GlossaryAll-in-one home loan
These are essentially a transaction account and a home loan combined. They allow you to directly credit your salary or other income to the account and then withdraw funds as you need to. AAPR
Average Annualised Percentage Rate. Sometimes referred to as the Compulsory Comparison Rate, this figure takes into account the other costs associated with the loan etc, and expresses them as an average interest rate, to create a level field with which to compare like loan product interest rates. Acceptance
Agree to the terms of an offer or contract. Additional repayment
Extra funds paid into the loan in addition to the minimum monthly payments. Agent
Real Estate Agent Allotment
When a larger area of land is subdivided into smaller pieces, the smaller parcels of land are sometimes know as allotments. Amortisation period
The length of time a borrower has to repay the loan in accordance with the arranged terms (otherwise known as the loan term). Application fee
The fee charged by a lender to cover or partially cover the lender's costs of setting up or establishing the loan. Appraised value
An estimate of the value of a property being used as security for a loan. Typically provided by a real estate agent. Appreciation
The increase in the value of property caused by economic factors such as inflation, and market conditions. Arrears
An overdue account yet to be paid Assets
Money, property or goods owned. Asset Lender
Lending institution that lends finance based on the value of the asset, which will be held as security. Assignment
Legal transference of a right or a title to a property, to another party. Banker's Lien
The right of a Bank to retain a customer's securities until a liability to the Bank is discharged. (See also 'General Lien'). Bankruptcy
The legal financial state and individual is in, when unable to meet debts (for Companies it's known as being 'wound up'). A debtor may be declared bankrupt by the Federal Court at either the debtors or the creditors instigation, and the debtors estate will be placed in the hands of an official receiver who will distribute the estate in accordance to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Act. Basic Variable Loan
Sometimes referred to as ‘no frills’ home loans. A basic variable home loan generally offers a lower interest rate than a standard variable loan but it also offers fewer features and in some cases more restrictions. Body corporate
A corporation of the owners of units within a strata building. The owners elect a council responsible for the management of the building and common areas. Borrower
A person, persons, or entity borrowing money to purchase, payoff, or refinance a product or effect. Break costs
Penalty charges for ‘breaking’ or discontinuing the agreed fixed term of a loan. Bridging finance
Finance obtained over a short period as a prelude to long term funding. Higher interest rates are usually charged for this form of finance, and it has to be paid back after an agreed time. Some borrowers use bridging finance if they need money to buy a new house while they are waiting for their existing house to sell. Building inspection
Finance obtained over a short period as a prelude to long term funding. Higher interest rates are usually charged for this form of finance, and it has to be paid back after an agreed time. Some borrowers use bridging finance if they need money to buy a new house while they are waiting for their existing house to sell. Buyer's Agent
Person to act on behalf of the buyer to find and negotiate on properties the buyer wishes to buy. Capital
The current value of your assets, including car, property, business, or money etc. Capital Gain
The financial gain you get when you sell something for more than you bought it. Maybe subject to the capital gains tax, which is paid on the gained amount. Capped loan
A loan where the interest rate cannot exceed a set level for a period of time, but unlike fixed rate loans, can fall. Capital gain tax
A federal tax on the monetary gain made on the sale of an asset (excluding your own residence) bought and sold after September 1985. Caveat
A notice of warning given to a public authority, e.g. Titles Office, claiming entitlement to an interest in certain land. The caveat is registered and remains on the books as a warning to anyone who contemplates dealing with the property. It therefore prevents any action being taken without the previous notice of the person entering the caveat (the caveator). Certificate of Title
A document identifying the ownership of land. It shows who owns the land and whether there are any mortgages or other restrictions on it. This document (if issued) is usually held by the lender as security for a loan.
