, you would be forgiven if you did not think to include Mum and Dad. But, should parents be lending for love? ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Building a Home Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Should you buy or build your home?

The journey when buying established or building your own home can be quite different, and both have much to consider. So how do you know which option is right for you? ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Thursday, 11 February 2021

14 ways to save money this Valentine's Day

Rather than ditching the romance this Valentine's Day, we have come up with a list of gift and date ideas so that you can celebrate the love without parting from your savings... ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Monday, 23 November 2020

How to get your finances ready for Christmas

While the festive season brings with it family time, after-work parties and Christmas movies, many often forget the ‘debt hangover' that follows well after the holidays end. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Monday, 23 November 2020

You've graduated, now what?

What do you do once you have handed in your final assignment and sat your last exam? ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Tuesday, 11 August 2020

How to make the most of your tax return

Filing your annual tax return may not be your favourite task, even if you do have an accountant on board to help. However, spending just a little bit of time getting your financial ducks in a row at the beginning of the financial year can pay dividen ... | Read More

Budgeting Owning a Home Saving Tips

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Budget friendly ways to enhance your home this Winter

When the days get colder and the nights get shorter, we know that Winter is well and truly here. Whilst some love the idea of curling up inside next to the heater - book and cup of tea in hand - many of us are simply waiting for the warmer days to re ... | Read More

Buying Tips Owning a Home

Wednesday, 11 March 2020

How to update your home décor for autumn

Transform your home without breaking the bank ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

How to get your finances back on track after Easter

The Easter break, coupled with school holidays can leave us exhausted - physically, and financially. After several weeks of outings, now's the time to take a breath and make a plan to get your savings back on track. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Monday, 6 May 2019

How to start a countertop veggie patch

You don't need a huge backyard to create a veggie patch. Armed with the right information, you can create a thriving veggie patch on your countertop. Here's how. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

What you need to know about ‘pay later’ options

Do the maths: Can you really handle pay later plans? ... | Read More

Home Loans Insurance

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

The benefits of loan and mortgage protection insurance

Take the worry out of repayments ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over

Monday, 14 January 2019

Styling your home for Summer

Redecorating your home can be a fun task, especially when you can do it without breaking the bank. Here are some cheap ways to style your home this summer. ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Monday, 7 January 2019

Three financial goals to set for 2019

With the New Year upon us, now is the perfect time to set some financial goals. Below are our top three tips to help you spend less, save more and manage your money better during 2019. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Choosing the right broker

Brokers have become one of the most popular ways for home buyers to source a home loan. But how do you choose a broker that is right for you? John Oliver shares some tips to get you started. 1. ASK your friends and family for recommendations. Many ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home Owning a Home

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

5 Ways to review your home insurance

Owning a home is possibly the largest investment you'll ever make. So it's important to ensure that your insurance cover will deliver on your expectations. ... | Read More