Australians urged to review their home loans with ‘significant savings’ potentially up for grabs
![professional-man-and-woman-chatting-on-couch](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13389/professional-man-and-woman-chatting.jpg)
When was the last time you checked in on your home loan?
That’s the question ME is encouraging Australian home owners to ask themselves given that some home loan customers may be missing out on ‘significant savings’ by failing to take advantage of a loan with a lower interest rate or fees.
“A home loan is likely to be your most significant financial commitment, so it’s worth taking the time to review it occasionally,” says ME’s general manager, John Powell.
But how can homeowners identify whether their loan is actually competitive or not? Powell acknowledges that that can be tricky, but there are a few key elements that are worth comparing from one loan to the next.
“One lender may have a lower rate, but higher fees or different features. Therefore, you must consider interest rates, terms, loan costs and other factors that apply to your situation. This gives you the power to make an informed decision about what loan is right for your circumstances.”
“It’s also worthwhile referring to the advertised ‘comparison rate’ which lenders are required by law to disclose loan costs to the borrower. This will allow you to compare apples with apples.”
Homeowners refinance record numbers
For plenty of borrowers, the steep decline in home loan interest rates over the past few years has put the competitiveness of their loans into the spotlight. As a result, many have chosen to refinance to a more competitive deal.
“Refinancing simply means switching your home loan from your current lender to a new one, and it’s a process that can let you reap the benefits of a lower rate, lower fees or improved loan features – all of which can provide significant savings over time,” says Powell.
“Don’t feel you need to stay with your current bank either. Exit fees on new loans have been banned, making it easier and less costly to refinance.”
And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a fair number of borrowers have recently switched their loan from one lender to another. In fact, 2021 was the biggest year on record for refinancing, with $181 billion worth of loans refinanced during the year.
But if you haven’t refinanced your loan recently, how much could you potentially save? That all depends on your current interest rate and the fees you’re paying, but as Powell notes, the savings can be significant - especially over the life of the loan.
To illustrate the possible savings on offer, here’s a look at the difference between the monthly repayments and total interest on a variety of interest rates for a borrower with a $500,000 loan size being paid off over a 20-year period (with principal and interest repayments).
Monthly repayment | Total interest | |
2.00% | $2,529 | $107,060 |
2.50% | $2,650 | $135,883 |
3.00% | $2,773 | $165,517 |
3.50% | $2,900 | $195,952 |
4.00% | $3,030 | $227,176 |
Of course, interest rates are likely to change over any 20-year period, but the point remains the same: even a small difference in interest rate can equate to a large difference in cost.
RELATED: Multiple lenders are offering $3,000 cashback to refinance your home loan
Curious to see how much you could save on your own home loan by refinancing? Let our handy switch and save calculator crunch the numbers for you, or start comparing a range of different offers using Mozo’s dedicated refinance home loan comparison table.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
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Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
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5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$2,995
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.
- Interest rate
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5.99
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5.90
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- Upfront fees
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$0
- Ongoing fees
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$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
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yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
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- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
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Basic Home Loan
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6.14
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6.16
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p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,043
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.
- Interest rate
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6.14
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6.16
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p.a.
- Upfront fees
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$350
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$0.00
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$400.00
- Extra repayments
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yes - free
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yes - free
- Offset account
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no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
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- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
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Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
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- LVR <60%
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6.09
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6.11
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- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,027
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.
- Interest rate
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6.09
%
p.a.
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6.11
%
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- Upfront fees
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$250
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$0.00
- Discharge fee
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$300.00
- Extra repayments
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yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
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no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
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- Variable
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
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Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
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6.09
%
p.a.
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6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,027
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.
- Interest rate
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6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
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Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
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5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
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6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$2,899
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.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
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6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
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$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
- Extra repayments
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yes - free up to $20,000 p.a. during fixed rate term
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $2,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this South West Slopes Bank Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2024
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
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5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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.
- Interest rate
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5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
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5.90
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
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- Owner Occupier
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
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OMG Home Loan
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- Principal & Interest
- <60% LVR
- Interest rate
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5.99
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p.a.
Variable
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6.02
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$2,995
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.
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5.99
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6.02
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p.a.
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$300
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$0.00
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$395.00
- Extra repayments
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yes - free
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yes - free
- Offset account
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no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,500,000
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- Variable
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Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
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5.99
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p.a.
Fixed 3 years
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6.34
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p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$2,995
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
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5.99
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p.a.
Fixed 3 years
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6.34
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p.a.
- Upfront fees
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$250
- Ongoing fees
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$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
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$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
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Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <90%
- Interest rate
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6.01
%
p.a.
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- Comparison rate
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6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,001
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$134
- Ongoing fees
-
$10.00 monthly
- Discharge fee
-
$350.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $3,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
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- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan
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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
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
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- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
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Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
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6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
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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
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
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- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
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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
Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
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- Owner Occupier
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- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
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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
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
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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
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
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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
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
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- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
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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.
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$160
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$160.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to to lesser of 5% of original fixed loan amount, or $5,000 each year
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
Optional - $10 per month - 1 year fixed term only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, apply from 1 Dec 2022, settle within 180 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ANZ Fixed Rate
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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.
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