Charge (over property)
The term used to describe any right established over a borrower's property to secure a debt or performance of an obligation. Collateral Security
Additional or supporting security given in addition to the principal security. Comparison Rates Schedule (CRS)
Comparison Rate Schedule. The schedule displayed by a lender that give the annual percentage rate and the respective Comparison Rate, for the lender's loan products for specific amounts over specific terms. Compulsory Comparison Rate
Or CCR, is the figure expressed an interest rate, that takes into account some of the extra costs of a loan product. The formula used to calculate the CCR is regulated by the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and all Australian lenders are required to use the same formula. Consumer Credit Code
Legislation designed to protect the rights of the individual (personal consumer) by ensuring banks and other financial institutions all adhere to the same rules when providing personal, domestic or household credit. It should provide borrowers with complete and honest information. Also known as the Uniform Consumer Credit Code or UCCC. Contract of Sale
A written agreement outlining the terms and conditions for the purchase or sale of property. Conveyancing
The legal process for the transfer of ownership of real estate. COSL
Credit Ombudsman Service Limited. Formerly known as MIOS (Mortgage Industry Ombudsman Service). Credit protection insurance
This type of insurance is taken out by a borrower to cover the borrowers’ loan repayments in the event that they are not able to meet them through specific events such as serious illness or redundancy. It is also sometimes called income protection insurance. CRS
Comparison Rate Schedule. The schedule displayed by a lender that give the annual percentage rate and the respective Comparison Rate, for the lender's loan products for specific amounts over specific terms. Daily Interest
Interest calculated on a daily basis - varies according to daily account balance. Debtor
Someone who owes money to another and can be compelled to perform an obligation. Deed
A document in writing, which is signed, sealed and delivered by the parties thereto, to prove and testify the agreement of the parties whose deed it is, to the things contained in the deed. Default
The inability to pay monthly mortgage payments in a timely manner or to otherwise meet the mortgage terms. Deferred Establishment Fee
A penalty which may be charged if a loan is repaid early within a certain time period. Depreciation
The accounting practice where the cost of a fixed asset of a business is spread over the life of the asset. Depreciation is a non-cash expense which allows the money to be retained by the business, thus technically allowing the business the capacity to replace the asset over time. Direct Debit
Where the Lender debits (deducts) a payment from client's bank, credit union or building society account. Disbursements
Solicitors incidental costs involved when dealing with client on behalf of the Lender, e.g. searches, certificates pest reports, etc. Discharge fees
An administration fee to cover the costs incurred in finalising a loan account. Discharge of Mortgage
A document signed by the lender and given to the borrower when a mortgage loan has been repaid in full. Draw Down
Act of transferring money from lending institution to the borrower after the loan has settled. DSR
Debt Service Ratio. Easement
A right to use a part of land which is owned by another person or organisation (eg. for access to another property) Encumbrance
A charge or liability, e.g. a mortgage. Equity
The amount of an asset not subject to any Lender's interest e.g. property worth $400,000, with a mortgage loan of $250,000 - equity is $150,000. Establishment fees
Fees payable to a lender to cover the costs of setting up a loan. Estate
An interest in land. Exchange
The legal point of time when the vendor and the buyer swap documentation with a view to settlement. Fee Simple
The estate in fee simple is the highest estate in the land, and it is the closest the law comes to recognising absolute ownership for all practical purposes. However, while we refer to a proprietor of an estate in fee simple (who is the owner for all practical purposes), their ownership is not legally absolute, for absolute legal ownership of all and rest with the Crown. First Home Owners Grant
The First Home Owners Grant is a grant from the Federal Government which is available as compensation for the increased cost of housing after implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 1 July 2000. The grant of $7,000 is available for first home buyers. Fittings
Items that can be removed from a property without causing damage to it eg, carpet and curtains. Fixed Interest (Fixed Rate)
An interest rate set for an agreed term. Fixtures
Items that would cause damage to the property if removed. Their removal must be stipulated in the contract of sale, and damage made good by the seller eg. Oven and bath etc. First Home Owners Grant
