Risky business or perfect timing, is now the right time to purchase a property?
08 Apr 2020
In March we saw the Reserve Bank take the extraordinary step of cutting the official cash rate twice, bringing it a record low 0.25%.
This decision was made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Reserve Bank Board hoping shelter the economy from the fallout of the virus.
"The primary response to the virus is to manage the health of the population, but other arms of policy, including monetary and fiscal policy, play an important role in reducing the economic and financial disruption resulting from the virus,” said RBA Governor, Philip Lowe.
Banks and other home loan lenders soon followed by making adjustments to their fixed rate offers, with some even cutting rates to below 2%.
But will this move work in the favour of hopeful borrowers looking to purchase a property during a pandemic? Mozo Home Loan Expert, Steve Jovcevski say yes… if you qualify.
“If you have a stable income and your job is secure, it is absolutely a great time to buy for the first time in years. If prices drop in the future and you come across someone who’s really desperate to sell, you could snag a serious bargain,” he said.
Banks adjusting lending criteria for high risk borrowers
Despite cutting fixed rates, many lenders have reportedly tightened the ropes on their lending practises for borrowers looking to purchase property or refinance.
For instance, applicants with jobs deemed riskier, such as those in hospitality, tourism or Aussies who are in casual or self-employed work may find it harder to get the backing of a bank during this unprecedented time.
Online lender, Athena announced on its website that it would be pausing home loan applications until further notice while homeowners looking to refinance their existing mortgage may face a longer waiting time due to high demand and may only be able to borrow up to 70% of the property’s value.
What does all this mean for buyers?
With the current social distancing measures in place, buyers may be finding it tougher to nail down their dream property with private inspections and online bidding now becoming the new norm.
According to recent figures by CoreLogic, 45% of auctions were withdrawn from sale last weekend, with 84% of auctions being sold before the event.
On the other hand, he encouraged eligible homeowners to take advantage of the current low interest rate environment by trying to refinance to a better deal.
“If you are thinking about refinancing, your first step should be talking to the lender. Properties at the moment are being valued using past data, which can make lenders a little uneasy, so talking to the lender about having a valuation may be the way to go,” says Jovcevksi.
“Another option is to ensure you’ve built up a decent amount of equity in your property before you apply,” said Jovcevksi.
So if you’re ready to find out how much you could be saving on your home loan, head on over to our refinancing comparison tool!
Compare refinance home loans
Rates updated daily. Advertiser disclosure.
-
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.48% p.a.
2.47% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsSmart Booster Home Loan
1 Year Discounted Variable Rate, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.48% p.a.
2.47% 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). 20% minimum deposit required.
Smart Booster Home Loan
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). 20% minimum deposit required.
-
$0.00
-
$0.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
Optional - with 0.10% additional interest
-
$520
-
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.48% p.a.
-
2.47% p.a.
-
$520
-
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 Booster Home Loan
Details Close
-
-
p.a.
2.22% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsUHomeLoan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
p.a.
2.22% p.a.
$0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Choose between weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments. 3 year fixed rates are for new Owner Occupier Principal & Interest loans.
UHomeLoan
$0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Choose between weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments. 3 year fixed rates are for new Owner Occupier Principal & Interest loans.
-
$0.00
-
$0.00
-
yes - free up to $20,000 p.a.
-
no
-
no
-
$395
-
p.a.
-
2.22% p.a.
-
$395
-
80.00%
-
$100,000
-
$2,000,000
-
Fixed
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
$395 Establishment fee waived for fixed rate loans that settle by 31 March 2020. Receive 1.75% Receive 1.75% 3 year fixed rate when you apply by 26 February 2021 and settle within 90 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the UHomeLoan
Details Close
-
-
2.19% p.a.
2.19% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsCelebrate Variable Home Loan
<60% LVR, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
2.19% p.a.
2.19% 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.^
-
$0.00
-
$0.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
no
-
$0
-
2.19% p.a.
-
2.19% p.a.
-
$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
Details Close
-
-
p.a.
2.53% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsBasic Home Loan
Fixed, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 70-80%
p.a.
2.53% p.a.
Flexible loan structure – create up to six loan accounts with different rate and repayment types. Free redraw from your loan using Macquarie Online.
Basic Home Loan
Flexible loan structure – create up to six loan accounts with different rate and repayment types. Free redraw from your loan using Macquarie Online.
-
$0.00
-
$400.00
-
yes - free
-
yes - free
-
no
-
$0
-
p.a.
-
2.53% p.a.
-
$0
-
80.00%
-
$150,000
-
$750,000
-
Fixed
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Basic Home Loan
Details Close
-
-
p.a.
2.90% p.a.
$1234
Product details Close detailsFixed Home Loan Special Offer Home Package Plus
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR
p.a.
2.90% p.a.
Competitive low rates starting from 1.89% (2.94% comparison rate) 2 years fixed for owner occupiers. No monthly account keeping fees & No loan establishment fee.
Fixed Home Loan Special Offer Home Package Plus
Competitive low rates starting from 1.89% (2.94% comparison rate) 2 years fixed for owner occupiers. No monthly account keeping fees & No loan establishment fee.
-
$375.00 yearly
-
$350.00
-
yes - free up to $500 per month
-
no
-
no
-
$0
-
p.a.
-
2.90% p.a.
-
$0
-
80.00%
-
$150,000
-
-
-
Fixed
-
Principal & Interest
-
Owner Occupier
-
Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
-
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Fixed Home Loan Special Offer
Details Close
-
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home loans Awards
