How to prepare for spring property season
19 Aug 2019
It might not be quite hot enough to bring out your two piece and hit the beach, but something that is definitely heating up is the spring property season in the wake of record low home loan interest rates.
Just the way nature intended it, spring is all about excitement and new beginnings, so it’s no surprise the property market is roaring as soon as September hits. But, before you get swept up in the glorious weather, open houses and countless auctions, there are a few things you should prepare before diving in head-first for that big purchase.
We spoke to our Property Expert, Steven Jovcevski, about how to best prepare for the spring property season if you’re in the market to buy:
Get your finances in order
Cut back your expenses before you apply for a home loan. Pay off any unnecessary credit cards or personal loans, reduce credit limits or get rid of them altogether if you can. Shop around for the best home loan interest rates, compare the benefits and update your pre-approval with your lender of choice.
Fine-tune the numbers
Work out your deposit and how much money you need to purchase the property in your sights. Take into account stamp duty and other associated expenses with buying a property. Remember 10% deposit is minimum if you have stamp duty to pay and 5% if you are not paying stamp duty as a first home buyer. Most importantly - be realistic about your budget!
Reassess the market
In Sydney and Melbourne, clearance rates have increased and prices are creeping up in some suburbs. A big difference to a few months back, where prices were dropping steadily. Do your research on prior sales in the area, but expect to pay a bit more than a few months ago, reevaluating previous expectations.
Inspect. Then inspect again
You’ll see a myriad of properties for sale during spring, but make sure that if you find one you like, and see it more than once. Go to as many open houses for it as you can, and to try going at different times, as you’ll get a different perspective for the property from the morning to the evening.
Low rate home loans August 2019 - rates updated daily
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Promoted
Macquarie2.54% p.a. variable
2.81% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsMacquarieOffset Home Loan Package
Owner Occupier, LVR<70%, Principal & Interest
2.54% p.a. variable
2.81% p.a.
Handy offset account to help pay your home loan off sooner. Up to 10 offset accounts per loan account available. Fee free access at ATMs. Waived credit card annual fee. $0 international purchase fees.
Offset Home Loan Package
Handy offset account to help pay your home loan off sooner. Up to 10 offset accounts per loan account available. Fee free access at ATMs. Waived credit card annual fee. $0 international purchase fees.
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2.54% p.a. variable
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2.81% p.a.
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$0
-
$248.00 yearly
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$400.00
-
yes - free
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yes - free
-
yes
-
$0
-
70.00%
-
$150,000
-
$5,000,000
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Offset Home Loan
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Promoted
loans.com.au
2.48% p.a. variable
2.50% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsloans.com.au Smart Home Loan 80
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.48% p.a. variable
2.50% p.a.
A low-rate home loan that could save you thousands, with no ongoing fees plus unlimited extra repayments and free redraws. Mozo Experts Choice Low Cost Home Loan 2020.^ You'll need to be borrowing $1 million or less and have at least a 20% deposit required.
Smart Home Loan 80
A low-rate home loan that could save you thousands, with no ongoing fees plus unlimited extra repayments and free redraws. Mozo Experts Choice Low Cost Home Loan 2020.^ You'll need to be borrowing $1 million or less and have at least a 20% deposit required.
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2.48% p.a. variable
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2.50% p.a.
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$520
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$0.00
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$0.00
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yes - free
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yes - free
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Optional - with 0.10% additional interest
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$520
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80.00%
-
$50,000
-
$1,000,000
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Smart Home Loan 80
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Promoted
HSBC 2.09% p.a.
fixed 2 years2.98% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsHSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%
2.09% p.a.
fixed 2 years2.98% p.a.
Have the security of a fixed rate for 2 years with the option to split with one of the HSBC variable Home Loans. No ongoing monthly service fees or annual fees. Mozo Experts Choice Fixed Home Loan 2020^
Fixed Rate Home Loan
Have the security of a fixed rate for 2 years with the option to split with one of the HSBC variable Home Loans. No ongoing monthly service fees or annual fees. Mozo Experts Choice Fixed Home Loan 2020^
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2.09% p.a.
fixed 2 years -
2.98% p.a.
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$0
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$0.00
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$300.00
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yes - free up to $10,000 p.a.
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no
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no
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$0
-
80.00%
-
$50,000
-
$7,500,000
-
Fixed
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Fixed Rate Home Loan
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Promoted
Athena 2.34% p.a. variable
2.34% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsAthena Celebrate Variable Home Loan
<60% LVR, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.34% p.a. variable
2.34% p.a.
Fast online application with no fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Min 40% deposit. Crowned Best New Home Loan for 2020 by the Mozo Experts.^
Celebrate Variable Home Loan
Fast online application with no fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Min 40% deposit. Crowned Best New Home Loan for 2020 by the Mozo Experts.^
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2.34% p.a. variable
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2.34% p.a.
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$0
-
$0.00
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$0.00
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yes - free
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yes - free
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no
-
$0
-
60.00%
-
$100,000
-
$2,000,000
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Celebrate Variable Home Loan
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Promoted
Hot Deal Up to $1,500 cash back on refinances (T&Cs apply)
Homestar 2.29% p.a. variable
2.32% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsHomestar Star Essentials Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.29% p.a. variable
2.32% p.a.
