August home loan snapshot: More rates starting with ‘1’ hit the market

By Tom Watson · · 3 min read
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Changes to home loan interest rates may be slowing but competition among lenders is alive and well with averages continuing to fall and some of the sharpest offers ever seen hitting the market in recent weeks.

Those are the big takeaways from the latest Mozo banking roundup which provides an overview of the major changes that were made to fixed and variable mortgage rates in July.

So which rate changes are making headlines, who are the lenders who have joined the ‘1% club’ with rates below 2.00% and what can borrowers expect in August? Read on.

Fixed rates: Homestar leads the way with new offer

According to the roundup, changes to fixed rates have started to slow in the past month, though cuts still overwhelmingly outweigh the small number of increases recorded.

Perhaps the most notable change of the month was the launch of online lender Homestar’s new Star Classic Fixed Home Loan offer which captured top spot as the lowest fixed rate currently in the Mozo database.

The loan comes with a 1-year fixed rate of just 1.98% (2.51% comparison rate*) for owner- occupiers and a competitive revert rate of 2.49%, though it’s only available for a limited time.

Among other changes of note: 

  • UBank cut 15 basis points off select fixed rate offers for all borrowers which means the UHomeLoan (Fixed) 3-year fixed rate deal now sits at just 2.14% (2.41% comparison rate*).
  • For investors, HSBC took 26 - 41 basis points off its unpackaged investment rates, leaving the 2-year rate on the Fixed Rate Home Loan at just 2.39% (3.29% comparison rate*) for those making principal and interest repayments.

To put these changes into context, here are the five lowest rates in the Mozo database as well as our fixed rate averages as of August 4, 2020:

TermRate leaderFixed rateAverage
1-yearHomestar1.98% (2.51% comparison rate*)2.58%
2-yearHomestar2.06% (2.49% comparison rate*)2.54%
3-yearUBank2.14% (2.41% comparison rate*)2.62%
4-yearHSBC2.40% (3.13% comparison rate*)2.94%
5-yearING & Police Bank2.59% (3.52% & 2.79% comparison rates*)2.96%

Variable rates: loans.com.au break the ‘1’ barrier

According to the latest banking roundup, the same trend also continued to play out in the variable rate market with lenders competing for borrowers by cutting their headline rates lower and lower.

As a result, the average variable rate in the Mozo database (based on a $400,000, owner- occupier loan being paid off over 30 years) has edged lower to 3.40% - a 2 basis point reduction on last month’s average. 

And once again it was an online lender that stole the headlines with a remarkably low rate - albeit, one which lasts for a limited time.

Featuring an introductory rate of just 1.99% (2.55% comparison rate*) for the first year, the new Smart Booster Discount Variable Home Loan from loans.com.au is the first variable rate in the Mozo database to dip below 2.00%. Once that year is over, the revert rate is 2.57%. 

Among the other significant changes: 

  • Macquarie trimmed rates for those making principal and interest repayments by 5 - 15 basis points, which means the variable rate on its Basic Home Loan is now as low as 2.59% (2.59% comparison rate*).
  • UBank’s UHomeLoan - Discount Offer now sits at just 2.49% (2.49% comparison rate*) after the bank reduced variable rates by 10 basis points. 

Home loan outlook

So what lies ahead for home loan rates?

According to Mozo Banking Expert, Peter Marshall, we might be approaching a period of greater rate stability after four months of turbulence following the RBA’s double rate cut in March. However, that doesn’t mean that competition amongst lenders will stop. 

“I think that there will still be lots of competition in the market, particularly around short term fixed rates in order to get people in the door, but we’re probably starting to reach a point where rates have largely settled,” he said.

“Lenders will still be looking at their headline rates and wondering how sharp they need to make them in order to compete with the market-leading rates out there that are less than 2.00%.”

RELATED: Mortgage lenders up the ante with low rates and money back offers

Is your own mortgage rate up to scratch? Find out for yourself by comparing it to the latest rates featured in the Mozo home loan comparison tables, or get started straight away by casting your eyes over some of the hot rates in the table below.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Refinancers or first home buyers pay 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 credit criteria apply.

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as offset and redraw. Noapplication, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.

  • 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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.01 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,001
    Go to site

    Get online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Refinancers or first home buyers pay 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 credit criteria apply.

  • 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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.38 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • 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.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    6.25 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,079
    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.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    6.25 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,079
    Go to site

  • Fixed Rate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.54 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    7.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,174

    Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.

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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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