The First Home Owners Grant is a grant from the Federal Government which is available as compensation for the increased cost of housing after implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 1 July 2000. The grant of $7,000 is available for first home buyers. Freehold
The dwelling and the land on which it stands is owned by the owner until they choose to sell it. Garnishee Order
A court order taken out by a creditor on a person's employer or banker for the deduction of funds from his wages or bank account to repay a debt. General Law System
System whereby all dealings on a property are made in the form of conveyances, whether the transaction is a sale, a mortgage, a reconveyance, etc. Under this system the mortgage is in fact a transfer of ownership. When a conveyance is prepared it forms part of the chain of title and must be carefully preserved in order to prove the "root? to title. General Lien
Sets out in writing the Bank's right to retain property until a debt is paid. Includes Power of Attorney and other clauses generally contained in Bank security forms. Government Fees
All home loans and purchase of residential property will attract certain government charges at the time of settlement. For example, stamp duty and mortgage duty. Gross Income/Profit
Income from a person or company, before tax, superannuation or payroll deductions. Guarantor
A person/s who agree to be responsible for the payment of another person's debts. Holding Deposit
A refundable deposit based on the goodwill of the buyer to go ahead with the purchase. Home Equity
The value of a homeowner's unencumbered interest in their property(s). Equity is the difference between the home's fair market value and the unpaid balance of the mortgage and any outstanding debt over the home. Equity increases as the mortgage is paid or as the property enjoys appreciation. Home Loan
A loan secured by residential security. You pledge to repay the loan whilst the lender holds the title of the property. Honeymoon Rate
Where the home loan rate is lowere for the first six to twelve months and the reverts to a higher rate. At the end of the honeymoon period there may be ‘switch costs’ depending upon the type of loan chosen. Indemnity
Security against damage or loss; sum paid in compensation for loss incurred. Instrument
Formal legal document in writing, e.g. a deed of conveyance. Interest
The Lender's charge for the use of funds or the return on deposited funds. Interest Only Loans
A loan where the principle is paid back at the end of the term and only interest is paid during the term. These loans are usually for a short period of time, 1 to 5 years. Investment Property
A property purchased for the sole purpose of earning a return on the investment, either in the form of rent or capital gain. The owner does not live in the property. Joint and Several Liability
The Bank's joint account authorities, guarantee forms, etc are framed to ensure that joint account holders with debts due to the Bank of joint guarantors liable to the Bank shall be SEVERALLY liable, (i.e. individually), as well as JOINTLY. With Joint and Several Liability a creditor has as many rights of action as there are debtors; he can sue them jointly or severally until he has obtained payment, and an unsatisfied judgment against one debtor will not be a bar to an action against the others. Joint Tenancy
Property in the names of two or more persons, where all persons have an equal interest in the whole property. When one person dies his interest passes to the survivor(s). They are known as Joint Tenants or Joint Proprietors of that property. Lease
A document granting a period of tenancy of a property under specific terms and conditions Liability
A debt which one is liable for; being responsible only to a limited amount. Loan
An advance of funds from a lender to a borrower on the agreement that the borrower pays interest on the loan, plus paying back the initial amount of the loan at or over an agreed time. LVR
(Loan to Valuation Ratio) the ratio of the amount lent, to the valuation of the property. Eg., if a house is worth $400,000 and the mortgage is $300,000, then the LVR is 75%. Maturity
The date a debt or investment must be paid in full. Mortgage
A form of security for a loan usually taken over real estate. The Lender, the mortgagee has the right to take (repossess) the real estate if the mortgagor fails to repay the loan. Mortgage broker
A person or organisation offering to organise or broker loans from a group of lenders. Mortgage insurance
This insurance is taken out by the lender to cover themselves in the event that the borrower defaults on their loan and the sale of the property is unable to cover the outstanding debt. Mortgage insurance premiums are usually paid by the borrower when the amount borrowed is over 80% (or as high as 85% with some Mortgage Australia Group lenders) of the property value. There is no protection for the borrower. Mortgagee
