Home loan rates review - Spring 2017

Fierce lender competition for prime home loan customers is delivering a rate cut bonanza for owner-occupier borrowers this spring.

23 lenders have already cut variable rates to coincide with the spring property season, and Mozo’s data reveals that a record 66 lenders are now offering variable home loan rates below 4.00%. 

Aussie, ING, CommBank and Westpac are among lenders to cut variable rates in recent weeks, with more lenders expected to follow as peak property season heats up.

According to Mozo Director Kirsty Lamont, the level of competition on the home loan rates front is higher than usual this spring.

“Spring is traditionally peak season for home loan offers, and this season we’re seeing intense competition amongst lenders driving owner-occupier variable rates to new record lows”, said Ms Lamont.

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Last updated 24 November 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

  • 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.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.28 % 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.

  • Fixed Rate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.74 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.81 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,915

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Mortgage Simplifier

    • LVR<80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043

    Get a competitive variable rate with ING’s Mortgage Simplifier. Free extra repayments, no monthly or annual fees. Freedom to make free extra repayments or redraws.

  • Elevate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,056

    Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.

Showing 6 of 430 home loans. Use the filters to see more
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Look beyond the big banks for the best rates

Borrowers who choose smaller lenders over the big banks can access huge rate savings right now. The average big 4 bank variable rate for a $300,000 owner-occupier loan is 4.64%, a whopping 1.20% higher than the lowest available rate of 3.44%. 

“Owner-occupiers looking to buy a home or refinance their current home can secure an incredibly competitive home loan deal this spring if they’re prepared to shop around and consider loans from smaller lenders”, said Ms Lamont.


Rates not so rosy for investors

On the other side of the coin, housing investors are still feeling the pain of APRA’s risky lending regulations.  Australia’s new two-tier home loan interest rate market sees investors continue to pay more for debt and face stricter lending criteria.

Investors are typically paying an interest rate premium of around 27 basis points compared to owner occupier borrowers, according to Mozo's data.


How to secure the best home loan this Spring:

1. Jump online to compare the best home loan rates on the market

2. Be prepared to look beyond the big banks and go with a smaller lender

3. Go for principal  & interest repayments as interest only loan rates are higher

4. Check for upfront fees, ongoing fees and any exit fees on your current loan if you’re refinancing

5. Consider loan features that can help reduce your interest and pay off your loan faster, like free extra repayments and an offset account


Interest rates and home loan data in this article are correct as of time of writing. Average rates based on $300,000 owner-occupier loan with 80% LVR.

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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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