August home loan snapshot: Cashback deals, green loans and new variable rate lows

By Tom Watson · · 4 min read
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If you needed proof that competition is running hot for Australian mortgage holders, the last few weeks has done just that, as lenders have taken their knives to home loan rates once again.

Online lenders have led the charge, reducing their variable rates offers to the point that some now feature a rate starting with a ‘1’. But these rate cuts haven’t been the only thing grabbing the headlines recently, as a host of new cashback deals and green home loans have also hit the market.

So for a round up of the latest rate changes and new offers, plus a look at the lowest rates currently in our database as, read on.

Latest rate changes 

As mentioned above, most of the notable changes in the past month have come from lenders making cuts to their variable home loan rates. In fact, there were enough cuts registered last month to push the average variable rate for owner occupiers in the Mozo database to a new record low of 3.20% (since tracking began in 2015).

  • AMP reduced the variable rate on its Essential Home Loan Special by 48bp to 2.29% (2.32% comparison rate*) for owner occupiers with an <80% LVR
  • Macquarie took 10bp off of its Basic Home Loan for owner occupiers with an LVR below 80%, meaning the new variable rate is 2.39% (2.39% comparison rate*)
  • Tic:Toc briefly grabbed the rate leading position in our database at the 80% LVR tier for owner occupiers after cutting 15bp off of its Variable Home Loan. The new rate is sitting at a super low 1.89% (1.90% comparison rate*)
  • Well Home Loans reduced the rate on its Well Balanced loan for owner occupiers (<80% LVR) by 18bp, meaning its rate is now just 1.99% (2.02% comparison rate*)

Meanwhile, fixed rates are still seesawing, with lenders continuing to cut shorter term rates while lifting rates on longer terms. Some of the notable recent changes include:

  • Citi reduced the 3-year rate on its Fixed Rate Loan by 10bp, meaning the new rate is 1.99% (4.42% comparison rate*) for owner occupiers with an <80% LVR
  • Great Southern Bank took 20bp off of the 2-year rate on its Fixed Rate Loan, meaning the new rate for owner occupiers with an <80% LVR is 1.89% (4.04% comparison rate*)
  • UBank added between 4 and 25bp to the 1, 3 and 5-year fixed rates on its UHomeLoan (Fixed) product for owner occupiers, though its rates remain some of the most competitive in our database

Lowest home loan rates

So how do those new rates from the lenders above compare to some of the lowest rates in our database? Here’s a look at what’s on offer for owner occupiers (P&I repayments, <80% LVR), though it’s also worth noting that there are even sharper rates on the market for borrowers with even lower LVRs.

Lowest variable rates - Mozo database (August 1, 2021)^^

LenderLoanRate
Reduce Home Loans
Super Saver1.88% (1.97% comparison rate*)
Tic:TocVariable Home Loan1.89% (1.90% comparison rate*)
Well Home LoansWell Balanced1.99% (2.02% comparison rate*)
Pacific Mortgage GroupStandard Variable2.04% (2.04% comparison rate*)
HomestarStar Essentials2.04% (2.09% comparison rate*)

Lowest fixed rates - Mozo database (August 1, 2021)^^

TermRate leaderRateMozo average
1-yearGreater Bank1.69% (3.50% comparison rate*)2.30%
2-yearGreater Bank1.79% (3.35% comparison rate*)2.25%
3-yearMOVE Bank1.89% (3.14% comparison rate*)2.34%
4-yearTeachers Mutual Bank2.14% (2.90% comparison rate*)2.53%
5-yearBankvic2.39% (3.47% comparison rate*)2.78%

New cashback deals and green home loans

Beyond interest rate changes, several lenders also came out with new cashback deals in the past month, though perhaps even more interesting is the launch of a number of new green home loans. Until now, only a handful of lenders have released dedicated green home loan products, though it's a trend we’re likely to see increase in the months and years ahead. 

