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Is 2017 the year to fix your mortgage interest rate?

If variable interest rates begin rising in the middle of 2017, as predicted by Zac Peteh, director of mortgage broker Mint Equity, it could be time to consider fixing your rate.

International

People

Celine Dion drops price of Jupiter Island retreat - again

Celine Dion has almost halved the asking price for her extraordinary oceanfront Florida property to US$38.5 million (AU$51 million), in a sale through Sotheby's International Realty.

New South Wales (NSW)

Featured Property

Alec Tzannes-designed Byron Bay home for sale

A five-acre property in the Byron Bay hinterland is for sale, featuring a contemporary glass home designed by Alec Tzannes. The agent is Liam Annesley of LJ Hooker Byron Bay.

National

People

LJ Hooker boss Grant Harrod resigns as listing shelved

The chief executive of LJ Hooker, Grant Harrod, has resigned as the real estate giant shelves plans for a $400 million listing on the Australian Stock Exchange.

National

The Economy

Investors drive gains in housing finance

The increase in the value of loans for investors "may continue to cause policymakers angst over 2017" says Craig James, chief economist of CommSec.

National

One in five Australian households will struggle if interest rates rise 0.5%

Australian households are living on a knife-edge, with record levels of debt, record slow wages growth, and the expectation of higher interest rates, warns new research from Digital Finance Analytics.

Western Australia (WA)

Featured Property

Cottesloe home with ocean views for sale

A huge, four-bedroom Perth home featuring artisan-crafted detail and flawless finishes is for sale through Bev Heymans of ACTON - Cottesloe.

National

The Economy

More Australians lumped with mortgage later in life

Because they are delaying the purchase of their first home, more Australians will have a mortgage later in life, according to The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

National

People

Laing+Simmons scholarship leads to full-time role

Julia Sallows is this year's winner of Laing+Simmons' annual Scholarship Program.

International

When you buy a museum to turn into your home

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, has bought Washington's former Textile Museum and plans to convert it into a family home.