Random Thoughts Whilst Working is written from experience in home lending, so the figures and rules in it need to be traceable. This page explains where the information comes from and how it is kept current.
How Posts Are Checked
- Figures, rates, thresholds and rules are linked to the source they came from, such as the RBA, ATO, APRA, ASIC, Moneysmart, Housing Australia or a named data provider.
- Where a post describes how lenders usually assess an application, that is general experience, not a published rule. Lender policies differ and change, so check with your own lender or broker.
- Posts that depend on current rates or prices carry a “Last reviewed” date near the top. I review them after each RBA decision.
- Older posts that describe a past market are labelled as history and point to the current picture.
- The client stories in “The Real Reason” series are composites, not real individuals.
Sources Used Most Often
Interest rates and lending rules
- Reserve Bank of Australia: cash rate
- APRA: macroprudential settings, including the 3 percentage point serviceability buffer
- OAIC: how to access your credit report
Home loan basics
- Moneysmart: choosing a home loan
- Moneysmart: switching home loans
- Moneysmart: fixed vs variable rates
- Moneysmart: mortgage offset accounts
- Moneysmart: using a mortgage broker
- Moneysmart: going guarantor on a loan
- Moneysmart: lenders mortgage insurance
Tax, schemes and first home buyers
- ATO: tax rates for Australian residents
- Treasury: home ownership support
- Housing Australia: 5% Deposit Scheme price caps from 1 October 2025
Property market data
What This Site Is Not
Everything here is general information. It is not personal financial, credit or legal advice and does not take your circumstances into account. See the Disclaimer.
Spotted a Mistake?
If a figure is out of date or wrong, please tell me through the Contact page or at contact@random-thought.net, and I will correct it. For the full picture of who writes this site, see the About page.