Cashback deals

  • Suncorp launched a new $3,000 cashback offer for refinancers looking to switch a loan of at least $750,000 (max. 90% LVR) to an eligible Suncorp home loan
  • ING announced cashback deal of $3,000 cashback deal for refinancers who are willing to switch an existing loan of $500,000+ (max. 80% LVR) from another lender

Green loans

  • Last month loans.com.au launched its Green Home Loan which offers borrowers a discounted rate if their home has a 7.0 star rating or higher under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
  • Non-bank lender Firstmac is also incentivising borrowers ‘green homes’, offering a 0.40% rate discount to borrowers with homes rated 7.0 stars or more under the NatHER Scheme.
  • Announced earlier this year, the Commonwealth Bank recently rolled out its Green Loan to customers across the country. While it’s not a home loan, the Green Loan will only be available to mortgage customers and it can be used to purchase items like solar panels, battery packs and electric vehicle chargers.

RELATED: Top Green Home Loans in Australia

Time to make the most of the low interest rates on offer from many lenders? Get started today by browsing through the rates, fees and features available on different loans using the handy Mozo home loan comparison tables.

^^Interest rates are based on an owner occupier making principal and interest repayments on a $400,000 loan with an 80% LVR. For more information on average mortgage rates, check out our dedicated Australian home loan statistics page.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 15 January 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?

Your loan-to-value ratio (LVR): 50%

Loan amount and LVR will affect interest rates.

  • Promoted

    Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Fixed 1 year
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,962
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive fixed interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period with SWS Bank’s Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan.There are no application, ongoing or banking fees to pay and first home buyers and refinancers can apply with a speedy online application. Get the flexibility of loan split options and redraw facility. No offset account available for fixed rate proportion of loan. Other fees may be applicable. T&Cs apply.

  • Promoted

    Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.03 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Enjoy no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply.

  • Promoted

    OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <60% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.02 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Secure a low rate and enjoy the certainty of repayments, with the BCU Fixed Rate Home Loan. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Pay up to $25,000 extra during a fixed period (T&Cs apply). Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Promoted

    Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    100% offset account so you can save on interest and reduce the amount you pay on your home loan. Free redraw. 100% offset account. Only 5% deposit required. No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay. Tiered interest rates so you can benefit from a lower rate when you borrow less.

  • Promoted

    Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,040
    Go to site

    Competitive interest rate. No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees. Buy your home with as little as a 5% deposit. You can redraw your repayments if you’re ahead. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Make extra payments without penalty, to pay off your home loan even faster.

  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.26 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Get repayment security with fixed rates from one to five years. Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period. Fix a portion of your loan and leave the rest variable. Borrow up to 95% of the property value. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

  • Promoted

    Offset Variable Home Loan

    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.37 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,108
    Go to site

    Competitive interest rate. 100% offset account so your savings can reduce the amount of interest you pay on your home loan. No ongoing monthly fees. Buy your home with as little as a 5% deposit. You can redraw your repayments if you’re ahead. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Make extra payments without penalty, to pay off your home loan even faster.

  • Promoted

    Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Get the security of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Fixed 1 year
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,962
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive fixed interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period with SWS Bank’s Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan.There are no application, ongoing or banking fees to pay and first home buyers and refinancers can apply with a speedy online application. Get the flexibility of loan split options and redraw facility. No offset account available for fixed rate proportion of loan. Other fees may be applicable. T&Cs apply.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Get the security of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Secure a low rate and enjoy the certainty of repayments, with the BCU Fixed Rate Home Loan. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Pay up to $25,000 extra during a fixed period (T&Cs apply). Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.26 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Get repayment security with fixed rates from one to five years. Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period. Fix a portion of your loan and leave the rest variable. Borrow up to 95% of the property value. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <60% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.02 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.03 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Enjoy no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,040
    Go to site

    Competitive interest rate. No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees. Buy your home with as little as a 5% deposit. You can redraw your repayments if you’re ahead. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Make extra payments without penalty, to pay off your home loan even faster.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    100% offset account so you can save on interest and reduce the amount you pay on your home loan. Free redraw. 100% offset account. Only 5% deposit required. No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay. Tiered interest rates so you can benefit from a lower rate when you borrow less.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.39 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

  • Offset Variable Home Loan

    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.37 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,108
    Go to site

    Competitive interest rate. 100% offset account so your savings can reduce the amount of interest you pay on your home loan. No ongoing monthly fees. Buy your home with as little as a 5% deposit. You can redraw your repayments if you’re ahead. Choose to repay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Make extra payments without penalty, to pay off your home loan even faster.

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

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