How to shop for a home loan in 2024

A smiling couple sit close together in their kitchen as they go over their finances

Finding the right home loan takes time. And so it should. It’s a big commitment to buy a home.

But by taking the right steps and asking yourself the right questions, you can make it a little easier to find a home loan that ticks all the right boxes.

Consider different lenders

Most people tend to gravitate towards the major lenders when it comes time to pick a home loan.

In fact, about three-quarters (75%) of home loans in Australia are with one of the Big Four banks, according to the Australian Financial Review .

That’s despite the Big Four (ANZ, CBA, NAB and Westpac) having higher home loan interest rates than the average owner-occupied, variable rate in our database†:

  • Average Big Four variable rate: 7.48% p.a. 
  • Average non-Big Four variable rate: 6.81% p.a. 

Rather than picking one of those four, compare home loans to see if you can’t find yourself a lower rate. 

You’ll often find smaller lenders offer lower interest rates because they don’t have as many overheads (e.g. bank branches and hundreds of branch staff). 

Then, there are mutual funds and credit unions. These aim to provide value for their customers, not investors. 

In summary, don’t just go with the last lender you saw advertised. Compare home loan rates and keep an eye out for special offers.

Average owner-occupied variable home loan interest rates (P&I, $400k, <80% LVR) correct as of 23 February 2024. 

Understand the comparison rate 

Lenders are required to show you what’s known as a comparison rate. It has to be shown next to the interest rate in brackets (like this).  

Why is the comparison rate important? Well, it combines the interest rate with any extra charges related to the loan, like fees, to give you a more accurate picture of how much it’ll cost you. 

Some comparison rates are much higher than the interest rate, so don’t get comfy with low headline rates, only to get hit with high fees. 

Instead, use the comparison rate to help you weigh up your options and make a choice that could save you money. 

Keep an eye on fees 

As mentioned when we talked about comparison rates, home loan fees can catch you by surprise. 

Home loan fees can include:

  • Ongoing fees. These can be yearly or monthly, but aren’t super common.
  • Upfront fees. Upfront fees include application, valuation, and settlement fees. 
  • Discharge fees. This is a fee that you’ll be charged when you pay off your home loan in full, when you sell your property (if you still have a home loan), or when you refinance your home loan. 
  • Exit fees. If you want to get out of your fixed-rate home loan early, you’ll have to pay an exit fee. These can be pretty expensive. 
  • Split loan fees. If you wind up getting a split home loan, your lender may charge you a fee to use it. 

So, make sure you understand what fees you’ll be charged at the beginning, throughout, and at the end of your home loan, to avoid any nasty surprises. 

If the interest rate looks too good to be true, fees might be lurking in the fine-print. That, or you've found yourself a deal!

Know which features you want 

Aside from the interest rate, an important aspect of choosing a home loan is also knowing which features you want, and which you don’t. 

Some common features you can get with your home loan include: 

Of course, using these features may cost you a little extra. For instance, we’ve seen offset accounts in our database that add an extra 0.10% to your interest rate, or require you to pay a monthly fee. 

Narrow down your ‘wants’ to a list of ‘must haves’, so you’re not paying a premium for something you won’t use.

Be mindful of your credit score 

Seeking pre-approval? Limit the number of applications you send out. 

When a lender checks your credit report, it triggers what’s known as a ‘hard enquiry’. 

Too many hard enquiries over a short period of time can give banks the impression that your applications are being rejected, which can wind up hurting your chances of getting approved.

So instead of applying with multiple lenders in the hopes of finding the best deal, do plenty of research beforehand and hone in on one or two lenders that seem to suit best.  

Improve your credit score

Not happy with your credit score? Here's how you might be able to improve it: View

Sign up for the shortest term you can afford

Stretching out your home loan term can make your repayments easier to manage, but you’ll only wind up paying more in interest over the long run. Let’s look at an example.  

Let’s look at an example, using a mortgage repayment calculator.  

If you have a $400,000 loan with a 6.5% p.a. interest rate, the difference between a 25-year and 30-year loan could mean you pay an extra $99,929 in interest. 

Sure, you might have lower monthly repayments if you opt for a 30-year home loan over a 20-year one, but savings of almost $100,000 might be worth it if you can afford it. You still want to give your budget some breathing room. 


Ready to start your search? Visit our home loan comparison page, where you’ll be able to filter your search by rate and type.

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 December 2024 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

    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

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % 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

    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.

  • Promoted

    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.

  • 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
    $2,867
    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.

  • 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
    $2,867
    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.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % 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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.79 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,931
    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.

  • 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.

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    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.

Showing 8 results from 426 home loans. Use the filters to see more
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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.