Money matters

Plain-English money matters guides for Australian property buyers, from Unstated.

All Buying basics Documents explained First home buyer Process & timeline Money matters

Buying with a guarantor: how a family guarantee actually works

A family guarantee lets a relative use equity in their own property to help you buy, without handing over cash. Here's how the arrangement works and what's at stake for everyone involved.

29 May 2026·7 min read

Money matters

Lenders mortgage insurance: what it is and how to avoid it

LMI protects the lender, not you, but you're the one who pays for it. Here's how it works, what it costs, and the main ways to avoid it.

18 May 2026·7 min read

Money matters

Stamp duty across Australia: a state-by-state comparison

Stamp duty is set by each state and the rules vary widely. Here's a plain-English overview of how stamp duty works in each state and territory, and what concessions exist for first home buyers.

15 May 2026·6 min read

Money matters

Stamp duty in Victoria: a plain-English breakdown

Stamp duty is often the second-biggest cost after the deposit. Here's what it is, how it's calculated, and the concessions you might qualify for as a first home buyer.

13 May 2026·6 min read

Money matters

Mortgage pre-approval: what it actually means

Pre-approval gives you a sense of what you can borrow, but it isn't the same as having a loan. Here's what pre-approval is, what it isn't, and how to use it.

3 May 2026·5 min read