Low Cost Home Loan 2020 winner.^ A home loan packed with all the essentials and offering up to $1500 cashback and no ongoing fees. No Construction loans.
Star Essentials Home Loan
Low Cost Home Loan 2020 winner.^ A home loan packed with all the essentials and offering up to $1500 cashback and no ongoing fees. No Construction loans.
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2.29% p.a. variable
-
2.32% p.a.
-
$515
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$0.00
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$535.00
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yes - free
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yes - free
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no
-
$515
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80.00%
-
$150,000
-
$850,000
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Refinances receive up to $1,500 cashback or upfront fees waived on purchases for applications received by 31 October 2020 and settled by 31 January 2021.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Star Essentials Home Loan
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Promoted
UBank 2.49% p.a. variable
2.49% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsUBank UHomeLoan - Discount Offer
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.49% p.a. variable
2.49% p.a.
Enjoy a super low rate, $0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Free redraw with flexible repayments. Min 20% deposit.
UHomeLoan - Discount Offer
Enjoy a super low rate, $0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Free redraw with flexible repayments. Min 20% deposit.
-
2.49% p.a. variable
-
2.49% p.a.
-
$0
-
$0.00
-
$0.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
no
-
$0
-
80.00%
-
$100,000
-
-
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the UHomeLoan - Discount Offer
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Promoted
Hot Deal $2,000 Refinance Cash Bonus (T&Cs apply)
Suncorp2.68% p.a. variable
2.69% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsSuncorpBack to Basics Special
LVR<80%, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.68% p.a. variable
2.69% p.a.
No monthly account keeping fee, no ongoing annual fee and no loan establishment fee on new lending of $150,000 or more. Get a $2,000 cash bonus when you refinance with an eligible Suncorp Bank Home Loan of $250k+. T&Cs & eligibility criteria apply.
Back to Basics Special
No monthly account keeping fee, no ongoing annual fee and no loan establishment fee on new lending of $150,000 or more. Get a $2,000 cash bonus when you refinance with an eligible Suncorp Bank Home Loan of $250k+. T&Cs & eligibility criteria apply.
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2.68% p.a. variable
-
2.69% p.a.
-
$0
-
$0.00
-
$350.00
-
Yes - free
-
first redraw per month free
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no
-
$0
-
80.00%
-
$150,000
-
-
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Refinance from another lender to receive a $2,000 cash bonus for loans of at least $250,000 or $3,000 bonus for loans over $750,000. Available for loans with an LVR <90% and applications made by 18 December 2020 and settled by 26 March 2021.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Back to Basics Special
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Promoted
Illawarra Credit Union1.99% p.a.variable for 24 months and then 2.50% p.a. variable
2.93% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsIllawarra Credit UnionThe Works Special Variable Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
1.99% p.a.variable for 24 months and then 2.50% p.a. variable
2.93% p.a.
The Works Package 2 year intro special variable rate Home Loan, for new owner occupied P&I home loans $150k and over. It comes with a 100% offset account to make your home loan repayments
The Works Special Variable Home Loan
The Works Package 2 year intro special variable rate Home Loan, for new owner occupied P&I home loans $150k and over. It comes with a 100% offset account to make your home loan repayments
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1.99% p.a.variable for 24 months and then 2.50% p.a. variable
-
2.93% p.a.
-
$1,282
-
$395.00 yearly
-
$350.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
yes
-
$1,282
-
95.00%
-
$150,000
-
-
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the The Works Special Variable Home Loan
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Promoted
Hot Deal $3,000 cashback when you refinance your home loan to BOQ (T&Cs apply)
Bank of Queensland2.59% p.a. variable
2.76% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsBank of QueenslandEconomy Home Loan Discount Rate
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <70% LVR
2.59% p.a. variable
2.76% p.a.
An ongoing low variable interest rate with free redraw, flexible repayment options and one free valuation. Discounted Economy variable rate available for owner occupier lending with max LVR of 70%.
Economy Home Loan Discount Rate
An ongoing low variable interest rate with free redraw, flexible repayment options and one free valuation. Discounted Economy variable rate available for owner occupier lending with max LVR of 70%.
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2.59% p.a. variable
-
2.76% p.a.
-
$450
-
$10.00 monthly
-
$320.00
-
yes - free
-
yes
-
no
-
$450
-
70.00%
-
$150,000
-
-
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
$3,000 cashback when you refinance your home loan to BOQ, min $250,000, 80% LVR or less. Apply before 29 November 2020, settle by 28 February 2021.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Economy Home Loan Discount Rate
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Promoted
IMB Bank2.61% p.a. variable
2.67% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsIMB BankBudget Home Loan
LVR <80%, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.61% p.a. variable
2.67% p.a.
Competitve low interest rate for owner-occupiers with at least a 20% deposit, and no upfront fees. Free extra repayments and redraw. Zero ongoing fees.
Budget Home Loan
Competitve low interest rate for owner-occupiers with at least a 20% deposit, and no upfront fees. Free extra repayments and redraw. Zero ongoing fees.
-
2.61% p.a. variable
-
2.67% p.a.
-
$773
-
$0.00
-
$350.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
no
-
$773
-
80.00%
-
$75,000
-
$5,000,000
-
Variable
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Budget Home Loan
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