The Lender of the funds. Mortgagor
The person borrowing money in the terms of the mortgage. Negative Gearing
Gearing your investment so that the cost to maintain it (loan repayments, council rates, maintenance etc) out weigh the income produced by the investment, leading to a reduction in taxable income. Net Income
The income received by an individual AFTER TAX has been taken out. Net Profit
The profit remaining in a business after all expenses have been taken out, but BEFORE TAX. Off the Plan Purchase
Buying a property from the plans only, not the finished product. Portability
Where a new property can be used as security for an existing loan, i.e. when the loan is transferred to a new security property without needing to repay the loan, reapply, or restructure. Principle
The capital sum borrowed, upon which interest is payable. Principle & interest loan
A loan in which both the principle and interest are repaid, during the agreed term of the loan. Power of Attorney
A written authorisation to another person, or persons, to perform certain acts for the signer, as if they were the signer. Principal
The capital sum borrowed on which interest is paid during the term of the loan. Principal & Interest Loan
A loan in which both the principal and the interest are paid during the term of the loan. Property
A person's property is "what is he or she owns to do what they like with." It may be tangible or intangible, and may be given a monetary value (e.g. house, car, goodwill). Property may be classed 'real' which relates to land or interests in land (except leaseholds) and buildings, etc or 'personal', which relates to other kinds of property such as cars, bank accounts, leasehold interests in land. Redraw Facility
Borrower is able to draw on pre-paid funds Refinance
To replace or extend an existing loan with funds from the same institution or another. Search
An examination to confirm that the vendor is in a position to sell the property and that there are no encumbrances on the property. Securitisation
Is the packaging of cash flow producing assets into a marketable security, e.g. property, roads, bridges, etc. The process where mortgage backed securities (in the form of bonds) are sold directly into the capital markets. Investors in the bonds comprise of Superannuation funds as well as other major institutions. Security
An asset that guarantees the Lender their borrowings until the loan is repaid in full. Usually the property is offered to secure the loan. Serviceability
Ability of borrower to make and meet repayments on a loan, based on the borrowers expenses and income(s). Settlement
Finalisation of payment by the new owner, and assumption of possession. When you pick up the keys! Surety
Person who makes themself responsible for another's payment of debt; also knows as the guarantor. Tenants in Common
Property in the names of two or more persons and in which each has a separate and distinct share. When one person dies his share is not passed to the survivor(s) but becomes part of his estate for disposal according to his will. Term
The length of a home loan or a specific portion within that loan. Third Party Security
Security provided for a mortgage by a third party (some one different from actual borrowers) who is legally different from the borrower or debtor. Title Deed
Registration showing the ownership of property. Title Search
Process to ensure that the vendor has the right to sell and transfer ownership. Torrens System
System whereby ownership and all dealings on a property are detailed on the one document, i.e. a Certificate of Title or Deed of Grant. Under this system a mortgage is a charge or encumbrance on the title. Registrations is compulsory to effect legal transfer of an interest in property and each time the property is sold, mortgaged, or a mortgage discharged, the transaction is recorded on the Certificate of Title. Uniform Consumer Credit Code
The Uniform Consumer Credit Code is legislation to ensure uniformity amongst all credit providers across all Australian states. For example, all loan contracts must now adhere to a uniform format as specified by the act. It must set out all fees and charges that the borrower (and, if required, guarantor) are liable for under the loan contract. Unencumbered
A property free of liabilities, restrictions or mortgages. Valuation
A report as required by the Lender, detailing a professional opinion of a property's value. Variable Interest Rate
A rate that varies in accordance with the rates in the marketplace. Variation
Changing any part of the original loan contract. Veda Advantage
The company which records and holds credit information on everyone, such as loan applications, credit defaults, and so on. Was originally known as CRAA, and may often be referred to as the 'CRAA Check'. Vendor
Person selling a property who is the current owner.
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