Investor home loan rates sliding, but gap to owner occupiers persists
With the dust well and truly settled in the wake of back-to-back RBA cuts, it’s now clear that Australians with owner-occupier home loans aren’t the only beneficiaries.
An analysis by Mozo has revealed that investors have also received partial rate cut relief, with the average principal and interest home loan rate in the Mozo database having dropped by 35 basis points since June 1.
Interest-only investor home loans have fared even better, with lenders having cut rates by an average 37 basis points since the start of June.
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On average, the drop means that an investor with a $300,000 loan (making principal and interest repayments over a 30 year term) will be $63 a month better off or $22,570 better off over the 30 year period.
“The RBA’s decision to cut 50 basis points off the official cash rate this year and the removal of the APRA cap on interest only loans has warmed up the paddles of life for property investors,” said Mozo Property Expert, Steve Jovcevski.
“It’s encouraging that as well as rate cuts for investors paying principal and interest, we’re seeing a downward movement on interest only loans. This time two years ago property investors were staring down average interest only rates of 5.12% and lenders were handcuffed around the volume of loans they could issue by the APRA cap.”
The recent rate cuts have also sharpened some of the lowest rates currently^ in the Mozo database, with investors able to take advantage of a handful of principal and interest offers of 3.40% and below.
Variable investor home loan rates of 3.40% and below^
| Lender | Home Loan | Payments | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce Home Loans | Investor Rate Slasher | Principal & interest | 3.19% (3.27% comparison rate*) |
| Well Home Loans | Well Balanced | Principal & interest | 3.27% (3.29% comparison rate*) |
| FreedomLend | Variable Home Loan | Principal & interest | 3.34% (3.34% comparison rate*) |
| Homestar | Variable Rate Loan | Principal & interest | 3.39% (3.44% comparison rate*) |
| State Custodians | Low Rate Home Loan with Offset | Principal & interest | 3.40% (3.41% comparison rate*) |
The investor rate gap
Despite the recent rate shifts, the gap between investor home loan rates and owner occupier home loan rates remains significant.
Following the RBA’s June and July cuts, the average owner occupier principal and interest home loan rate in the Mozo database currently^ sits at 3.99% (based on a $300,000 residential loan at 80% LVR) - a full 42 basis points below the average investor principal and interest home loan rate of 4.41%.
The gap is less pronounced for interest-only loans though, with the average rate in the Mozo database for owner-occupiers currently^ sitting at 4.51% compared to 4.69% for investors.
As the graph below shows, the difference in owner occupier and investor rates has ballooned significantly since APRA introduced an investor lending cap in February 2017.
“While this rate relief is welcome news for investors, compared to owner occupiers, they are still in the hurt locker. At a time when rental returns are under pressure, it’s still difficult to lay a solid foundation for investing in property,” Jovcevski said.
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Looking to capitalise on the recent rate drop by refinancing or applying for a new investor loan?
Check out some of the hot investment home loans in the table below or make your way over to the Mozo home loan comparison tables to compare even more offers.
Investment home loans - page last updated October 17, 2020
Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure.
Sorted by:
Mozo Order
- Macquarie
2.79% p.a.
2.80% p.a.
MacquarieBasic Home Loan
Investment, LVR<70%, Principal & Interest
2.79% p.a.
2.80% p.a.
Handy low variable rate from trusted lender. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to split account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Optional frequent flyer bonus.
Go to siteCompare - loans.com.au
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.74% p.a.
2.71% p.a.
loans.com.auSmart Booster Investor Bundle 1 Year Discount Variable Home Loan
Interest Only
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.74% p.a.
2.71% p.a.
A super low introductory rate home loan with no monthly or ongoing fees. Unlimited free redraws and unlimited additional repayments to help you build your equity and own your home sooner. Multiple loan splits available. (Rates revert after introductory period ends).
Go to siteCompare - Athena
2.69% p.a.
2.69% p.a.
AthenaCelebrate Variable Home Loan
<60% LVR, Investment, Principal & Interest
2.69% p.a.
2.69% p.a.
Enjoy zero fees and a speedy online application process. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Flexible loan repayments. Minimum 20% deposit required. Crowned Best New Home Loan for 2020 by the Mozo Experts.^
Go to siteCompare
^ Accurate as of time of writing.
*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.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loans 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.
