Need a fix while working from home? Do it to your mortgage!

By Polly Fleeting · · 2 min read
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Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) emergency cash rate cut, now may be the time to think about locking in a fixed home loan rate.  

In response to the rapid spread and emerging financial effects of COVID-19, the RBA made the extraordinary decision to cut its official cash rate twice this month, dropping it to an historic low of 0.25%. (The first time they’ve cut rates ‘out of cycle’ since 1997).

Recent Mozo research also showed that 87% of Aussies are fearful of how the times ahead will impact them financially. 

“The Coronavirus pandemic has and will hit many Aussie homes economically, and Mozo’s latest research proves that the majority of us are worried about what’s to come,” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said. 

“Since the RBA’s emergency rate cut last week, lenders have been slashing fixed interest rates - so in this unstable financial environment, locking in a low fixed home loan rate could be a smart move for mortgage customers.” 

So what difference has the RBA cut made to fixed home loan rates? 

After the first cut on 3 March 2020, 19 home loan lenders in the Mozo database dropped their fixed rate offerings. 

Then, after the second emergency rate cut on 19 March 2020, 18 providers slashed rates, some of which were the same providers who responded to the first cut, making it the second time for them this month. 

And notably, all four of the big banks: ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac, made changes to fixed home loans after the most recent rate cut.  

“While it’s true that variable rates are at an all time low, due to the turbulence of the current market, Aussie lenders could soon see higher funding costs which will then affect their customers,” Lamont said. 

“So locking in a fixed rate now, may help alleviate the stress if variable rates were to hike back up.” 

According to the Mozo database, the lowest fixed rate is offered by ING - at 2.09% on its 2 year fixed term and 2.14% on its 3 year fixed term, while the lowest variable rate sits at 2.44%. 

It’s important to remember, however, reversion rates on fixed home loans tend to be significantly higher than the fixed rate and some standard variable rates. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Experts urge Aussies to opt for fixed home loan rates, following emergency RBA cut

Want to check out some fixed home loan options? Check out the table below or jump over to our fixed home loan comparison tool for even more providers.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    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.

  • 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
    Go to site

    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.

  • 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
    Go to site

  • 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.

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Need help with refinancing?

You might have questions that need personal answers. We’ve teamed up with the mortgage brokers at Lendi to get you the answers you need, and a home loan deal you deserve.

Learn more

* 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.

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