Home Loans Glossary

The estimate of a property's value offered as security for a home loan. For lending purposes only.

When the value of a property increases for reasons such as demand or inflation over time.

A self elected council of owners within a strata building that owns property collectively and manages the building and common areas.

Short term finance covering the gap between the purchase of a new property and sale of an existing one.

Profit from selling an asset at a higher market price than its purchase price.

Latin for "buyer beware", meaning the buyer has the responsibility to fully examine the goods before a purchase.

This refers to the title deed of a property and provides documentary evidence of the right of ownership.

Part of the strata property for the use of all tenants, such as stairwells and driveways.

An interest rate calculation taking into account the advertised interest rate, upfront fees and fees over a 25 year period.

A legal contract in writing, detailing the terms and conditions of the purchase or sale of a property between the seller and buyer.

The time a buyer or seller has to opt out of a contract for sales (does not apply for auctions).

The legal transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer.

This guarantee can be used instead of providing your own funds for the deposit while waiting for property settlement.

The accessing of loan funds provided by the lender.

The signing and exchange by the buyer and seller which usually involves the need for the buyer to pay the deposit to the seller or selling agent.

Part of an asset, such as a house, that you own over and above the amount borrowed from the lender which has the mortgage over the property.

Items part of the property, such as baths or dishwashers, that can't be removed and are fixed in place.

Absolute ownership of the property by the proprietor of the land.

Someone accepting formal responsibility to the bank/lender for something such as paying another person's debt in case of default. Guarantor may also offer extra security.

A state government tax based on the land value that's payable by property owners. This can vary from state to state.

Rate Lock is a feature on all HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loans that can guarantee your fixed interest rate between the time we receive your Rate Lock request and the time of settlement. It protects you against any rate rises during this period for a fee. 

The minimum price a vendor will sell the property for at auction.

Money paid in full less the pre-paid deposit in exchange for title documents, keys and the right to take possession of a property.

State government tax on certain transactions and documents such as a Contract of Sale and Mortgage. Can vary from state to state¹.

Length of time of a home loan or specific portion of time, such as the fixed rate period, within that home loan.

Legal documents signifying ownership of real property.

Land Titles Office registers this record search for the certificate of title to enable you to establish who owns the property and whether there are any registered encumbrances such as a mortgage or caveat.

The party offering a property for sale.